Tip Top:
Don't Fall Review

Tip Top: Don't Fall (2021) is a climbing game where you tour the world to find kinetic climbing challenges. You play by controlling each of the climber's arms with separate sticks to give the game a unique tactile (and high-skill) feel. This, and the procedurally generated climbs that are different each time you play make this an unusual challenge.

While the visuals and audio are well realised, the game really stands out for the innovative climbing controls. You move your character's hands from one hold to the next using the sticks and hold buttons to grab holds. The challenge is coordinating these movements with your limited stamina to find the most efficient route to the top.

It's a tough game and if you fall off you go back to the start to try again. When you take on your next run, it's always different which combines with the desire to improve to make it a very replayable experience.

However, if you get things right you can complete several routes without falling. Skilled players learn to find the balance between risk and rationality to reach the peak. Players that climb too carefully may never reach the top, as they’ll waste too much energy clipping into the bolts.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Tip Top: Don't Fall 12 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 5 months ago.