Game: Ronny’s Climb
Genre: Action, Platformer
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Zephyrix
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $ 5.99 | UK £ 4.99 | EU € 5,99
Release Date: January 29th, 2025
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Zephyrix.
Ronny’s Climb – A Short but Heartfelt Adventure
Ronny’s Climb is a charming 2D platformer that takes inspiration from classic 16-bit games and delivers a cozy, family-friendly experience. With its lighthearted story, smooth platforming, and colourful visuals, it offers a short but enjoyable adventure that can be completed in just a few hours. While it doesn’t break new ground in the platforming genre, it’s a game filled with warmth and heart, making it a great choice for players looking for a relaxing and wholesome experience.
A Simple Story with Heart
The story follows Ronny, an energetic young deer who, along with his animal friends, decides to race to the top of the mountain. Every year, the creatures of the Emerald Vale take on this challenge, but as Ronny progresses, one by one, his friends drop out, leaving only a few determined climbers near the end.
At first glance, the story seems simple, just a friendly race to the summit. However, as you reach the final stretch, the game delivers a surprisingly heartfelt message about what’s truly important in life. While the main story beats are brief and to the point, it’s pleasant to pause and chat to your animal friends as you climb ever higher. It’s a light and accessible story that works well for players of all ages.
Smooth and Accessible Platforming
The core gameplay of Ronny’s Climb sticks to traditional 2D platforming mechanics, making it easy to pick up and play. The controls are simple and responsive, allowing for smooth movement and precise jumping. Whether you’re hopping across floating platforms, dashing through obstacles, or scaling steep cliffs, everything feels fluid and natural.
Each level introduces a new ability to help Ronny navigate the terrain, such as a higher jump or a dash move. These upgrades keep the game engaging as you progress. In addition to platforming, players can collect up to 100 gems per level, which can be used to unlock heart pieces, increasing Ronny’s health. While completionists will enjoy the challenge of finding every last gem, the game never forces players to collect everything, keeping the experience stress-free.
A Relaxing and Cozy Challenge
Unlike many platformers that emphasize difficult jumps and fast reflexes, Ronny’s Climb takes a more relaxed approach. While there are enemies to defeat and some light puzzle-solving elements like finding a switch, the overall difficulty remains low, making it accessible to younger players and those who prefer a more casual experience. Even without upgrading Ronny’s health, it’s entirely possible to reach the top of the mountain without too much trouble.
This laid-back difficulty makes the game a great fit for those who want to enjoy a platformer without the frustration of constant retries. However, players seeking a true challenge may find it a bit too easy. That said, the game is clearly designed for a cosy, stress-free experience, and in that regard, it succeeds.
A Familiar but Charming Art Style
Graphically, Ronny’s Climb features a pixel art style reminiscent of classic 16-bit platformers. While pixel art is a common choice in indie games, the visuals here are bright and colorful and contain small details that bring the world to life, such as birds and insects moving in the background. The level design mostly consists of dark caves, the odd castle, and mountainside trails, but it gets the job done. The soundtrack is well-crafted, featuring a mix of cheerful tunes and calming melodies that match the game’s lighthearted tone.
Conclusion – A Cosy Climb for All Ages
Ronny’s Climb is a short but sweet platformer that delivers a cosy and enjoyable experience. While it doesn’t introduce anything revolutionary to the genre, its smooth gameplay, charming art style, and heartwarming story make it a delightful game for players of all ages. The difficulty level makes it an especially good choice for families, younger gamers, or anyone looking for a relaxing adventure without the stress of a tough challenge.
With a reasonable price point and a runtime of around three hours, it’s a great game for a casual evening of play. If you’re looking for a platformer that’s filled with charm and heart, Ronny’s Climb is definitely worth checking out.
Final Verdict: I like it
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