Info about Umihara Kawase:

Official game description:
The original game that started it all, Umihara Kawase, is now on Steam!
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Play as Umihara Kawase, a young adventurer armed with a fishing lure attached to a stretchy, rubber-like rope, in this one-of-a-kind puzzle platformer.
Hook onto walls and ceilings, then use the line's elasticity to swing, bounce, and launch yourself through each stage. There's rarely just one way forward - experiment with your surroundings, forge your own routes where no path exists, and master increasingly advanced movement techniques as you progress through the stages.
Along the way, reel in the strange fish that stand in your way and put your skills to the test across stages that reward creativity, precision, and practice.
Simple to pick up but incredibly deep to master, Umihara Kawase combines action and puzzle elements that challenge you to figure out a variety of possible routes. The rewarding process of mastering techniques through ingenuity and repeated practice offers surprising depth that reveals itself the more you play!
This is the essence of "Rubbering Action"!
Credits
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Game Design & Lead Programmer:
Kiyoshi Sakai
Character Design:
Toshinobu Kondo

Release date: Nov 2, 2015

Categories: Puzzle Platformer, Precision Platformer, Grappling Hook Gameplay, Physics-based Platforming, Speedrunning, Arcade, Retro, 2D Platformer

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 20; verdict: Seamless; summary: The Steam Deck experience appears largely seamless based on the reviews. The game requires a controller, which the Steam Deck provides, and there are no reports of Proton issues, external launchers, small text, battery drain, or stability problems. However, the game demands precise D-pad input, and some players find the controls strange and requiring adaptation. These are minor frictions, not technical barriers.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 15.0h
  - Story completion: 12.0h
  - Session length: 0.5h
  - Endgame: 50.0h
  - Reasoning: The 15-hour 100% report directly supports gameCompletion. The first-ending report of about 12 hours supports storyCompletion. The 30-minute run/ending timer supports a typical session or run length of about 0.5 hours. The achievement-focused report of about 50 hours for all but one achievement supports endgame/completionist playtime. Confidence is moderate because sample sizes are small, some estimates are translated, and story completion varies by route.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Umihara Kawase is a high-learning-curve grappling-hook platformer that clicks after players invest in practicing the rubbery physics and hook timing. Once the hook mechanics are learned, the freedom and satisfying swings become rewarding, though arcade-style lives and later tedium can still frustrate.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Learning to use the fishing hook effectively
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: High learning curve for the fishing hook physics; No continues or saving, with a lives system; Repetitive practice and replaying levels; Hook controls can feel wonky; Average skill players cannot keep up; Tedious boss fights and RNG enemy spam in late-game levels
  - Unlock drivers: Learning to use the hook to throw Umi around; Practice Mode with map and progression tracking; Nailing swings and timing hook releases correctly; High degree of freedom in movement creates addictiveness; Multiple exits and non-linear level progression add exploration and replay value
  - Conditions: Being okay with repetitive practice and skill building; Timing swings and hook releases correctly; Having skill above average to keep up; Making use of Practice Mode; Accepting the arcade-style lives system; Tolerating the niche audience design; Enjoying non-linear exploration and multiple exits
- Player Archetypes:
  - Physics Mastery Platformer Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering the grappling physics and improving personal skill through practice and experimentation.
    - Playstyle: Practices levels repeatedly, experiments with grapple techniques, and seeks satisfying mastery.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Speedrunner and Leaderboard Competitor (buy)
    - Motivation: Optimizing movement and routes to compete on leaderboards or against elite times.
    - Playstyle: Runs levels for speed, uses advanced rubberband tactics, and chases leaderboard times.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Old-School Challenge Purist (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing difficult, uncompromising old-school platforming that values player skill over modern convenience.
    - Playstyle: Takes on difficult precision platforming levels, tolerates high difficulty, and embraces a retro challenge.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual Player Deterred by Difficulty (no buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying the platforming casually without being blocked by punishing bosses or difficulty spikes.
    - Playstyle: Plays casually or prefers no-boss/enemies modes; gets frustrated by hard bosses and steep difficulty.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Charming and Fun Platformer (weight 0.41): Players describe the game as a fun, charming, and unique indie platformer, with some calling it one of the best 2D platformers. It is difficult but very enjoyable.
- Practice Mode Enhances Learning (weight 0.4): The practice mode allows players to master difficult sections and complete the game without guides, making trial and error easier. It is widely praised as a helpful feature for progress.
