Only Up!, the parkour-inspired platformer that took the internet by storm in 2023, had a meteoric rise and fall. While it garnered attention for its unique vertical gameplay and punishing difficulty, controversy ultimately led to its removal from Steam. This review dives deep into what Only Up! offered players, explores the reasons behind its short-lived existence, and examines whether it deserves a place in your gaming library (through unofficial means, of course).
The Core Gameplay: An Ascend Like No Other
Only Up! stripped platforming down to its essentials: jumping, sprinting, and automatic mantling. Unlike traditional platformers with a focus on horizontal movement, Only Up! was all about going ever upwards. Players navigated a series of increasingly complex urban environments, relying on precise jumps and quick reflexes to scale towering buildings.
The lack of features like checkpoints or a pause button created a “one shot” experience. Every misstep meant plummeting back down, forcing players to meticulously plan their routes and master the controls. This unforgiving design frustrated some, but for others, it fostered a sense of accomplishment and a thrilling rush when they finally conquered a challenging section.
Here’s a breakdown of some key gameplay aspects:
Environments: Only Up! boasted diverse urban landscapes, each with its own unique challenges. Players traversed rooftops, construction sites, and abandoned buildings, all rendered in a minimalist yet stylish art style.
Movement: The movement mechanics were simple yet demanding. Players relied on precise jumps, wall runs, and the occasional zipline to ascend. Mastering the momentum and flow was crucial for success.
Progression: There were no traditional levels or stages. Progress was measured by how high players could climb before falling. The higher you climbed, the more challenging the obstacles became, pushing your parkour skills to the limit.
Multiplayer: Only Up! offered an online multiplayer mode where players could compete for the highest climb or collaborate to tackle challenges together. This mode added a layer of social interaction and friendly competition to the experience.
A Community Divided: Frustration and Innovation
Only Up! wasn’t for everyone. The lack of checkpoints and the punishing difficulty alienated some players who found it excessively frustrating. The repetitive nature of constantly restarting after falls also discouraged others. However, the game resonated with those who enjoyed the challenge and the feeling of mastery that came with overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles.
Here’s a look at the two sides of the coin:
Frustration: The biggest complaint was the lack of checkpoints and the “one shot” nature of the game. A single mistake could erase hours of progress, leading to feelings of anger and discouragement. Some players felt the difficulty wasn’t rewarding enough to justify the constant frustration.
Innovation: Despite the difficulty, Only Up! was praised for its innovative take on the platforming genre. The focus on verticality and the emphasis on mastering movement mechanics offered a fresh experience compared to traditional side-scrollers. For those who persevered, the sense of accomplishment at conquering a challenging section was unmatched.
A Short-Lived Success: The Controversy Behind Only Up!
Only Up!’s time in the spotlight was short-lived. Just a few months after its release, the game was removed from Steam due to copyright infringement issues. Assets used in the game were found to be illegally obtained, leading to its swift removal from the platform.
This controversy cast a shadow over the game and its developer, SCKR Games. While the core gameplay had its merits, the ethical concerns surrounding the game’s development tarnished its reputation.
The removal from Steam also meant the loss of online multiplayer functionality, a feature many players enjoyed. Without the online aspect, the replayability of the game was significantly reduced.
So, Should You Play Only Up!?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively. Only Up! is a unique and challenging game that offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy its unforgiving style. However, the lack of checkpoints and the controversy surrounding its development are significant drawbacks.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
You enjoy a challenge: If you thrive on difficult games that test your skills and patience, Only Up! might be for you. The sense of accomplishment from conquering a challenging section is truly rewarding.
You’re looking for something innovative: Only Up!’s vertical focus and emphasis on movement mechanics offer a fresh take on the platforming genre. If you’re tired of the same old side-scrolling formula, this game might pique your interest.
You’re easily frustrated: If you get discouraged by games that punish mistakes heavily, Only Up! might not be the best choice.
FAQs
What is Only Up?
Only Up! was a 2023 platformer game developed by SCKR Games. It garnered attention for its unique focus on vertical movement and challenging gameplay. Players ascend ever-higher urban environments, relying on jumping, sprinting, and vaulting to avoid falling. The game offered online multiplayer, allowing players to compete or cooperate in their climbs.
Why was Only Up removed from Steam?
Unfortunately, Only Up! was removed from Steam in September 2023 due to controversy surrounding copyrighted assets. The developers were accused of using assets from other games without proper licensing.
Is Only Up! still playable?
No, the official version is no longer available for purchase. If you previously owned the game, you might still be able to access it through your Steam library, but online functionality wouldn’t be available.
What were the critics saying about Only Up?
Reviews for Only Up! were mixed. Some praised the innovative vertical gameplay and its potential to inspire future titles. Others criticized the lack of checkpoints, unforgiving difficulty, and bugs impacting the experience.
Was Only Up! easy to play?
Only Up! was notoriously difficult. With no checkpoints and a focus on constant movement, a single misstep could send you plummeting back to the bottom. This frustration was a source of enjoyment for some players seeking a challenge, but deterred others.
Did Only Up! have a story?
No, Only Up! focused purely on the gameplay. There was no narrative or characters to follow, just the objective of climbing ever higher.
Was Only Up! online only?
No, Only Up! offered both single-player and online multiplayer options. You could test your skills alone or compete/collaborate with friends in their ascent.
Is there anything similar to Only Up!?
While there’s no direct replacement, other challenging platformers with a focus on movement might appeal to Only Up! fans. Games like Celeste, Super Meat Boy, and VVVVVV offer punishing difficulty and require precise control.
Will Only Up! ever return?
The future of Only Up! remains uncertain. With the controversy surrounding copyrighted assets, it’s unlikely to return to Steam in its current form. However, the developers might choose to address the issues and relaunch the game with proper licensing in the future.
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