Happenlance (2021)

Developer: Miles Fogle, Phillip Trudeau-Tavara, Cyborg Primate
Publisher: Miles Fogle, Phillip Trudeau-Tavara
Genres: Action, Adventure, Indie
Rating: 4.6 of 5, 49 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 3.7 hours
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A chaotic physics-based joust-'em-up where pole-vaulting with a spear is the key to climbing, combat, and puzzles.

hack and slashphysics-basedprecise platformingintentionally awkward controlsdifficultcompetitivefunnyco-op

What players say

Players compare Happenlance to Getting Over It but find it less punishing thanks to checkpoints and fairer physics. The 13-level campaign includes co-op and PvP modes, along with New Game+ and New Game- for replay. While some call it frustrating, many say overcoming its obstacles is deeply satisfying.

Screenshots

More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.