- Unique Fishing Rod Grappling Mechanic (weight 0.29): The fishing rod and hook serve as a versatile grappling tool with sophisticated physics, making the wire action fun and satisfying once mastered. It is a standout feature.
- Challenging but Rewarding Gameplay (weight 0.26): The game is really hard but worth playing, with balanced and well-thought-out gameplay that is extremely satisfying once you get the hang of it. It offers a great challenge.
- Steam Version Quality-of-Life Improvements (weight 0.24): The Steam version includes major improvements such as practice mode, quick reset, leaderboards, Workshop support, and reduced lag. These additions significantly enhance the overall experience.
- Nostalgic and Classic Feel (weight 0.22): The game evokes strong nostalgia and is compared to a legendary Super Nintendo game. It feels like a modern precision platformer despite being old-school.
- Great Music and Cheerful Atmosphere (weight 0.2): The music is consistently praised as good, simple, catchy, and cheerful. It adds to the overall engaging experience.
- Online Leaderboards and Speedrun Showcase (weight 0.16): Online leaderboards display speedruns, and watching speedruns of the game is very entertaining. This adds a competitive and spectator-friendly element.
- Replay and Stage Select Accessibility (weight 0.16): The replay feature and stage select make the game accessible for an old title, allowing players to revisit previously played stages. This contributes to its lasting appeal.
- Community Replay Sharing via Workshop (weight 0.09): The Steam Workshop integration allows the community to share replays, which is highlighted as a major feature. This fosters engagement and learning.
- Branching Level Paths (weight 0.09): Levels have branching paths that create multiple routes, allowing for longer or shorter paths. This design adds interesting variety and replay value.

Common complaints:
- Aggressive Enemy Spawns (weight 0.38): Enemies spawn extremely aggressively, often right next to the player in tight areas with no chance to react. This leads to frequent, unfair deaths and frustration.
- Tedious Boss Fights (weight 0.23): Boss fights are often tedious and annoying, with poorly designed mechanics. Some players consider them the worst part of the game.
- Hard-to-Learn Controls (weight 0.23): Controls require extreme skill and trial and error, and are difficult to get used to. The grappling hook feels wonky and is hard to master.
- Missing Quality-of-Life Features (weight 0.22): The game lacks modern quality-of-life features that players expect, such as convenient saving and other conveniences. This makes the experience feel dated.
- High Difficulty (weight 0.17): The game is difficult, with a steep difficulty curve that ramps up to insane levels. Many players find it challenging.
- Keyboard Not Recommended (weight 0.16): Playing with a keyboard is not recommended as it feels awkward. A controller might be better, but specific controllers have issues.
- Frequent Enemy Respawns (weight 0.14): Enemies respawn frequently, sometimes immediately in the player's face due to bad luck. This makes progression tedious and combat feel relentless.
- Difficult Fishing Mechanic (weight 0.09): Learning the fishing rod mechanic is difficult and only appeals to a few players. The physics are hard to handle.
- Frustrating Levels (weight 0.09): Some levels are frustrating and can take forever to figure out, leading to player frustration.

Gameplay feedback:
- Fishing rod grappling hook traversal (weight 0.66): The central mechanic is using a fishing rod as a grappling hook to swing, fling, and traverse levels. This unique movement system is praised for its creativity and is central to the gameplay.
- Practice mode for difficult levels (weight 0.41): A practice mode allows players to repeatedly attempt stuck levels without restarting from the beginning, providing infinite tries to master challenging sections. This feature is widely appreciated and available for any visited stage.
- Precision platformer with challenging mechanics (weight 0.35): Players highlight the game as a precision-based platformer that often feels like a puzzle game, requiring mastery of physics-based movement. The challenge is a core part of the experience and is frequently mentioned.
- Arcade-style gameplay with lives (weight 0.25): The game features an arcade-style structure with limited lives, no continues, and a timer for clearing levels. Running out of lives restarts the game from the beginning, emphasizing a classic arcade challenge.
- Branching level paths and multiple exits (weight 0.25): Levels connect to create multiple paths, with many stages having two exits—often a harder shortcut leading to different levels. This branching structure encourages exploration and replayability.
- Super Famicom classic port (weight 0.2): The game is a port of the first Umihara Kawase, originally released on the Super Famicom/SNES. It retains the old-school action platformer feel while adding new features.
- Enemies spawn dynamically and infinitely (weight 0.19): Enemies spawn constantly, sometimes dynamically near the player, and have infinite respawns, keeping players on edge. This adds an unpredictable challenge to the platforming.
