Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure
- May 2, 2024
- Jasper Oprel
Get on Steam"Surmount: A Mountain Climbing Adventure" is a physics-based platformer that lets you climb Mount Om, the world's highest mountain, with procedurally generated and handcrafted levels. Follow a silly story, meet eccentric characters, and customize your climber with unique items and upgrades. The physics-based climbing system is approachable and not overly punishing, making it endlessly replayable. Be the first to reach the top of Mount Om and uncover its many unique climbing routes.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- Charming art style and engaging music create a delightful atmosphere.
- Fun and satisfying climbing mechanics that balance challenge and enjoyment.
- Strong potential for replayability with procedurally generated levels and cooperative gameplay.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay.
- Level generation can lead to frustrating situations where players are unable to progress.
- Some mechanics, particularly stamina management, can detract from the overall enjoyment as the game progresses.
- gameplay23 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 26 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a blend of challenging yet rewarding mechanics, particularly the engaging climbing system that offers a mix of fun and frustration. Players appreciate the polished execution, innovative physics-based movement, and the variety of side missions, which enhance the overall experience. While some may find certain mechanics draining, the game is generally praised for its charm, art direction, and the joy of exploration, especially when played with friends.
“The game starts strong with an engaging and fun gameplay experience that’s just the right amount of difficulty to keep you motivated to push forward.”
“This game has a perfect combination between frustrating/difficult and fun/rewarding gameplay; if you are into mystery and lore, this game has plenty of it.”
“Fun climbing game with innovative gameplay and charming graphics.”
“New mechanics come into play that seem to drain the joy right out of the experience.”
“The gameplay does still have some jank here or there but is overall pretty fun.”
“The game's not for me but I think there's plenty there to love for fans of climbing gameplay and random generation.”
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the inviting atmosphere and perfectly complement the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the engaging soundtrack, noting its effectiveness in setting the right vibes and its catchy quality, although some have encountered issues with overlapping tracks. Overall, the music direction is celebrated alongside the game's art and character design.
“The music really hits a good spot and the world is quite inviting.”
“Another amazing aspect of the game is the soundtrack; it is perfect for the vibes.”
“I also love the art and music direction.”
“When I played the mountain for the first time, I finished the first flag and in the campground, it started playing another song on top of the first song.”
“I tried to fix it by backing out to the menu and the one song kept playing.”
“So there were 2 instances of the same song playing now.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its charming and humorous elements, featuring funny characters and a lighthearted story that enhances the overall experience. Players enjoy the co-op feature, which adds to the hilarity, making it a feel-good and entertaining play.
“And the story is mysterious and cool but also funny :) I love it, it's great!”
“One of the most charming games I've played in a while, and so funny!”
“Goofy, funny characters and humorous game design that make for a feel-good play.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a blend of mystery and humor, featuring unique and engaging moments that keep players entertained. While the narrative has its serious elements, it also embraces its quirks, leading to memorable interactions. However, some players have encountered significant bugs that hinder progress in the story missions.
“And the story is mysterious and cool but also funny :) I love it, it's great!”
“This game's story both takes itself seriously and addresses its own oddities, which leads to some great moments like an NPC saying something like, 'Never seen someone spin themselves like that, but you do you.' Caught me off guard, and I've been enjoying it since.”
“On top of that, I've run into a game-breaking bug where I just can't progress two missions, short of supposedly emailing a save file or restarting.”
“The story I haven't seen much of yet, but so far it gives me morning cartoon vibes or so.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their charming and cute art style, reminiscent of Nintendo Miis, with a strong emphasis on customization and innovative gameplay. Reviewers note the hard work put into the visuals, highlighting the game's adorable aesthetics and responsive controls. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the game's appeal.
“The art style is cute and inspired by the Nintendo Miis. You can customize your character as you want and get new attributes with a gachapon machine for a few crystals.”
“It's clear a lot of hard work went into it, and the art style and mechanics are great.”
“Fun climbing game with innovative gameplay and charming graphics.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized due to numerous glitches and a problematic physics engine, leading to a frustrating experience for players. While some users note that the bugs are not overwhelming, the overall sentiment indicates that the game remains significantly buggy and can detract from enjoyment.
“Instead of enjoying the climb, you find yourself battling the physics engine, with glitches galore that make you feel like you’re not in control.”
“The big issue here are the glitches.”
“It's buggy... like infuriatingly buggy...”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers express a desire for more character designs reminiscent of Mii avatars, suggesting that such styles could enhance character development by fostering a stronger connection between players and their in-game personas.
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its wholesome content, which resonates with players and evokes positive feelings, making it suitable for family viewing and fostering a sense of connection.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized as calm and cute, creating a soothing and endearing environment for players.
“The atmosphere is calm and charming, creating a delightful experience.”
“The game immerses you in a serene and adorable environment.”
“The overall ambiance is soothing and endearing, making it a joy to explore.”
