Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game
- May 21, 2024
- MLMEDIA
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam"Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game" is a single-player experience being developed by a solo developer in Unreal Engine 5, with an emphasis on free roaming and challenging parkour and freerunning gameplay. The game features a unique control scheme and tricking system, and is currently in development for PC, with plans for console release later on.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- gameplay347 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay is widely praised for its smooth and satisfying mechanics, particularly in parkour movement, which many players find addictive and fun to master. However, some users note a lack of content and variety in maps, leading to potential boredom after extended play. Overall, while the core mechanics are strong and enjoyable, there is a desire for more features and improvements as the game continues to develop.
“This is a steal for 16 dollars; the fast, fun, and fluid gameplay makes for a super smooth experience. All the maps are small, but with all the content in the game, it does not matter. 10/10.”
“The gameplay is incredibly fun and feels great to chain together moves. The score system is very rewarding, but it is horrendously imbalanced since you can just infinitely do back handsprings and score infinitely.”
“Amazing gameplay, good graphics for a cartoon environment, and the type of game you can sit on for hours not even paying any attention to the challenges, but rather just trying to master the mechanics and hit new clips, especially if you're a fan of parkour.”
“The lack of any sort of wall kick really sticks out, but the wall running and wall climbing mechanics in general are very stiff and rudimentary.”
“The requirement to press the mouse button to do nearly any function in the game is an incredibly annoying mechanic.”
“I like the game, but it has some technical and gameplay problems (at least on PC with mouse & keyboard): There are still some hiccups, and some functionalities might be missing, but it captures what the gameplay-based extreme sports games should be all about.”
- music160 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its catchy and enjoyable nature, enhancing the overall chill vibe while playing. However, many players express frustration over the limited number of tracks, often leading to repetitiveness, and they recommend adding more variety to the soundtrack. Overall, while the music complements the gameplay well, players are eager for improvements and additional options.
“Super excited for multiplayer to be added and I love the in-game music; it definitely fits the vibe of the game!”
“The music is insanely catchy.”
“This is so satisfying to play and listen to music; it makes it even better. Super chill, love to see this game in full.”
“No audio slider so you have to listen to the same 3 songs over and over again.”
“The only bad thing I can say about this game is please for the love of god let me turn off the music.”
“And please add more music; having the same 4 songs on repeat constantly is very repetitive and tiring, which makes me completely put it on mute and listen to my own songs.”
- graphics126 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received generally positive feedback, with many players praising the unique art style, smooth animations, and vibrant visuals that enhance the overall experience. While some users noted that the graphics can appear basic or desaturated at times, they still appreciate the game's performance on lower-end hardware. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point, contributing to the game's immersive parkour gameplay.
“The graphics are crisp, vibrant, and meticulously designed, making every leap and roll visually rewarding.”
“This game is new but an absolute work of art; the art in it is mesmerizing while still being able to hold its own against a graphics card.”
“I have been following this game since it was in very very early development and it is so much better than I ever could have imagined; the visuals are beautiful, the tricks amazing, and the flow from move to move is so natural and satisfying.”
“Graphics are okay but not worth playing longer than 10-30 minutes... tried a few times to enjoy the game but couldn't force myself to stay longer than 5 minutes in the game!”
“I really wanted to play this game but whenever I load into a map it just flashes models on the screen. I lowered graphics to the minimum but it did nothing.”
“I crash every time I load into any map besides Shed. All my graphics are set to the lowest they can be, and I can't even load into online without crashing immediately.”
- story74 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The game currently lacks a story, with many users expressing a desire for a narrative mode that includes missions and progression elements. While some players appreciate the parkour mechanics and sandbox nature, they feel that the absence of a structured storyline limits replayability and engagement. Overall, there is hope for future updates to introduce a more developed story and additional features.
“Looking forward to more in-depth stages and potentially a story :) All in all, what an absolute vibe of a game (music kicks too).”
“This game may still be in early access, but with version 0.2.0, game bugs are less and the new map is amazing. Can't wait for the full game to be out. Knowing that this is being made by one person shows that legitimately anyone can make a game. This game is a lot like Skate, and I love that. I would love to see some kind of story mode or something that would give us as players more to do.”
“With even more polish and some new features (e.g., bigger maps, map maker, story, new tricks), it has the potential to surpass Skate.”
“As well as lack of things to do in the game, there's no content, no story, no real progression system, nothing will make people want to come back.”
“If you are looking for a game with a storyline, missions, big open maps, then I would wait for some time.”
“I kinda want there to be a story mode at some point, but I mean, early access, solo dev... might be a long way off, if that ever becomes a thing.”
- stability66 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The game is currently experiencing a range of bugs and glitches, which are common for early access titles, but most players find them to be minor and not game-breaking. While some users report issues with controls and occasional crashes, many appreciate the developer's responsiveness in addressing these problems through updates. Overall, the stability is seen as a work in progress, with expectations for improvements in the near future.