- Reach exit doors to clear levels (weight 0.19): The primary objective is to reach the exit door of each level before the timer runs out. Doors serve as both goals and branching points for different paths.
- Steam version adds replay sharing (weight 0.15): The Steam version includes a replay feature that allows saving and sharing replays, including support for Steam Workshop to upload and download replay data. This enhances community engagement.
- Multiple endings and final destinations (weight 0.12): The game has multiple endings and diverging level paths, leading to different final destinations. This adds replay value and encourages players to explore various routes.
- Simple control scheme (weight 0.09): Controls are simple, using only the D-pad and two buttons for walking, jumping, throwing the lure, and shrinking/stretching the rubber line. This makes the game easy to pick up but difficult to master.
- Hooking enemies stuns or kills (weight 0.09): Hooking enemies without reeling them in stuns them, and some enemies can be killed by pulling them near yourself. This mechanic adds depth to combat and puzzle-solving.
- No save system (weight 0.09): The game lacks a save system, meaning progress is lost upon game over or quitting. This adds to the arcade-style challenge but can be frustrating for some players.
- Tadpole boss fight strategy (weight 0.08): A boss fight involves waiting for a giant tadpole to walk back and forth; players must grapple under a cliff and time their actions to damage it. This requires patience and precise grappling.
- Level demonstrations before stages (weight 0.08): Before some levels, the game shows a demonstration of how to get through, providing hints for solving puzzles or tricky sections. This helps players learn advanced techniques.
- Cheat code alters timer (weight 0.07): A cheat code changes the 30-minute timer to 5 minutes by pressing Select 100 times on the title screen. This is a hidden feature for players seeking an extra challenge.

Performance notes:
- PC port outperforms original hardware (weight 0.06): The PC version of the game runs better than it did on the original hardware. This indicates a well-optimized port that takes advantage of modern PC capabilities.
- Runs well and accessible (weight 0.06): The game runs smoothly and does not demand much from players, making it accessible to a wide audience. This suggests low system requirements and easy pick-up-and-play mechanics.
- Slowdowns removed from original release (weight 0.05): The slow downs that were present in the original release have been eliminated. This improves the overall performance and gameplay experience.
- Rare crash on Fields 36 and 45 (weight 0.05): Two specific game fields can rarely cause the game to crash. This issue appears infrequently but is documented by players.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for hardcore platformer fans (weight 0.34): Many reviewers recommend this game specifically to fans of challenging old-school platformers and skill-based 2D platforming. It is praised for its depth and steep difficulty curve.
- Series entry advice varies (weight 0.32): Opinions differ on which game in the Umihara Kawase series to start with; some recommend this one, while others suggest Shun or Sayonara are better. It is often called the best of the trilogy by some.
- Requires patience and practice (weight 0.25): Reviewers emphasize that the game demands practice and persistence to master, and improvement is rewarding. Those who enjoy a steep learning curve will appreciate it.
- Great value, buy on sale (weight 0.24): Many suggest buying the game on sale or as part of a trilogy bundle, noting the low price makes it an easy recommendation. Some would have paid full price.
- Controller strongly recommended over keyboard (weight 0.21): Multiple reviewers note that playing with a keyboard is inferior and a controller feels much better. Specific controller models like PS4 and 8Bitdo SFC30 are suggested as ideal.
- Niche appeal, not for everyone (weight 0.19): Several reviewers note that this game is for a niche audience and may not appeal to everyone. It is often described as a love-it-or-hate-it experience.
- One of the best 2D platformers (weight 0.15): Some reviewers consider it one of the best 2D platformers available, a fantastic gem that should not be skipped. It stands out for its unique mechanics.
- Not for casual or pick-up-and-play (weight 0.12): The game is not suited for casual players or those seeking a pick-up-and-play experience. It requires dedication and practice.
- Puzzle and platforming blend (weight 0.09): Reviewers compare the platforming to games like Cave Story, La Mulana, and Spelunky, and the puzzle aspects to FEZ and Braid. This mix appeals to fans of those genres.
- Mastering controls is rewarding (weight 0.09): The game's controls require a commitment to learn, but mastering them is well worth it. Watching speedruns can help understand the movement freedom.
- Learning curve requires tutorials (weight 0.09): New players may benefit from looking up basic control tutorials online. The first couple of hours can be tough but rewarding if you stick with it.
- Check out other series entries (weight 0.09): Several reviewers recommend checking out other games in the Umihara Kawase series, such as Sayonara. The series as a whole is worth exploring.
