[PREVIEW] Egging On is egg-cracking masterpiece

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Developers often make their games sound perfect in interviews, showcasing features that promise to hook you instantly. Egging On is the exact opposite. If you enjoy hurling objects around you in rage, embracing frustration, or just enjoy playing games like Chained Together or Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, then Egging On might just be your perfect match.

Who knew being an egg could be so tough? Certainly not me, and Egging On proves it. You’re tiny, delicate, and a single misstep can spell doom. Thankfully, the game offers a bit of mercy; you won’t crack from just any tiny fall, which prevents it from being utterly infuriating. I dove into the Steam Next Fest demo’s first level, and let’s just say the Hen House was a brutal introduction to the game’s difficulty.

What a fantastic introduction to the game

Egging On nails its physics, truly mimicking a real egg. You’ll roll, and that roll isn’t just for show; it’s a dynamic force that can send you tumbling off platforms, cause unpredictable movements, or even trick you into a misstep. Yet, this very same rolling motion is your key to incredible jumps if you jump from its tip, propelling you to much higher places. It’s not a simple hop, though, mastering this mechanic requires strategic movement and precise timing.

The game clearly encourages speedrunning, even offering shortcut platforms for those daring jumps. However, there’s a significant risk of plummeting straight back to the start. Thankfully, the game addresses this by letting you choose your preferred playstyle: you can toggle checkpoints on or off. I highly recommend keeping them on. The moment I realized I was heading back to the beginning after a fall, I rage quit. Seriously, who wants to climb all the way back up?

Developers weren’t joking when they described Egging On as “hard to master but cute to play.” This paradox perfectly described the experience. Visually, the game is stunning, boasting amazing graphics, details, and top-notch perspective. The lighting is good too, and you can even adjust your FOV by zooming out with the mouse, making it accessible. Yet, beneath this charming exterior lies a deeply frustrating challenge.

Speedrunners have something to look forward to

One element truly stood out – the voice acting. A charming and silly narrator accompanies you on your climb through the house, a fantastic addition that really ugraded the experience. Beyond the frustrating “Hen House” area, there’s also a playground tutorial zone, perfect for honing your skills and mastering the unique physics. The main level itself was packed with various skins, Easter eggs, and hidden spots, ensuring there was always plenty to discover while moving.

What genre is this? Definitely a precision platformer, but it also dips into a subtle psychological horror. This isn’t about jump scares; it’s a game that relentlessly challenges your skill, precision, and mental fortitude, pushing your patience to its limits. Prepare to rage. Honestly, who knew letting out that frustration could feel so good?

It was a blast while it lasted, frustrating, yes, but undeniably fun. If this sounds like your kind of challenge, you’re definitely in for an experience. The Steam Next Fest offers a perfect opportunity to try out this title now before its full release in August. And hey, if you’re a speedrunner looking for your next big challenge, you’ve found it.