Free-to-play Game of the Week: You Have to Win the Game

Platform : PC
Developer : Pirate Hearts
Original Release : May 6, 2012
Price : FREE[divider]

Games have been around a long time and while the technology around us keeps changing, so do the games we play. Then there comes along something that reminds you that if done correctly you don’t need fancy graphics or expensive hardware to enjoy a game and have a good time.

Gameplay

You Have to Win the Game is an exploration platformer with the overall objective being to win the game by collecting all the coin bags and going through the end game portal. The platforming is not the most difficult aspect of the game, it is the exploration. I mean there are not many games that make me actually take out a pen and paper to try and create a map for the world.

With progress you unlock more abilities allowing you to reach places that were inaccessible before. The entire game is focused on exploration. There is no combat, no powers ups. Subtle references like the name for each room, may or may not act as a slight nudge toward the right direction.

Graphics

The visuals are reminiscent of old school games, with pixelated looks and also an option to make it look like its being played on a CRT (Which I highly recommend you play with). The environment is created with an overall dark tone, which is both overwhelming with its vast open and minimalistic rooms to constricted narrow passages and jump portals that leave you directionless. The art style for the characters is more uplifting giving the dead landscape some life and contrasting to provide a satisfying look

Music

There is minimal music in the game itself with the action of the character and the enemy that make any noise. But when the game wants to to be fast these sound effects come together wonderfully to make an energetic upbeat tone.

Conclusion

A platformer that reminds you of the good old days with just the right amount of gameplay to make it feel important and still be enjoyable in short bursts. This is a game with a simple premise, a well-balanced challenge, precise controls and singular focus. It is not very ambitious and hence does not get lost in the message of what it wants to be. It’s crafted with care and detail and this shows in the game with small details all over. This belongs on the top shelf of every collection with the title an evening well spent.

Links

This game was reviewed on the GeForce GTX 680