- Progress loss can be frustrating (weight 0.05): Some reviewers warn that losing significant progress can be disheartening, and those who can't cope with that should steer clear. The game can be punishing.
- For speedrunners and leaderboard chasers (weight 0.05): Players interested in speedrunning or leaderboard competition will find a good fit here. The game supports that style of play well.
- Mixed feelings on boss fights (weight 0.05): At least one reviewer cannot recommend the game due to bad boss fights. This is a point of contention among players.
- Recommended with some dissatisfaction (weight 0.05): A reviewer recommends the game despite some dissatisfaction because it was very enjoyable for a long time. Overall, the experience was positive.
- Play the SNES version instead (weight 0.05): Some suggest buying this game rather than downloading the SNES version on an emulator. However, others prefer the original SNES release.
- Not recommended, terrible purchase (weight 0.05): A minority of reviewers strongly advise against purchasing, calling it a terrible purchase. This contrasts with the generally positive reception.
- High replay value and returning (weight 0.05): Players who are fine with occasionally returning to try beating it will get more out of the game. It rewards repeated attempts.
- Faithful to series origins (weight 0.05): This game is considered the most faithful to the basics and origin of the series. It appeals to those who appreciate the roots.

Other player notes:
- Super Famicom 1994 Original Release (weight 0.55): The game was originally released on the Super Famicom in December 1994 in Japan. It is frequently described as a classic SNES title from that era.
- Steam PC Port Available (weight 0.37): The game is now available as a standalone PC version on Steam. It is a port of the Super Famicom title with platform improvements.
- Never Released in West Until 2015 (weight 0.26): Despite being a Super Famicom title, it was never released in the US or given a proper English release until 2015. It took twenty years for the game to leave Japan.
- Comparisons to Other Games (weight 0.24): It has been compared to Super Mario World, Worms Armageddon's ninja rope, Getting Over It, Baba Is You, and others. These comparisons highlight its unique mechanics and difficulty.
- Quality-of-Life Steam Enhancements (weight 0.23): The Steam version adds practice mode, quick reset, leaderboards, and reduced processing lag. It also includes quality-of-life features not present in the original.
- Origin of Umihara Kawase Series (weight 0.22): This is the first game in the Umihara Kawase series and the most faithful to the basics. Other series entries are also available on Steam.
- Steam Workshop Replay Sharing (weight 0.2): The Steam version supports Workshop integration for saving and sharing replays. Players can view replays from others via the Workshop.
- High Difficulty and Challenge (weight 0.2): The game is known for its high difficulty and unforgiving nature, comparable to the Pantheon of Hallownest in Hollow Knight or Sekiro. Only 5% of players reached an ending according to achievement data.
- Port Quality and Features (weight 0.18): The port itself is fairly basic but decent, with no issues. It includes a level select feature and practice mode.
- Physics Engine Praised (weight 0.17): The physics engine is impressive for the SNES and has been compared favorably to Half-Life. It is highlighted as genius programming.
- Graphics and Art Style (weight 0.16): The graphics are retro, with a unique surreal art style mixing monochromatic photographs and colorful platforms. The visual theme includes water locales and oversized aquatic animals.
- Content and Playtime (weight 0.16): The game offers quite a lot of content for an old Super Famicom game, enough to keep you busy. It took 15 hours to 100% and full achievement completion may take around 1000 hours, but most achievements can be done in about 50 hours.
- Controls and Gamepad Support (weight 0.16): The game supports controllers and gamepad key rebinding. Using a Logitech F310 or a Super Famicom-shaped pad resolves control issues.
- Niche and Underrated (weight 0.16): The game is aimed at a very specific market and is highly underrated. It doesn't look like much from the screenshots but is a hidden gem.
- Old Game Over 20 Years (weight 0.15): The game is over 20 years old, with some noting it is 31 years old. It comes from the 90s console era.
- Soundtrack Cheerful and Catchy (weight 0.15): The soundtrack is cheerful and enjoyable, with few but catchy themes. The Steam version only contains original songs, not the DS remixes.
- Price and Value (weight 0.15): The game often goes on sale for a low price, and buying this version helps support the creation of more Umihara Kawase games. It is priced similarly to other series entries on Steam.
- Story and Presentation (weight 0.14): The story is minimal, and the game has no credits. It has cutscenes that give tips, but lacks the original SNES physical manual.
- Speedrunning and Replays (weight 0.12): The game has a lot of speedrunning potential and speedruns are very entertaining to watch. There are many super play videos online.
