Gambol

About

Gambol is a single player platformer game. It was developed by HyperFunk and was released on March 27, 2018. It received very positive reviews from players.

Gambol is a wall-hopping, ceiling-slapping jaunt of a platformer with straight forward controls, and buttery smooth movement. You control the Gambol Gumball through a gauntlet of levels designed with flow and rhythm in mind to test your platforming grit.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 17 reviews

music5 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

Gambol features fluid and responsive controls, making it enjoyable for players of various skill levels.
The game offers a unique blend of challenging levels and a catchy soundtrack, enhancing the overall experience.
It has a charming aesthetic reminiscent of retro games, appealing to fans of the genre.

The graphics are considered outdated and lack polish, making the game feel less appealing compared to contemporary titles.
The game has a poor public reception, with very few players engaging with it on platforms like Steam.
Despite being free, the game is criticized for not being worth the time or storage space due to its lackluster quality.

graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
17%
50%
The graphics have received largely negative feedback, with many reviewers criticizing the janky and unpolished visuals that resemble outdated browser or mobile games. Despite some acknowledging a cute aesthetic, the overall consensus is that the 2D graphics are subpar and do not meet modern standards, especially given advancements in technology since the 1990s.
- “Sure, it may look kinda like a flash game, but the visuals are just a means to communicate the precise and fleshed out platforming.”
- “This is a super cute platforming game with fun music and graphics.”
- “Simple, but janky and unpolished controls are a perfect complement to the ugly, phoned-in graphics.”
- “On the topic of visuals, the weak-looking 2D retro assets seem like they'd be more at home in a browser game or a mobile app.”
- “There’s no excuse for such poor 2D graphics in 2025, especially considering the advancements in 3D graphics accelerators since the mid-1990s.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is widely praised for its catchy and upbeat quality, effectively blending elements from classic Genesis-era games and the early Newgrounds indie scene. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as phenomenal, enhancing the overall experience of the fun and challenging platforming gameplay.
- “It melds the best aspects of Genesis era games with the early Newgrounds indie scene, and the soundtrack is phenomenal.”
- “Gambol is a super responsive platformer with good, challenging levels and great music.”
- “Great for when you want a fun platformer game with upbeat music to unwind.”
gameplay
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
20%
40%
The gameplay is characterized by a well-structured progression where simple mechanics are introduced and tested in increasingly challenging levels, allowing players of all skill levels to feel accomplished. With tight controls and engaging mechanics, the game offers a satisfying platforming experience that remains fresh with each new world.
- “A simple level would introduce a mechanic and test your ability in the next, more challenging level.”
- “With its tight controls and great mechanics, the game plays like a dream!”
- “The feats before you are always some meticulously plotted out gauntlet of seemingly impossible leaps and vertical climbs, but the mechanics make it rather easy in execution and incredibly good at making players of just about any skill level feel like a platforming badass.”
- “The mechanics are so simple, but each new world brings surprises.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the frustration and challenge players experience when navigating obstacles, as the mechanics require precise timing and control to achieve success. This struggle can evoke a sense of determination and resilience, enhancing the overall emotional engagement with the gameplay.