HardAF

About

HardAF is a single player and multiplayer platformer game. It was developed by Hardbox Games and was released on June 5, 2025. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

https://store.steampowered.com/widget/2679880/ WHAT IS IT? A game about dying.....over and over and over again until you can finally see where you are going. And then you'll probably die some more, cause it's not called easy-af for a reason. CONTROLS Keyboard: Move - Arrow KeysJump - X Dash - C Explode - R Joystick : Jump - A Dash - RT Explode - LT COMMUNITY DISCORD Har…

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100%

Audience ScoreBased on 26 reviews

music3 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

The game features a unique exploration mechanic where players reveal the level layout through their own deaths, making each failure a learning opportunity.
Tight and responsive controls enhance the gameplay experience, allowing for precise movements and jumps that are crucial in a challenging platformer.
The inclusion of a level editor and local multiplayer mode adds significant replay value and encourages community engagement.

Some levels present sudden difficulty spikes, which can be frustrating for players transitioning between easier and harder challenges.
The game has a few bugs, including occasional freezing during multiplayer sessions, which can disrupt the experience.
Its high difficulty may not appeal to all players, particularly those who are not fans of punishing platformers.

gameplay
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
46%
27%
The gameplay of Hardaf is a challenging 2D precision platformer that combines elements reminiscent of Super Meat Boy with innovative mechanics that emphasize memory and reflexes. Players navigate treacherous stages and face memorable boss battles, all while enjoying responsive controls and a distinct visual style that prioritizes level design. The game's engaging gameplay, coupled with an energetic soundtrack, makes it particularly appealing for speedrunners and fans of the genre.
- “Hardaf, developed by Hardbox Games and published by IndieArk, is a brutally challenging 2D precision platformer that pushes players to their limits with its demanding gameplay and clever design.”
- “This mechanic forces players to rely heavily on memory and sharp reflexes as they slowly piece together the layout of each treacherous stage, making progression feel hard-earned and deeply satisfying.”
- “This combination of relentless platforming and memorable boss fights helps keep the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout the experience.”
- “Mechanically, the game doesn't seem as difficult as Celeste or Ingression, so you may be fine if you found those to be hard.”
- “Unique gameplay encapsulates you to just continue, and if you’re into speedrunning especially, it’s so exhilarating to whittle away your best times over and over again.”
- “Each chapter culminates in a boss battle that tests not only the player's mastery of the mechanics but also their ability to adapt to new patterns and threats.”
music
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
40%
The music in the game, composed by Daniel Teles, is widely praised for its atmospheric and energetic tracks that enhance gameplay, creating a sense of urgency and reward. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a perfect fit for the game, adding a light-hearted energy that makes it a must-listen experience. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature that complements the game's design and gameplay.
- “The atmospheric soundtrack, composed by Daniel Teles, is a strong accompaniment to the gameplay—its energetic and intense tracks drive players forward, heightening the sense of urgency and reward.”
- “This is definitely a 'speakers on' game as the soundtrack adds a light-hearted energy to the experience.”
- “Great gameplay, level design, and music.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
100%
The graphics of hardaf feature a minimalist pixel art style with a dark color palette that enhances its exploration theme. The visuals prioritize gameplay and level design over flashy effects, evoking nostalgia for old school gamers while maintaining a unique aesthetic.
- “Visually, Hardaf embraces a minimalist pixel art aesthetic with a dark and moody color palette that complements the game’s theme of exploration through darkness.”
- “Old school gamers will likely feel a bit of nostalgia with this innovative side scroller, complete with a retro-inspired graphic storyline.”
- “The sparse visuals focus attention on gameplay and level design rather than flashy effects, while still maintaining a distinct style.”
- “Old school gamers will likely feel a bit of nostalgia with this innovative side scroller, complete with retro-inspired graphic storyline.”
- “Visually, the game embraces a minimalist pixel art aesthetic with a dark and moody color palette that complements the theme of exploration through darkness.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmospheric soundtrack by Daniel Teles significantly enhances the gameplay experience, with its energetic and intense tracks that elevate the sense of urgency and reward for players.
- “The atmospheric soundtrack, composed by Daniel Teles, is a strong accompaniment to the gameplay—its energetic and intense tracks drive players forward, heightening the sense of urgency and reward.”
- “The game immerses you in a beautifully crafted world, where every detail contributes to a hauntingly captivating atmosphere.”
- “From the ambient sounds to the stunning visuals, the atmosphere envelops you, making every moment feel alive and engaging.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is enjoyable, but players have reported occasional freezing issues during multiplayer sessions, particularly after several rounds.
- “The game is so much fun, but it sometimes freezes during multiplayer matches after about 10 rounds.”
- “I've experienced frequent crashes that disrupt the gameplay experience.”
- “The stability issues make it hard to enjoy the game fully, as it often lags or disconnects unexpectedly.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
100%
The monetization aspect of the game is positively noted for its transparency, with users appreciating the inclusion of additional color palette options to avoid potential issues with content strikes or demonetization for streamers and YouTubers.
- “Streamers and YouTubers need not worry, as there are additional color palette options available to avoid strikes or demonetization for blood on-screen!”
- “Truth in advertising.”
- “Streamers and YouTubers fear not, as there are additional color palette options in case you're worried about a strike or demonetization for blood on-screen!”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The story of the game is engaging and nostalgic, appealing particularly to old school gamers with its retro-inspired graphics and innovative side-scrolling design. Players express a desire to revisit the game with friends after completing the narrative, highlighting its replayability.
- “I can see myself returning to play this with friends after finishing the story.”
- “Old school gamers will likely feel a bit of nostalgia with this innovative side-scroller, complete with a retro-inspired graphic storyline.”