When Paddle Paddle first appeared, it was one of those cute indie projects that win with simplicity. One developer came up with the idea of an arcade game based on physics and rhythm, something that can be played for five minutes, or five hours if you're on the hunt for a better score. The inspiration of classic arcades was felt in every move, but the game also had a modern "just one more round" infectiousness.
The base game worked on a pure, almost ascetic design philosophy. Paddle control, maintaining momentum and increasingly faster challenges. There wasn't much philosophy, but there was enough depth to keep players coming back. The problem was that more experienced players saw most of the content relatively quickly. And that's where the new DLC comes in.
Up Up Up! – when the game goes up
DLC Up Up Up! brings what the title suggests – vertical chaos. The focus is now on climbing, precise timing and planning ahead. The levels are designed to constantly force the player to react, but also to think a few seconds ahead. The pace is faster, mistakes are more expensive, but the feeling of success is also greater.
What especially refreshes the experience is the co-op mode. The game can be played in pairs, locally, which completely changes the dynamic. The collaboration brings chaos, laughter and the occasional argument over who is to blame for the fall. The good sides of co-op are obvious - it's more fun, it's unpredictable and ideal for a couch session with a friend. Downside? Weight can skyrocket because both sides are responsible for momentum. If one player makes a mistake, the other often succeeds.
How long does it last and does it hold attention?
The DLC isn't huge, but it's not meant to be a marathon either. It will take a few hours to get through the content, depending on your skill. But the real value lies in replaying and trying to get a perfect pass. It's the type of game that doesn't measure quality by hours, but by intensity.
It is interesting how the project came about in the first place. According to the developers, the idea started from a prototype made during a game jam. The quick, simple mechanics proved to be so much fun that they decided to develop a full title. DLC Up Up Up! it acts as a natural continuation of that philosophy or even an experiment that grew into a serious addition.
Is it worth returning to rowing
Up Up Up! it doesn't change the foundation of the game, but it deepens it. For those who found the original a cute arcade distraction, the DLC will show that Paddle Paddle has more ambition than it first appeared. It brings a bigger challenge and a higher skill ceiling to veterans, and in co-op it turns the whole thing into loud, chaotic fun.
It is not without flaws, the weight can be frustrating, the content is not available for dozens of hours, and not everyone will like the emphasis on precision. But as an upgrade of the existing concept, Up Up Up! it does exactly what it's supposed to - it raises the game quite a bit.
A copy of the game for review purposes was provided by developer Zoroarts and publisher Assemble Entertainment
