Only Up is a 3D platformer game that challenges you to climb as high as possible in a world full of obstacles, secrets and mysteries. Inspired by the fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk, the game follows the story of Jackie, a young teenager from the ghetto who wants to escape poverty and learn about the world and himself. The game was released on May 24, 2023 by SCKR Games and is available on Steam.
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Only Up is not a typical platformer game. It has no save points or checkpoints, which means that if you fall, you have to start from the beginning and make your way back to the top again. The game also has a feature that allows you to slow down time and change the speed of your character, which can help you make precise jumps and avoid falling. The game is designed to be hard, but also rewarding, as you explore a huge world full of Easter eggs and references.
The game has received mostly positive reviews from players and critics, but it has also sparked some controversy among streamers who have tried to beat it live. Some streamers have expressed frustration and anger at the game’s difficulty and lack of saving system, while others have praised it for its originality and challenge.
If you are looking for some tips and tricks on how to beat Only Up, here are some things you should know before you start playing:
- The game has no tutorial or instructions, so you have to figure out everything by yourself. You can use the arrow keys or WASD to move, spacebar to jump, shift to slow down time, and mouse to look around.
- The game starts in the slums, where you have to find an elevator that will take you to higher ground. As you explore the slums, you will notice that the people there are not moving, except for the birds. This is a hint that you can interact with some objects in the environment, such as beds, balloons, or trash cans, to reach higher places faster.
- As you climb higher, you will encounter different areas and obstacles, such as pipes, railroads, trains, cranes, buildings, clouds, and more. Some of these areas are inspired by other games or movies, such as Super Mario Bros., Half-Life 2, Titanic, or Star Wars. You can also find hidden secrets and Easter eggs along the way, such as graffiti, posters, or references to pop culture.
- The game has no map or indicator of your progress, so you have to rely on your memory and observation skills to navigate the world. You can also use landmarks or objects that stand out in the distance to orient yourself and plan your next move.
- The game has no enemies or combat system, but it has plenty of hazards and traps that can make you fall. Some of these hazards are obvious, such as gaps or spikes, while others are more subtle or unexpected, such as slippery surfaces or moving objects. You have to be careful and attentive at all times, as one wrong move can cost you everything.
- The game has no fixed length or end goal, as it depends on how fast and how far you can climb. The average playtime of the game is 40 to 120 minutes, but some players have managed to beat it in less than 23 minutes. The game does not tell you when you have reached the top or what awaits there, so you have to find out for yourself.
- The game is meant to be hard but fair. It does not rely on random elements or luck factors to make it challenging. It tests your skills, patience, perseverance, and creativity. It also teaches you some valuable lessons about life, such as overcoming fear and frustration, learning from mistakes, and enjoying the journey rather than the destination.
Shortcuts in Only Up
Only Up is a game that requires you to climb as high as possible, but sometimes you can find shortcuts that can help you skip some parts of the game or reach higher places faster. Shortcuts can be objects, items, or actions that you can interact with or use to your advantage. However, shortcuts are not always easy to find or use, and some of them can be risky or unreliable. Here are some examples of shortcuts in Only Up and how to use them:
- Beds: Beds are one of the most common and useful shortcuts in the game. You can jump on a bed to bounce higher and reach places that you normally can’t. Beds can be found in various areas of the game, such as the slums, the factory, the construction site, the road, the shopping mall, the school, and more. You can also use multiple beds in a row to bounce even higher.
- Balloons: Balloons are another way to get some extra height in the game. You can grab a balloon and let it lift you up in the air. Balloons can be found in the slums and the fountain area. However, balloons are not very stable and can pop or drift away at any moment, so be careful when using them.
- Drones: Drones are flying machines that can carry you to higher places. You can find drones in the construction site area. To use a drone, you have to jump on it and hold on to it as it flies. Drones have a limited battery life and will drop you when they run out of power, so make sure you land safely.
- Cannon: The cannon is a powerful device that can launch you to great distances. You can find the cannon in the snow mountain area. To use the cannon, you have to enter it and press the button inside. The cannon will aim at a random direction and fire you out. The cannon can send you to different areas of the game, such as Japan or Styx, but it can also send you to nowhere or make you fall.
- Beanstalk: The beanstalk is a giant plant that grows from the ground and reaches the sky. You can find the beanstalk in the beanstalk area. To use the beanstalk, you have to climb it like a ladder. The beanstalk can take you to very high places, such as the clouds or the dragon’s lair.
Only Up is a game that can make you feel a range of emotions: from joy and wonder to anger and despair. It is not a game for everyone, but it is a game that can offer a unique and memorable experience for those who are willing to try it.
If you are looking for a hardcore platformer game that will challenge your limits and reward your efforts with a sense of achievement and discovery, then Only Up might be the game for you.
Beds: Beds are one of the most common and useful shortcuts in the game. You can jump on a bed to bounce higher and reach places that you normally can’t. Beds can be found in various areas of the game, such as the slums, the factory, the construction site, the road, the shopping mall, the school, and more. You can also use multiple beds in a row to bounce even higher.
Balloons: Balloons are another way to get some extra height in the game. You can grab a balloon and let it lift you up in the air. Balloons can be found in the slums and the fountain area. However, balloons are not very stable and can pop or drift away at any moment, so be careful when using them.
Drones: Drones are flying machines that can carry you to higher places. You can find drones in the construction site area. To use a drone, you have to jump on it and hold on to it as it flies. Drones have a limited battery life and will drop you when they run out of power, so make sure you land safely.