Turtle Flip Studio’s debut title Which Way Up: Galaxy Games has launched on Nintendo Switch and Steam, offering a unique twist on party game mechanics by incorporating gravity-bending gameplay. This colorful multiplayer title challenges up to 4 local players to compete across 12 mini-games set in a cosmic playground.
Gameplay That Turns Physics Upside Down
At its core, Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is all about defying gravity. Players can run on walls and ceilings, orbit around planets, and fall across entire levels by maneuvering through gravity fields. This innovative movement system forms the basis for the game’s 12 mini-games, each offering a distinct cosmic challenge.
Some standout mini-games include:
- Comet Collect - Players chase down a moon-sized “soccer ball” with its own gravitational pull, aiming to launch it into their goal.
- Event Horizon - A frantic race to escape a black hole’s pull while knocking opponents off platforms.
- Star Ring - Competitors jostle to stay within a roaming ring of light that fills their score meter.
- Gravapult - Players defend their planets from bombardment while launching counterattacks.
Cosmic Cast of Characters
The game features seven playable “Space Sprites,” each representing different celestial concepts:
- Sprout (nature and living things)
- Prism (visible light)
- Luna (the moon and tides)
- Sunny (the sun)
- Maggie (magnetic fields)
- Spark (bright stars)
- Orbit (gravitational paths)
These charming characters add personality to the cosmic chaos, making the game appealing to players of all ages.
Single-Player Mode
While multiplayer is the main focus, Which Way Up: Galaxy Games includes a single-player mode for solo play. This mode features character-specific challenges that unlock new levels as players complete them within time limits. A light storyline ties the single-player experience together, though it’s primarily an extension of the party gameplay rather than a full campaign.
Development and Release
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games represents three years of development work from Turtle Flip Studio. Studio head Nick Cellini expressed excitement about the game’s Nintendo Switch release, stating:
“Launching our debut game on Nintendo Switch is a dream come true. I grew up button-mashing on Nintendo consoles with my friends and siblings, so the idea that families might now be doing the same thing… that’s pretty special.”
The game is now available on both the Nintendo eShop and Steam. A free demo is offered on Steam for those who want to try before buying.
Technical Details
- Supports 1-4 players locally
- Online play possible through Steam Remote Play Together
- 12 distinct mini-games
- 7 playable characters (5 available in the demo)
Reception and Outlook
Early reviews have praised Which Way Up: Galaxy Games for its creative use of gravity mechanics and party game potential. The game seems best suited for local multiplayer sessions, as it currently lacks AI opponents to fill empty slots when playing with fewer than four people.
While the single-player offering is somewhat limited, the core multiplayer experience shows promise for those seeking a fresh take on party games. The gravity-bending mechanics offer a unique selling point that sets it apart in a crowded market.
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games brings a cosmic twist to the party game genre. With its innovative gravity mechanics and charming space theme, it’s poised to become a go-to title for game nights and family gatherings. Just remember – in space, there’s no wrong way up!