Hang There Review

A well-implemented grappling hook can make nearly any game a satisfying time. However, it all depends on how good it feels to swing around. It doesn't matter how ho-hum Hang There‘s visuals are or how great its music is. It disappoints because swinging around just doesn't feel very good.

In Hang There, players control a square tied to a chain as it grapples from block to block to escape a deadly wall of spikes. The endless path is always changing, but in fairly slight ways. Sometimes grapple points start flowing in faster, sometimes they start moving, and sometimes obstacles try to obstruct players mid-swing. After every ten successful swings the room changes, and players can start from their previous high score if they die. It's a simple setup, but as a showcase for an enjoyable, addictive grappling system it works just fine in theory.

However, that system fails to uphold its end of the bargain. Players might be misled by the tutorial to believe that swinging is accomplished by alternating button presses. However, to really gain momentum players hold their finger on the screen and swipe back and forth. Letting go releases the grapple and touching the next target attaches the square. Players must be in range though, so letting go at the right moment is crucial. It's an awkward, jerky system that requires an unnecessary amount of repetitive hand movement, making it difficult to settle into an easy rhythm. Plus, the transition from swinging to attaching never feels smooth or purposeful.

Hang There‘s visuals also add to its haphazard state. The retro graphics are sparse, dull, and aside from a few cool Middle Eastern touches presumably due to the developer's Moroccan background, devoid of personality. Compared the excellent, peppy, and catchy retro music, it's a really sharp contrast. Again, Hang There‘s mixed presentation could be forgiven if its swinging was satisfying, but it isn't. It's a swing and a miss.