Above

About

Above is a single player casual sport game. It was developed by Dreamful Projects and was released on May 29, 2024. It received positive reviews from players.

Above is a product of a collaboration between 16 students coming together to create an engaging and challenging action climbing adventure. The team developed Above at the National Film School of Denmark in winter 2023, and we are very happy to share the experience with you, the player - thank you so much for playing! - The team at Dreamful Projects THE ONLY WAY IS UP ABOVE is a challenging climb…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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84%

Audience ScoreBased on 75 reviews

gameplay11 positive mentions

story3 negative mentions

The climbing mechanics are engaging and provide a rewarding sense of accomplishment when reaching the top.
The art style is beautiful and complements the meditative quality of the gameplay, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
For a free game, it offers a solid experience with intuitive controls and a unique level design that keeps players engaged.

The camera controls can be disorienting and may cause motion sickness, especially on uneven terrain.
Jumping mechanics are often clunky and unpredictable, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.
The game world can feel empty and lacks depth, which detracts from the overall experience.

gameplay
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
34%
14%
The gameplay is characterized by a blend of simple yet engaging mechanics, particularly the climbing system, which some players find immersive and rewarding, while others criticize it for being clunky and detracting from the overall experience. The level design is unique and offers a balanced challenge that is generally enjoyable, though opinions vary on the effectiveness of the mechanics in providing a satisfying challenge. Overall, the game is praised for its atmospheric visuals and minimalistic approach, but the execution of certain mechanics has led to mixed feelings among players.
- “The graphics are fine, the gameplay is enticing and fun, the challenge is there without being too difficult, the level design is unique.”
- “Loved the mechanics of climbing; they really added a level of immersion.”
- “The climbing mechanics feel refreshingly logical, smooth, and very rewarding.”
- “I wanted to get into the story and lore with the beautiful aesthetic, and I quit shortly after the climbing jump mechanic was introduced.”
- “This game is only difficult because the jump mechanics are terrible and ruin the fun and immersion.”
- “The goat climbing mechanics.”
graphics
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
82%
9%
9%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the beautiful art style and sweeping views that enhance the meditative gameplay experience. However, some users report significant performance issues, including low frame rates that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the visuals are generally regarded as impressive, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and aesthetic appeal.
- “Also the simple but beautiful art style and sweeping views from up high match with the almost meditative quality of the gameplay.”
- “Above is a really cool take on mountain climbing, with an absolutely gorgeous art style.”
- “Really good game with beautiful visuals and a relaxing atmosphere!”
- “Terrible graphics and can't even sustain over ten fps; the game just seems to freeze over and over.”
atmosphere
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its engaging and well-crafted design, complemented by beautiful visuals and superb music. Players appreciate the minimalistic approach that allows for personal interpretation of the story and world, enhancing the overall experience.
- “A short game, but the climbing mechanic was engaging and the atmosphere was well-crafted.”
- “I dig the atmosphere a lot and there's a ton of potential here.”
- “The game has simple, but interesting gameplay and has a lot of atmosphere, while being quite minimalistic so that you can interpret whatever you want for the story and world (which I really, really like).”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The music in the game is consistently praised for enhancing the overall atmosphere, with users noting its beauty and charm, particularly in relation to the game's visuals. The soundtrack complements the gameplay well, contributing to a delightful experience, especially in the context of its whimsical themes. Overall, the music is highlighted as a standout feature that elevates the game's appeal.
- “The game looks really beautiful, has nice music, and very little to no story.”
- “But the music, visual design, and the little story bits you get from the glowing rocks were great.”
- “Music and atmosphere were superb.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
75%
The game's story is minimalistic, offering only sparse narrative elements through glowing rocks, which allows for personal interpretation and immersion in its atmospheric world. While the aesthetic and music are praised, some players found the lack of a substantial story disappointing, leading to a mixed reception regarding its narrative depth. Overall, the game emphasizes visual and auditory experience over a traditional storyline.
- “But the music, visual design, and the little story bits you get from the glowing rocks were great.”
- “The game has simple, but interesting gameplay and has a lot of atmosphere, while being quite minimalistic so that you can interpret whatever you want for the story and world (which I really, really like).”
- “The game looks really beautiful, has nice music, and very little to no story.”
- “The music, visual design, and the little story bits you get from the glowing rocks were great.”
- “The game has simple, but interesting gameplay and has a lot of atmosphere, while being quite minimalistic so that you can interpret whatever you want for the story and world.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the game emotionally impactful, providing moments of relief and comfort during tough times, while also expressing a sense of disappointment over its unrealized potential that evokes strong feelings.
- “I was feeling a bit down, but this game gave me a nice breather for a little moment, which made me feel better.”
- “It makes me want to cry because this had so much potential.”