Never Give Up

I never gave up :D

Podia ser muito melhor

This is one of the hardest precision platformers I have ever played, so definitely have loved it and hated it so many times; definitely liking the "kindness of checkpoints" phrase! I liked the voice over when you keep dying which kind of makes your frustration be heard from a 3rd person perspective and cool down as some of them are funny.

Never Give Up is a precision platformer that proudly embraces frustration as part of its core identity, transforming repeated failure into a strangely addictive cycle of persistence and mastery. Developed by Massive Monster in collaboration with Tasselfoot and published by Armor Games Studios, the game builds upon the legacy of earlier browser-based entries while expanding the concept into a larger, more refined commercial release. It stands firmly within the lineage of demanding 2D platformers, yet distinguishes itself through its escalating level structure, sardonic tone, and a presentation that balances cruelty with humor. At its foundation, Never Give Up is about repetition and adaptation. Each level is structured to evolve over multiple completions, meaning that finishing a room once is rarely the end of the challenge. New hazards are layered into familiar layouts, transforming once-manageable sequences into increasingly complex obstacle courses. This iterative design keeps players constantly recalibrating their timing and route planning, preventing stagnation and ensuring that skill development feels tangible. The satisfaction comes not merely from reaching the exit, but from internalizing patterns, shaving seconds off movement, and executing near-flawless runs under mounting pressure. The controls are tight and responsive, an essential quality for a game that demands pixel-perfect jumps and split-second reactions. Movement feels immediate, and death, while frequent, is instantaneous and rarely unfair in a mechanical sense. When failure occurs, it almost always feels like a personal mistake rather than a design flaw. That clarity is crucial, as it keeps frustration productive instead of demoralizing. The game’s difficulty curve is unapologetic, but it is structured carefully enough that persistence usually results in visible improvement. One of the defining characteristics of Never Give Up is its personality. Rather than presenting its punishing design in a stoic or minimalist package, it embraces over-the-top cartoon violence and playful mockery. Each death is exaggerated with bursts of colorful gore, and a persistent narrator taunts or encourages the player throughout their struggles. This layer of humor transforms what could be a sterile trial of endurance into something lively and self-aware. The game knows it is testing you, and it leans into that relationship, turning the struggle into a shared joke between designer and player. The structure spans numerous levels distributed across distinct thematic worlds, culminating in boss encounters that demand mastery of previously introduced mechanics. These boss fights serve as skill checks, combining reflex tests with memorization challenges in ways that reinforce the game’s core principles. Collectibles scattered throughout the stages encourage exploration beyond simply reaching the exit, and cosmetic unlocks provide lighthearted incentives for completionists. While these rewards do not fundamentally alter gameplay, they add personality and encourage replaying levels for perfection. Accessibility options also play a subtle but important role in broadening the experience. For players who want to experience the content without enduring relentless resets, alternative modes introduce checkpoints or modified abilities that reduce difficulty. The inclusion of a “Give Up” option, which allows players to skip particularly punishing rooms, is thematically clever. It acknowledges player limits without entirely undermining the challenge, reinforcing the game’s central tension between perseverance and surrender. Visually, the art direction is colorful and clean, ensuring that hazards remain readable even amid chaos. The environments avoid excessive detail in favor of clarity, which is critical for high-speed platforming. Audio complements this approach with energetic music that sustains momentum and sharp sound effects that emphasize impact. The presentation never distracts from gameplay but instead amplifies its intensity. Ultimately, Never Give Up thrives on the emotional loop it creates. Each failure sharpens focus; each minor improvement fuels determination. It is not a relaxing experience, nor is it meant to be. Instead, it channels the spirit of old-school challenge-driven games into a modern framework that values precision and persistence. For players who relish demanding platformers and the catharsis of finally conquering what once seemed impossible, it delivers a fiercely satisfying experience that embodies its title in both design and spirit. Rating: 8/10

very fun on easy mode, good amount of checkpoints

this game is incredibly polished damn. If you are slightly a fan of 2d platformers and don't mind a challenge give this game a shot you will not regret it even for people who still want to try out the game there IS an easy mode with checkpoints and the "give up" button that lets you skip a challenging level

im surprised and a bit disappointed that the massive success of cult of the lamb didnt bleed over into this game tbh, its pretty peak also shoutout to the time i got to demo this game at egx rezzed 2019 shortly before it came out. i wonder how many people who tried it there knew the flash games existed beforehand

good fun like game such as super meat boy but really hard

精緻且困難的平台跳躍

Fast paced tough platformer in the vein of Super Meatboy, but focuses on evolving levels that chaange and become mroe difficult the more times you complete them. Plenty of collectables, cosmetics and leaderboards to compete for. Really enjoyed the voice lines that commentate your deaths, there was more variety than I was expecting and it didn't become old or wear thin even after the first world. Unfortunately suffered FPS issues even on a 5070ti which is insane, even after lowering the reoslution to 720p. If you are fine with that, then you'll have a blast with this game.