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“I created this game for a certain kind of person…
To hurt them.”
The epigraph of Bennett Foddy, the developer of cognominal game, can characterize it in the best way possible. Comparatively speaking, ‘Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy’ amazes by its simplicity and unpretentiousness. Being unique in its genre, the game is successful all over the world and millions of ardent players try their best to reach the top.
Concerning the top, the game conception lies in climbing up as higher as possible and, consequently, conquering the mountain. Nothing extraordinary. So, let’s delve into specifics and found out the secret of its commercial success.
‘Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy’ is a tricky and unpredictable game, making people vexed and even mad, because of its plotline. As it was mentioned above, a person/protagonist clambers up and has got to be super careful and balanced in order not to fall off upside-down. That is why each body movement, even the slightest one, has to be premeditated. The protagonist has got only a sledgehammer in this ordeal. He looks like a torso moving upwards. Everything is done in minimalistic style: setting, hero’s appearance, tools, etc.
The game is intentionally created to be disillusioning, as each mistake can lead a player to the very beginning – to fall down and start the climbing again. Everything is designed in such a way that a gamer sooner or later takes a false step and voila – start over the bottom. ‘I could have made something you would have liked, a game that was empowering, that would save your progress and inch you steadily forward. Instead, I must confess: this isn’t nice.’ This ironical quotation illustrates how the game unfolds.
Mr. Foddy admitted that this game was inspired by 2002 B-game ‘Sexy Hiking’ and personal experience of hiking and mountaineering. The game focus is the process of climbing itself. It is long and exhausting, and the mountain top is a worthy reward, is not it? So while playing it a person has to need time, as it is not a short film. When the protagonist fails and falls down, some words of encouragement in the accompaniment of music may be given to him.
