As a dedicated fan of challenging games like Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy, it baffles me how I overlooked A Difficult Game About Climbing. This indie game puts a fresh spin on the difficult climbing genre by tasking players with using their arms independently to navigate the treacherous terrain. Despite its clear inspiration, ADGAC manages to carve out its own niche in the gaming world, offering a frustrating yet addicting experience that keeps players coming back for more.
Having spent only about half an hour playing ADGAC, I find myself at the very beginning of this punishing journey. Every misstep and failed attempt sends my climber plummeting back to square one, testing my patience and determination. What motivates me to persevere through these challenges is twofold. Firstly, the sheer satisfaction of using the controller triggers to control each arm independently is a joy in itself, reminiscent of games like Jusant. Secondly, the prospect of mastering each section of the climb with practice and precision drives me to keep pushing forward.
Some may argue that ADGAC treads too closely to its source of inspiration, Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy. However, I believe that the developer has managed to strike a delicate balance between honoring the original game and introducing fresh mechanics. The developer’s statement on their Steam page about creating a new genre of “Foddian Type” games is a testament to their dedication to pushing the boundaries of challenging gameplay experiences.
While Getting Over It may stand as a masterpiece in the genre, A Difficult Game About Climbing doesn’t attempt to outshine its predecessor. Instead, it comfortably exists in the shadow of the game that inspired it, offering its own unique take on the climbing challenge. Released earlier this year on Steam for a modest price, ADGAC is a worthy addition to any fan of difficult and rewarding games.
A Difficult Game About Climbing may not reinvent the wheel, but it brings a fresh perspective to the challenging gaming landscape. With its unique mechanics, satisfying progression, and subtle nods to its influences, ADGAC deserves a spot alongside its legendary predecessors.
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