Game: Which Way Up: Galaxy Games
Genre: Action, Platformer, Sports
System: Steam (Windows) (Also on Nintendo Switch)
Developer|Publisher: Turtle Flip Studio
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $ 14.99 | UK £ 12.99 | EU € 14,99
Release Date: March 27th, 2025
A review code was provided, and many thanks to The Indie Exp.
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games – Party to the Moon and Back
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is a fun, family-friendly party game with simple, accessible controls and a variety of quirky mini-games to enjoy with friends and family. If you’re looking for an easygoing, pick-up-and-play game for your next game night, this one is worth keeping on your radar.
Party Time
The core of Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is its multiplayer focus, where up to four players compete in a series of fast-paced mini-games to see who comes out on top. You can jump into a classic party mode, where the first player to win a set number of games is crowned the overall winner, or if you prefer, you can select individual mini-games and play them one at a time. It’s a straightforward setup, making it great for quick and easy fun with friends.
Orbital Controls
One of the game’s standout features is its unique gravity-based platforming. While it plays like a traditional 2D platformer, the key twist is that your character’s centre of gravity is always pulled toward the nearest platform. This means you can run along walls and ceilings, leading to some interesting movement possibilities that add an extra layer of strategy and skill. Once you get used to how it works, moving through space and mastering different gravity fields feels smooth and intuitive.
Jumping feels precise and easy to control, and in true party game fashion, there’s also a hit button to knock your opponents out of the way. This naturally leads to plenty of chaotic moments where players bump into each other and scramble for victory.
The game does a great job of keeping things accessible, with control prompts appearing on loading screens, eliminating the need for lengthy tutorials. There’s also a practice mode, which provides an open area where players can freely experiment with movement and mechanics at their own pace. It’s clear the developers wanted to make the game approachable for players of all skill levels.
The Mini-Games
Like any party game, some mini-games stand out more than others, but there’s a nice variety to keep things interesting. One of the best is Event Horizon, where players have to outrun an exploding star, with the last one standing declared the winner. It’s a thrilling test of quick reflexes and precise platforming. Another highlight is Constellation Catch, which has players racing to touch star constellations. If the timer runs out while the constellation is in your player colour, it bursts into a beautiful star pattern, making it a fun mix of speed and strategy.
For those who prefer more precision-based challenges, there’s Hole in One, a mini-golf-inspired game where players knock balls into a hole, often by bouncing them off platforms and taking advantage of the game’s physics. With twelve different mini-games to choose from, there’s a good amount of variety, ensuring that players will find a few favourites.
Single-Player Mode
While Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is clearly designed with multiplayer in mind, it does include a single-player mode for those who want to play solo. In this mode, you pick a character and complete a series of mini-games tailored to that character, with the goal of finishing each one within a set time limit. The faster you complete the challenges, the more ribbons you earn, which unlock new levels.
There’s also a light storyline woven into the single-player mode, introducing the Space Sprites, a group of cosmic beings who represent different celestial concepts. Characters like Sunny, inspired by the Sun, and Maggie, based on magnetic fields, are part of this charming cast. While these little details add some personality to the game, the single-player experience ultimately feels like a mild extension of the main party mode rather than a fully fleshed-out adventure.
Presentation & Atmosphere
Visually, the game is bright, colourful, and inviting. The Space Sprites are cute and friendly, making them instantly appealing, especially for younger players. The levels embrace a space theme, featuring vibrant cosmic backdrops and an upbeat, playful soundtrack that complements the party atmosphere. The presentation is simple but effective, creating an overall cheerful and welcoming vibe.
A Few Issues
As fun as Which Way Up: Galaxy Games can be, there are a few drawbacks worth noting. The game is heavily geared toward local multiplayer, and while you can technically play online using Steam Remote Play, the experience may vary depending on connection stability. One of the biggest disappointments is the lack of AI bots, which means that if you don’t have a full group of four players, you’re left with fewer opponents, making the game feel less chaotic and fun.
The single-player mode, while a nice addition, doesn’t have enough depth to keep solo players engaged for long. It mostly serves as a way to extend the party mode rather than offering a fully realized single-player experience. With the game’s interesting gravity mechanics, it’s easy to imagine how a full-fledged solo adventure could have worked, which makes the limited nature of this mode feel like a missed opportunity.
Conclusion: Party in Space
Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is a fun and engaging party game that delivers exactly what it promises: a lighthearted multiplayer experience filled with creative, gravity-defying mini-games. The mechanics are easy to pick up, the mini-games are well-designed, and the overall presentation is colourful and inviting. However, the game is at its best when played with a full group of four players. If you plan to play solo or with just one other person, the experience doesn’t quite hold up, especially with the absence of AI opponents.
If you have a group of friends or family members ready to jump in, Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is a great choice for a lively game night. It’s a simple but well-crafted party game that’s easy to enjoy and offers plenty of fast-paced fun. A free demo is available on Steam, so it’s worth giving it a try to see if it’s a good fit for you.
Final Verdict: I Like It
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