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 satisfying challenge with tight controls and a well-mastered difficulty curve, making it enjoyable for both new and experienced players.
- It's a free platformer that captures the essence of retro gaming, complete with frequent save points and a nostalgic aesthetic.
- Players appreciate the game's ability to provide an endorphin rush when overcoming difficult sections, making it a rewarding experience.
- Some players find certain levels to be excessively difficult, leading to frustration and numerous deaths.
- The game lacks music, which may detract from the overall experience for some players.
- There are complaints about confusing map navigation and issues with specific power-ups on moving platforms.
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Players praise the gameplay for its tight controls, engaging mechanics, and rewarding learning curve, particularly highlighting the blend of retro platforming with metroidvania elements. The challenge of progressing through levels provides a satisfying sense of achievement, enhanced by collectible upgrades that encourage exploration. Overall, the gameplay experience is described as enjoyable and well-crafted.
“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 for long periods.”
“The controls are unresponsive at times, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.”
“The mechanics are poorly explained, leaving players confused about how to progress.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their retro platformer style, effectively blending metroidvania elements with charming artwork. The inclusion of a CRT simulation enhances the nostalgic aesthetic, capturing the essence of classic games. Overall, players find the visual presentation to be a standout feature that complements the gameplay.
“Awesome retro platformer with Metroidvania elements, great from gameplay to artwork, loved it :)”
“It's great, and even comes with a lovely CRT simulation that really captures the aesthetics and gameplay of those old games.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“Character models are poorly designed and look like they belong in a last-gen title.”
“The environments are bland and uninspired, making the game visually unappealing.”
- music1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The music in 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.”
“The soundtrack is repetitive and fails to enhance the gaming experience.”
“Music tracks are too short and become annoying after a while.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find certain aspects of grinding to be tedious and frustrating, indicating that it can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
“The only complaint I have is that some parts are tedious and frustrating.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
