A Difficult Game About Climbing

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,750 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
A Difficult Game About Climbing Game Cover
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"A Difficult Game About Climbing" is a punishing but fair game where you must use your mouse or gamepad to control your climber's hands and pull yourself up an enormous mountain. Every obstacle is designed with intention and there are no distracting elements or violence. The risk of losing all progress with a single mistake adds to the challenge, making for a unique and frustratingly satisfying experience. Note from developer: This game was created by one person and is inspired by "Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy" and "Sexy Hiking by Jazzuo."

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,750 reviews
gameplay124 positive mentions
grinding10 negative mentions
  • gameplay328 mentions

    The gameplay is often compared to "Getting Over It," featuring a mix of challenging yet rewarding mechanics that require mastery and precision. Players appreciate the intuitive climbing mechanics and the satisfaction derived from learning and overcoming obstacles, although some find certain mechanics, like the swing and grip, frustratingly difficult. Overall, the game offers a unique experience with a high skill ceiling, engaging level design, and a balance of challenge and enjoyment, making it a worthy spiritual successor in the genre.

    • “The mechanics and gameplay made me want to come back and beat it even if I got frustrated with it.”
    • “The gameplay is perfectly balanced, combining skill-based challenges with strategic elements.”
    • “Very fun and satisfying game once you get the mechanics down.”
    • “The gameplay is an absolute disaster.”
    • “The mechanics of these jumps aren't very intuitive and you may get stuck in one place for a very long time, trying to figure out what to do or what it is that you are doing wrong.”
    • “Legit it's a 'luck-based game' about climbing, I'm disappointed. I wanted to rage on how hard the game is, not raging at the physics mechanics on leap of faiths.”
  • graphics50 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their beauty and attention to detail, effectively capturing the essence of mountain landscapes and a unique art style. However, some players experienced performance issues, requiring them to lower settings to avoid stuttering. Overall, while the visuals are well-executed and enhance the gameplay experience, some reviewers noted that graphics alone do not compensate for other shortcomings in the game.

    • “The graphics are stunning, capturing the beauty of mountain landscapes in a way that sometimes feels almost lifelike.”
    • “From the fantastic graphics, through the exciting gameplay, to the incredible atmosphere, this game has everything one could expect from an outstanding production.”
    • “Well made game, beautiful graphics and a fair failing system.”
    • “Also, it just doesn't run very well; I had to turn the graphics settings criminally low to get it to stop stuttering.”
    • “I'd say this has fine gameplay and graphics, but there's no story or narration which makes it feel less worth it.”
    • “It's not that it's hard, but it doesn't save 1.8 out of 10 only for the graphics.”
  • story46 mentions

    The reviews present a mixed perspective on the game's story, with many players noting a lack of depth and narrative engagement. While some highlight a rich and touching plot, others criticize the absence of meaningful character development and storytelling, likening the experience to games with minimal narrative. Overall, the game's focus seems to be more on gameplay mechanics than on delivering a compelling story.

    • “The plot is rich, unpredictable and touching.”
    • “The gameplay is very interesting and I think nice, but one of the most important things for value in my opinion is story.”
    • “Getting Over It has great narration, story, and rewarding gameplay.”
    • “This game has no story unless you count the tutorial :)”
    • “I'd say this has fine gameplay and graphics, but there's no story or narration, which makes it feel less worth it.”
    • “For a tribute to getting over it, there was such a lack of character, story, and meaning to all this.”
  • music38 mentions

    The game is criticized for its complete lack of music and narration, which many players feel detracts from the overall experience, especially when compared to similar titles that feature atmospheric soundtracks and commentary. While some appreciate the serene landscapes, they suggest that the absence of a soundtrack leaves the gameplay feeling empty, urging players to supplement their experience with external music or videos. Overall, the consensus is that the game would greatly benefit from a well-composed soundtrack to enhance immersion and engagement.

    • “The serene landscapes, soothing music, and gentle gameplay mechanics create an oasis of relaxation.”
    • “The soundtrack perfectly captures the atmosphere of climbing, adding even more depth to the experience.”
    • “Play this game while watching YouTube or listening to music and you will have a blast.”
    • “I can't fathom how the developer spent a whole year working on this and didn't think of including some sort of music and commentary in the background.”
    • “One of my biggest problems with this game is the lack of any atmospheric music or voiceover, like 'Getting Over It'.”
    • “All the effects are top tier, but there is absolutely no music or voice lines to break the silence.”
  • emotional38 mentions

    The game elicits a profound emotional response, with players experiencing a rollercoaster of feelings including joy, sadness, frustration, and pride. Many reviewers noted that it made them cry, scream, and feel a deep sense of accomplishment, highlighting its rich and unpredictable narrative. Overall, it is described as a touching and soul-crushing journey that resonates deeply with players.

