Not Drowning But Flexing: GIRP

Suddenly everywhere today: this brilliant but monstrous physics game about rock-climbing, drowning and muscle-flexing. Indie browser game/punishment GIRP is vaguely akin to sleepy mobile puzzle title Ancient Frog (itself now on PC too), but driven by desperation, confusion, horror and something that feels like genuine physical exhaustion. Clever. Tight. Panic-inducing. Sportsmanlike nonetheless.

If you played one-man dev Dr Bennett Fodder's earlier game, the legendarily cruel/comedic QWOP, you'll have at least some idea of what you're in for. The most exceptional twist is how it uses the keyboard, just how well the many keys of that sturdy plastic plank fit a rock-climbing concept.

Ah, I should stop there. GIRP is far better played than read about, to be honest. This is something to be experienced, not dissected. Be warned that it may take a little while to figure out, and a whole lot longer to achieve anything even slightly like mastery of. You'll be impressed and obsessed though, I suspect.

I'll see you back here shortly to hear about your score, once you've wiped the river of sweat from your brow.