“The game is fun, responsive, and well polished in terms of bug-free gameplay a month from release.”
“Best game to ever exist, runs great on lower-end devices, with very smooth movement and animations.”
“The game is fun, responsive, and well polished in terms of bug-free gameplay a month from release.”
“Unless my controller is faulty, I often end up with my character completely ignoring input and missing grabs, and even camera glitches where it'll whip around randomly in the opposite direction.”
“Will change the score when it's fixed, but yet it's buggy and totally unplayable.”
“I absolutely love this game but a few critiques about it: glitches more often than not cause the game to crash whenever I try to go to a different map, and I have to close the game and go back in.”
- grinding29 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 41 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, with many players feeling it requires an excessive time commitment, likening it to needing "a second life." While some appreciate the focus on fun over microtransactions, others suggest that the game could benefit from additional grinding mechanics, such as package delivery systems. Overall, players who dislike grinding or seek immediate progression may find the game less appealing.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“But if you're the type of person who gets bored without any progression or grinding whatsoever, then I don't recommend this to you.”
“This is a game designed purely for fun and fun only, and I really appreciate that considering the modern gaming market is designed entirely around grinding to get you to purchase microtransactions.”
- humor26 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely derived from its quirky ragdoll physics and the amusing unpredictability of parkour movements, leading to hilarious fails and unexpected moments. Players express a desire for additional features, like a bone damage panel and a replay system, to enhance the comedic experience of their in-game mishaps. Overall, the game's lighthearted approach to movement and the randomness of bugs contribute to its entertaining and funny atmosphere.
“I've been playing the game since release and have been completely addicted to mastering the movements for fast and creative movement and laughing at funny bails and mega launches here and there.”
“The only thing feature-wise I'd love to see is like a bone breaker or some kind of panel for bone damage during gameplay; I think it'd be a funny reminder of how hard certain combos can be to hit or the classic Skate 3 feature where you'd launch yourself off the nearest ledge just to see it. It'd be a nice optional feature later down the line.”
“Also... we need a replay system; I want to see my funny deaths.”
- optimization17 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its smooth gameplay, intuitive controls, and good graphics, with many users noting that it runs well on most systems. Frequent updates and a responsive developer contribute to a positive experience, although some players with low-spec PCs report performance issues. The community's support for modding and the game's overall fluidity are highlighted as significant strengths.
“Developer is putting a lot of effort on this and the game feels smooth, and it’s well optimized.”
“Super well optimized, satisfying learning curve, and great music.”
“Moddable, good community, good maps, smooth gameplay, well optimized for the most part, and frequent updates on gameplay and future plans. The dev is very responsive and looking for feedback, which is something most devs don't do.”
“Good game, bad performance.”
“I did refund it; I don't have even an hour on this game due to performance issues on my old low-spec.”
“Workshop compatibility is also a must down the line; if the world isn't open world, it's only a matter of time before the maps get stale through optimization and repeated play.”
- replayability14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers a mixed view on replayability; while some players find it highly replayable due to its learning curve and community-made content, others feel that the base game lacks sufficient content to maintain long-term interest. Suggestions for improvement, such as workshop support, could enhance replayability and community engagement.
“The game may not have a lot of content, but still, it is really replayable and has a huge learning curve, so you will be entertained for a while.”
“Basically infinite replayability with these community-made projects.”
“It's fun, and for the price, the replayability is pretty high.”
“The replay value of this game isn't very high.”
“Eventual workshop support is also a must, and I feel like that would really help with replayability and community engagement, even if the rest of the game remains in its current state.”
“I do have some suggestions that could make this game constantly replayable and will always make you come back for more.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization approach is viewed as genuine and not a quick cash grab, reflecting the creator's passion for the project. There is potential for additional revenue through trick bundles, which could be offered as DLC or in-game purchases if more tricks are developed.
“Trick bundles: if there are more tricks to include, you could turn them into trick bundles (like DLC or in-game purchases).”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Reviewers express a desire for a more immersive atmosphere, suggesting that the current individual maps feel small and lifeless. They envision an open-world environment, similar to the aesthetic of "Mirror's Edge," featuring tall buildings and populated streets with NPCs to enhance the game's liveliness and exploration potential.
“Each map feels rather small and dead with not that much to do in them after a while of exploring each little part of it.”
“I would hope for an open world where you could submerge yourself in a more lively atmosphere, rather than the individual maps that feel disconnected and lacking in activity.”
“The current maps lack the vibrancy and liveliness that would enhance the overall atmosphere of the game.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is characterized as a wholesome experience that evokes a range of emotions, allowing players to either strive for coolness in solo play or face humorous challenges in multiplayer, all while embracing quirky elements like becoming a pigeon.
“This game beautifully captures the essence of human emotions, making every decision feel impactful.”
“The storylines are deeply moving, leaving players with a sense of connection and empathy for the characters.”
“I found myself genuinely caring about the characters and their journeys, which is a rare experience in gaming.”
