Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy

Developer: Bennett Foddy
Release: Dec 6th 2017
Platforms:
Action
Challenging
Philosophical
Frustrating
Repetitive
Rewarding
Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy Poster

" Challenging action game with innovative hammer controls and philosophical narration but extreme difficulty "

Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy Review

Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy is a unique, punishing, and philosophically charged indie game that has sparked a wide range of player emotions. The core gameplay centers around controlling a man in a cauldron using a hammer to climb a mountain with intentionally challenging physics-based controls. Players often find themselves frustrated by frequent setbacks and the absence of checkpoints, which can erase significant progress. However, many appreciate the game's ability to teach patience, perseverance, and mastery through repeated attempts.

The minimalist graphics and distinctive audio narration by Bennett Foddy add a reflective, sometimes condescending tone, which some players find motivating and others find aggravating. Despite its simple visual style, the game delivers a memorable experience that blends frustration with satisfaction. It appeals especially to players who enjoy skill-based challenges and philosophical introspection, though it is not suited for those seeking casual or relaxing gameplay.

Highlights

Players praise the game's innovative and precise hammer-based control mechanics, which offer a rewarding skill progression.

The narration by Bennett Foddy adds depth and philosophical reflection, enhancing the emotional impact.

Its minimalist yet distinctive graphics support the surreal, abstract environment.

The gameplay's challenging nature is seen as a test of patience and determination, providing a highly satisfying sense of accomplishment upon completion.

Criticisms

Many players report extreme frustration due to the game's punishing difficulty and unforgiving mechanics, which can lead to rage and quitting.

Some find the narrator's tone condescending and irritating during moments of failure.

The controls, while praised by some, are described by others as janky or inconsistent.

The graphics are purposefully simple and sometimes perceived as ugly or low-effort.

The game lacks checkpoints, which can make progression feel repetitive and discouraging for some.

Pros

  • Innovative and precise hammer-based control mechanics offer rewarding skill growth.
  • Philosophical narration adds emotional depth and reflection during gameplay.
  • Minimalist graphics create a unique and surreal climbing environment.
  • Highly satisfying sense of accomplishment upon overcoming challenges.
  • Teaches patience, perseverance, and focus through repeated attempts.
  • Light PC requirements make it accessible to most players.
  • Short to moderate playtime suitable for multiple play sessions.

Cons

  • Extremely frustrating difficulty leads to frequent rage and quitting.
  • Narrator’s condescending tone can irritate players during failures.
  • Controls sometimes feel janky or inconsistent to some players.
  • Graphics are simplistic and perceived as ugly or low-effort.
  • No checkpoints cause loss of significant progress upon failure.
  • Repetitive gameplay due to frequent setbacks may discourage players.
  • Not suitable for casual gamers or those sensitive to frustration.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

A game I made for a certain kind of person. To hurt them.

Release Date Dec 6th 2017
Publisher Bennett Foddy
Developer Bennett Foddy
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (39,120)
85% Positive 15% Negative