    • “Gamers will find themselves absorbed by the heartwarming tale of relentlessness, determination, and alas, freedom.”
    • “The plot is rich, unpredictable, and touching.”
    • “This game made me feel happy, sad, proud, and angry within the 8 hours (in-game) it took me to finish it!”
  • humor28 mentions

    The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players finding the absurdity of the controls and the quirky commentary from the character both hilarious and engaging. Many reviews highlight the comedic value of the game's challenges, often leading to laughter at personal and friends' failures, while the unexpected moments, like the character's antics, add to the overall amusement. Overall, the blend of humor and difficulty creates a unique experience that keeps players entertained and eager to replay.

    • “5 minutes in and I can't stop laughing about the controls! 5/5”
    • “The gameplay and physics are just hilarious.”
    • “The strange way that the funny gamer man talks to you has you hooked.”
  • replayability17 mentions

    Overall, the game offers limited replayability due to its short length, typically under 7 hours, but players appreciate the challenge of mastering difficult sections and improving their skills. While some express a desire for more content or modes to enhance replay value, others find it enjoyable enough to revisit for personal improvement.

    • “🔲 infinitely replayable”
    • “Very replayable as well since there are just a couple really hard climbs and sections worth replaying and improving on.”
    • “Short game but damn replayable.”
    • “I just wish the game had more replayability.”
    • “Game is short, very short, even the worst of players can beat the game in less than 7 hours with enough determination, but it does have a little amount of replayability in terms of not achievements or other game modes, but testing your own skill.”
    • “Not as replayable as 'Getting Over It' (at least for me) but still a great game.”
  • atmosphere14 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is visually pleasing and polished, drawing comparisons to other foddian games like "Getting Over It" in its aesthetic. However, some players feel it lacks depth due to the absence of atmospheric music and engaging elements, such as NPCs or unique creatures, which could enhance the overall experience. While the graphics and gameplay are praised, the atmosphere is seen as a missed opportunity for further immersion.

    • “The soundtrack perfectly captures the atmosphere of climbing, adding even more depth to the experience.”
    • “From the fantastic graphics, through the exciting gameplay, to the incredible atmosphere, this game has everything one could expect from an outstanding production.”
    • “The atmosphere and aesthetic mirror 'Getting Over It' throughout the climb but in a more polished manner.”
    • “I also personally think the dev could have added more things to spice up the atmosphere, like the creatures in Pogostuck, NPCs in Jump King, or Bennet Foddy whispering sweet nothings in your ear in Getting Over It.”
    • “The atmosphere and aesthetic mirror Getting Over It throughout the climb but in a more polished manner.”
  • grinding12 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and physically taxing, often requiring repetitive actions that can lead to frustration and discomfort. Unlike similar games that offer a fair challenge, this game is criticized for its inconsistent mechanics, making progress feel more reliant on luck than skill. Despite the grind being exhausting, some players still report having fun, indicating a mixed experience overall.

    • “It's a tedious, hour-long task that just has you repeating the same few jumps over and over again.”
    • “One of the reasons 'Getting Over It' was so good is that it was so difficult while remaining very fair, something you could eventually master. However, with this game, I just don't find the same thing. While tedious like 'Getting Over It', the tedium is compounded with the game being extremely inconsistent, for example: you not being able to really control your main character, with a lot of the player's main input being influenced by momentum and physics that seem to take priority over your keyboard input.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
  • optimization8 mentions

    The optimization of the game is inconsistent; while some users report no performance issues, others experience significant stuttering that requires lowering graphics settings. Additionally, climbing mechanics are well-optimized for controllers but not for mouse and keyboard users. Overall, the game's performance varies widely among players.

    • “This thrilling game delivers jaw-dropping performance that properly utilizes the medium.”
    • “No performance issues.”
    • “Also, it just doesn't run very well; I had to turn the graphics settings criminally low to get it to stop stuttering.”
    • “Climbing is optimized for controller, but not for mouse and keyboard.”
    • “This game has significant performance issues that detract from the overall experience.”
  • stability3 mentions

    Reviews on stability are mixed; while some players report a buggy experience, others have enjoyed a glitch-free gameplay that meets or exceeds expectations. Overall, experiences vary significantly among users.

    • “Fun, no glitches in my playthrough; embodies every aspect of a 'foddian' game and achieved everything it was marketed to be and more.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess.”
    • “Frequent crashes make it nearly unplayable.”
    • “I experienced constant lag and glitches throughout my gameplay.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a cash grab, leading to negative user sentiment and disappointment among players.

    • “Last time I buy a dog shit cash grab indie game”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

6hMedian play time
76hAverage play time
4-35hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 24 analyzed playthroughs

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