You Have to Win the Game
- May 6, 2014
- J. Kyle Pittman
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Get on itch.io Store"You Have to Win the Game" is a retro-style indie platformer. The player controls a cursor, navigating through a series of challenges and puzzles in an old computer system. With no jump button, players must use their wits and creativity to move through each level, collecting cassette tapes and avoiding obstacles. The game features a unique pixel art aesthetic and an electronic soundtrack.
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Reviews
- The game offers a nostalgic retro platforming experience with tight controls and a well-mastered difficulty curve.
- It's free to play, making it an accessible option for anyone looking for a fun challenge.
- The game features many checkpoints and unlimited lives, allowing players to comfortably learn the mechanics and enjoy the gameplay.
- Some levels can be extremely challenging, leading to frustration and a high number of deaths.
- The lack of music and confusing map can detract from the overall experience.
- Certain power-ups, like the cling ability, have issues on moving platforms, which can be frustrating in specific sections.
- gameplay10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its tight controls, engaging mechanics, and a rewarding learning curve, making it accessible yet challenging. Players appreciate the retro platformer style combined with metroidvania elements, which enhance the experience through collectibles and upgrades. Overall, the gameplay delivers a satisfying blend of nostalgia and innovation, keeping players motivated to progress.
“These allow you to become comfortable with the controls and gameplay, not to mention giving an endorphin rush for getting to the next bell after a particularly challenging section.”
“Awesome retro platformer with metroidvania elements, great from gameplay to artwork, loved it :)”
“I'm already at one hour of gameplay and loving the learning curve, tight controls, interesting mechanics, and metroidvania collectibles/upgrades to your character (won't tell you what they are for spoiler purposes).”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“The controls are unresponsive at times, which can lead to frustrating moments during gameplay.”
“I found the mechanics to be clunky and not as intuitive as I had hoped, detracting from the overall experience.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised for their retro aesthetic, effectively capturing the look and feel of classic platformers with metroidvania elements. The inclusion of a CRT simulation enhances the nostalgic experience, making it visually appealing to fans of the genre. Overall, the artwork and design contribute significantly to the game's charm.
“It's great, and even comes with a lovely CRT simulation and really captures the aesthetics and gameplay of those old games.”
“Awesome retro platformer with Metroidvania elements, great from gameplay to artwork, loved it :)”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game is notably sparse, leading some players to suggest that adding 8-bit chiptunes could enhance the experience.
“There's a distinct lack of music, so you may want some 8-bit chiptunes playing in the background.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating at times, leading to a generally negative perception of this element.
“The only complaint I have is that some parts are tedious and frustrating.”
“The only complaint I have is that some parts are tedious and frustrating.”
