Which Way Up: Galaxy Games
Review
Blast Off for Family Fun
by William Thompson
reviewed on PC
Play time
As any parent knows, encouraging kids to embrace the great outdoors for fresh air and Vitamin D is a constant refrain. However, the reality of cooler months often necessitates finding engaging indoor activities that still foster valuable family togetherness. Enter Which Way Up: Galaxy Games, a vibrant and accessible party game that whisks players away to the cosmos for a series of lighthearted competitions. This family-friendly title offers a welcome escape from dreary weather, providing manic fun for players of all ages.
Simplicity
From the outset, Which Way Up: Galaxy Games ensures a smooth entry for all spacefarers with its clear and concise tutorial. In truth, the control scheme is remarkably intuitive, requiring only the left thumbstick for movement and two face buttons: one for jumping (with the jump height determined by the duration of the button press) and another for executing a strategic "comet push." This elegant simplicity means that players can quickly grasp the fundamentals and dive straight into the intergalactic action.
Before each whimsical challenge, the game thoughtfully presents the objective, ensuring everyone is on the same page. While the core mechanics of each game are inherently straightforward, this brief reminder is a welcome touch, especially when revisiting familiar competitions. This clarity, coupled with the uncomplicated controls, makes Which Way Up: Galaxy Games exceptionally accessible, even for younger players or those new to gaming.
Fun challenges
The heart of Which Way Up: Galaxy Games lies in its diverse collection of mini-games. There is a delightful array of challenges that test different skills and encourage playful interaction. These include frantic races through asteroid fields, chaotic cosmic soccer matches, precarious platforming puzzles where a well-timed comet push is crucial, and gravity-defying space golf game. The variety ensures that the gameplay remains fresh and unpredictable, preventing any single mode from overstaying its welcome. These short, sharp bursts of gameplay are perfect for maintaining engagement, especially with younger audiences who might have shorter attention spans.
Beyond the core multiplayer experience, Which Way Up: Galaxy Games also caters to solo adventurers with a dedicated single-player mode. This allows players to hone their skills and familiarize themselves with the various challenges at their own pace. For those seeking a more tailored multiplayer experience, the game offers different difficulty level cups, allowing players to adjust the challenge to suit their skill levels. Furthermore, the ability to fine-tune the settings for each individual competition adds a layer of customization, enabling families and friends to create their own unique game nights. Want a longer match with more scoring opportunities? The power is in your hands.
Shining bright
Visually, Which Way Up: Galaxy Games bursts with a cheerful and inviting aesthetic. The bright and colourful art style, reminiscent of family-friendly Nintendo titles like Mario Kart, immediately appeals to a younger audience. The simple yet expressive character designs further enhance this accessibility. Players can choose from a range of distinct avatars, each assigned a vibrant colour, ensuring easy identification amidst the on-screen chaos. While these characters lack unique abilities, preventing any strategic advantage in selection, their colourful presence adds to the overall lighthearted charm of the game.
While the game shines brightest with a larger group, the experience with just two players can occasionally feel a tad repetitive. However, this slight limitation is quickly overshadowed when three or more players join the cosmic fray. The increased player count injects a significant dose of manic energy into the proceedings, transforming each mini-game into a hilarious and unpredictable battle for supremacy. This makes Which Way Up: Galaxy Games an ideal choice for entertaining a group of friends or enjoying some quality time with the entire family. The laughter and friendly competition that erupt when multiple players are vying for victory are truly the game's strongest assets.
Reach for the stars
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games offers a delightful and accessible party game experience that is perfect for families looking for indoor fun, especially when the weather outside is less than inviting. With its simple controls, vibrant visuals, and varied collection of mini-games provide hours of entertainment. While the two-player experience may lack some of the chaotic charm of larger groups, the game truly comes alive with three or more players, making it a stellar addition to any family's game night rotation. So, gather your crew, prepare for launch, and get ready for some gravity-defying fun in the whimsical world of Which Way Up: Galaxy Games.
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7.0
fun score
Pros
Simple controls and game mechanics
Cons
Limited variation for two-players