- Achievements and Completion (weight 0.12): The game features achievements, including one for using the 5-minute cheat code. An achievement for catching all fish types may be impossible to complete.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.27): Players are frustrated by punishing design choices: relentless enemy spawns, unforgiving platforming, and tedious boss fights that often end runs unfairly. The lack of checkpoints, limited lives, and no continue feature compound the difficulty, making progress feel impossible. Controls like the grappling hook feel awkward, and random enemy placement leads to cheap deaths.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.1): Satisfaction comes from mastering the game's unique physics and grappling mechanics, turning seemingly impossible levels into feasible challenges. Completing the game, especially 100%, and discovering shortcuts provide a strong sense of accomplishment. The hard-but-fair difficulty and practice mode allow players to see tangible improvement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Enjoyment stems from the fun and rewarding grappling hook mechanics, which offer a unique and engaging gameplay experience. Players appreciate the high replay value, secret passages, and the satisfying learning curve of the fishing line. The game is challenging yet fun, especially once controls are mastered.
- Appreciation (weight 0.07): Appreciation focuses on the game's inventive mechanics, charming art, and music that create a unique vibe. Players value the nuanced simplicity of the grappling hook and the fair difficulty that encourages mastery. The Steam re-release with practice mode, leaderboards, and Workshop support is also highly regarded.
- Disappointment (weight 0.06): Disappointment arises from thin story, bad boss fights, and terrible enemy spawn systems that detract from an otherwise great game. The game's departure from the series' roots and technical issues like BGM problems also contribute. Many feel the game is overlooked and its flaws prevent it from reaching its potential.
- Love (weight 0.05): Love is driven by the game's precise platforming, tough-but-fair difficulty, and the satisfying grappling mechanic that creates a warm, calming atmosphere. Fans consider it a top platformer with tight controls and exceptional level design. The quirky artwork and laidback vibe enhance the overall experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.04): Excitement comes from the infinite learning curve of the fishing rod, with always new techniques to discover and master. The challenging trials and stunts, along with the series finally arriving on Steam, generate enthusiasm. Players are eager to explore the depth of mechanics.
- Fun (weight 0.03): Fun is derived from the unique wire action and branching paths that reward exploration and mastery. The game is simple but nuanced, offering tough yet enjoyable gameplay with high replayability. Practice mode and challenging mechanics keep it engaging.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Admiration centers on the game's best-in-class grappling mechanics and balanced, challenging gameplay that remains impressive decades later. The unique fishing rod mechanic is well-implemented and central to the experience. It is considered one of the greatest games ever made.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is fueled by the game's depth and freedom of movement with the fishing rod, along with Steam features like achievements, leaderboards, and Workshop support. Players appreciate the replay sharing and community aspects. The mechanics offer endless possibilities.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike is primarily due to frustrating boss fights, especially the crab, and some poorly designed floors. These elements detract from the overall experience. The specific criticisms highlight areas where the game falters.
- Stress (weight 0.01): Stress arises from the immense challenge of 100% completion, comparable to the toughest sections of other hard games. Input errors with certain controllers add to the tension. The pressure to master every aspect is intense.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.01): Nostalgia is evoked by retro graphics and chiptune music that bring back childhood memories. The classic feel of the game resonates with players who grew up with it. It creates a strong emotional connection to the past.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy is experienced through the whimsical, innocent, and charming atmosphere of the game. The addition of real English menus also brings happiness. The overall lighthearted presentation uplifts players.
- Lack of motivation (weight 0.01): Lack of motivation stems from random monster generation, extensive level replay across multiple routes, and life limits that make finishing the game feel like a chore. The repetition and unpredictability reduce the desire to complete it. The grind outweighs the reward for some.
- Hate (weight 0.01): Hate is driven by RNG enemy spam, all-or-nothing gameplay, janky hitboxes, and tedious boss fights. These elements create intense frustration and unfairness. The combination makes the game unbearable for some players.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from the absence of music, leaving players unsure if it's a bug or intentional. This uncertainty disrupts the experience. The lack of audio cues is puzzling.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is specifically directed at the tadpole king enemy, which provokes strong negative reactions. This enemy's design or behavior is particularly infuriating. It stands out as a major pain point.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom results from the tadpole boss fight being a long and tedious waiting game. The lack of engagement makes it a dull experience. Players find it a chore to endure.
- Thrill (weight 0.01): Thrill comes from the exhilarating feeling of hooking a platform and swinging to safety. The dynamic movement creates a rush of excitement. It's a core part of the game's appeal.}