Upstream

About

Upstream is a single player action game. It was developed by Gllama Games and was released on March 24, 2025. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Theirs is a journey defined by unmatched instinct, endless resilience, and the ambition of a creature that, for the sake of all generations yet to come, cannot afford to fail. Play as a salmon journeying home in this challenging physics based platformer using only two buttons! Remember that on a voyage through innumerable obstacles and constant danger, it is your reaction to adversity that …

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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100%

Audience ScoreBased on 15 reviews

music6 positive mentions

The game features beautiful pixel art and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
Controls are intuitive and easy to learn, yet provide a challenging gameplay experience that keeps players engaged.
The narrative and voiceover are encouraging and add depth to the gameplay, making players feel motivated to overcome challenges.

The game can be very punishing, with significant progress loss upon failure, which may frustrate some players.
The narrator's voice can be perceived as monotone, which might detract from the immersive experience for some players.
While the game is well-crafted, its niche appeal may not resonate with everyone, limiting its audience.

music
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The music in the game has received high praise for its soothing and motivational qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience without becoming overwhelming. Reviewers highlight the combination of a beautiful soundtrack and engaging narration, which together create a compelling atmosphere that complements the game's visuals and themes. Overall, the soundtrack is described as fantastic, contributing significantly to the game's emotional depth and player immersion.
- “The music and narration is very soothing and kept me motivated through the difficult gameplay.”
- “The combination of the hopeful yet melancholy soundtrack with the beautiful visuals just render an environment that is hugely compelling.”
- “The soundtrack is fantastic, the development team is extremely kind and receptive to comments and concerns, and all of it wrapped up in an educational story about a spawning salmon.”
gameplay
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
50%
17%
The gameplay is described as unique and challenging, offering a fun experience that encourages players to keep trying despite failures. Each biome introduces new features, enhancing excitement, while the soothing music and narration help maintain motivation through difficult moments. Overall, the mechanics are well-crafted, providing balanced and fair gameplay that avoids excessive frustration.
- “Very unique gameplay that is super challenging but also so fun that even when you fail, you can't help but want to try again.”
- “The art is satisfying and pleasing to look at; also, the different features in each biome/level make it exciting since it provides new gameplay.”
- “It's frustrating and difficult gameplay, but I didn't find that it induced the same rage level as other games because there's this underlying current (pun intended) of the finality of the salmon's journey.”
graphics
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics are widely praised for their stunning art style and beautiful visuals, which create a compelling environment enhanced by a fitting soundtrack. Reviewers highlight the combination of visual aesthetics and audio as a standout feature of the game.
- “The art style is beautiful and everything is very well done.”
- “The combination of the hopeful yet melancholy soundtrack with the beautiful visuals creates an environment that is hugely compelling.”
- “Visual aesthetics - stunning graphics.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
50%
The game's story is described as compelling and engaging, with a captivating narrator who guides players through meaningful life lessons. The narrative is enhanced by a thoughtful soundtrack, making the overall experience both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Players appreciate the depth and impact of the storyline, which sets it apart from similar games.
- “From the largest details such as fluid controls that are both easy to learn but entertainingly challenging to master, to a narrator that carries you through the game like a loving grandmother teaching her grandchildren a life lesson in story form, to the soundtrack that never overwhelms but is always welcome to hear, everything is done with care and attentiveness.”
- “The narrator has a very captivating story and I felt very engaged playing when I failed or discovered a secret.”
- “Compelling storyline - engaging narrative.”
- “The narrator has a very captivating story, and I felt very engaged while playing, especially when I failed or discovered a secret.”
- “It has a similar concept to 'Getting Over It,' except this game has a more impactful story and meaning behind it.”
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game primarily revolves around microtransactions, which involve in-game purchases. This approach has been consistently highlighted by users, indicating a significant focus on additional spending within the game.
- “Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
- “The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
- “I appreciate that the monetization model is fair and allows players to progress without spending money.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
Users emphasize that the game offers significant replay value, highlighting its longevity and the ability to engage players in multiple playthroughs.
- “The replay value is impressive, offering longevity and endless fun.”
- “The game has incredible replayability, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
- “With its high replay value, this game keeps you coming back for more adventures.”
- “Replay value is lacking, making it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
- “The game offers little in terms of replayability, which is disappointing.”
- “Once you've completed it, there's not much incentive to return.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the emotional aspect of the game to be deeply engaging, appreciating its wholesome complexity that adds depth to the overall experience.
- “It feels wholesome in its complexity.”
- “The story resonated with me on a personal level, evoking deep emotions.”
- “I was moved to tears by the character's journey and the choices they had to make.”
atmosphere
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The atmosphere of the game is described as immersive and captivating, creating an engaging environment that draws players in.
- “The immersive atmosphere creates a captivating environment that draws you in.”
- “Every detail contributes to an incredibly rich and engaging atmosphere.”
- “The game's atmosphere is so well-crafted that it feels like you're part of a living, breathing world.”