Stick it to the Man!

About Stick it to the Man!

Stick it to the Man! is a quirky indie adventure game from Zoink Games, published by Ripstone. Released in 2013, it blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and a dash of surreal humor. You play as Ray, a paper-world office worker who gains absurd psychic powers after a bizarre accident, literally a spaghetti arm sprouts from his head. The game lets you manipulate a cut-out universe by tearing, folding, and slapping stickers everywhere. It’s a fast-paced romp through a chaotic universe where mind-reading and sticky-fingered antics are your tools. With a focus on creativity and over-the-top gags, it’s best for players who enjoy experimental mechanics and don’t take platformers too seriously.

Gameplay

The core loop revolves around Ray’s stickers and psychic scribbling. You’ll tear paper walls to create paths, fold environments to change physics, and slap stickers onto objects to alter their function. Mind-reading adds a layer of puzzle-solving, letting you eavesdrop on thoughts to bypass obstacles or distract enemies. Platforming sections mix precise jumps with slapstick physics, like slinging your spaghetti arm to swing between platforms. The controls are responsive, but some mechanics feel finicky, like aiming stickers mid-air. Sessions last 1-2 hours, with a mix of exploration and timed escape sequences as you evade “The Man.” The game thrives on its absurdity, but repetitive checkpoint systems can break the momentum in later chapters.

What Players Think

Critics gave it an 83/100 on Metacritic, though community ratings on IGDB average 73.1 (52 reviews). Fans praise the inventive sticker mechanics and visual gags, while some find the platforming clunky. Completion stats show players unlock 23.5% of achievements on average, with the rarest, “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste”, at just 6.5%. Most reviews highlight the charm but note pacing issues. One user wrote, “The ideas are brilliant, but the execution falters in the third act.” Average playtime clocks in at 8-10 hours, with speedrunners shaving time by exploiting sticker combos. The game’s cult status is bolstered by its retro-paper aesthetic, though it’s not for everyone.

PlayPile's Take

Stick it to the Man! is a niche pick for fans of creative puzzles and offbeat humor. While the 23.5% average achievement rate suggests a tough grind for 100%, the 6.5% unlock rate on its hardest trophy proves it’s a true test of patience. Available on nearly every platform, it’s a decent $10-15 spend if you value experimental design over polish. Skip it if you prefer linear platformers or can’t stomach its slapstick vibe. It’s not a masterpiece, but its sticker-based chaos leaves a lasting impression.

Storyline

Meet Ray, he lives in a world where everything is made out of paper and stickers. One day he has an accident and wakes up with a giant pink spaghetti arm sticking out of his brain. This gives him awesome powers and he can suddenly change the world around him by folding it, tearing it, pulling stickers off and sticking them elsewhere! And if that weren't enough, Ray can also read peoples minds! Digging into the brains of his fellow citizens, Ray can hear their thoughts and use that to his advantage. Unfortunately, Ray doesn't have much time to get to grips with his new abilities. He is framed by ‘The Man’ with a crime he didn’t commit, and is on the run. Can you help to get Ray out of this sticky situation? Get ready to tear it, rip it and Stick it to the Man!