Every now and then, a peculiar game emerges that somehow captures the attention of thousands, even if it does not receive acclaim from critics. Such is the case with "Only Up!," a low-budget indie game that has become a Twitch sensation, despite not impressing Steam users with its mixed reviews. 

So what makes this game so intriguing for many? Well, apart from the strangeness that many gamers are captivated by, the game also promotes the controversial world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

With hundreds of thousands of views on Twitch, "Only Up!" has become a favorite among streamers. Leading the pack is Twitch star xQc, who recently made headlines for signing a whopping $100 million deal with the streaming platform Kick.

(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
An illustration picture taken in London on December 30, 2021, shows gold plated souvenir cryptocurrency coins arranged beside a screen displaying a NFT (Non-Fungible Token) marketplace.

A Brief Overview of 'Only Up!'

The game is simple and straight to the point. Players take on the role of Jackie, a character determined to escape the poverty of a slum. Inspired by the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk, Jackie embarks on a perilous journey, climbing an otherworldly structure made of railway tracks, floating islands, and even fruit slices.

"The world has definitely gone crazy, though it has never been normal, but maybe now is the chance for you," proclaims the game's Steam page. "Crisis is a time for action and decisive steps... except it's scary because every step can set you back far. Sometimes it is difficult to choose the right path, but do not be afraid, you can always repeat, we learn from mistakes."

From a mechanical standpoint, "Only Up!" is a straight-to-the-point platformer. Players navigate in the third person, using only basic movements such as walking, running, and jumping onto objects.

One aspect that keeps gamers behind the screen is that your character cannot die. Even if you fall from great heights, you will lose progress but retain your life.

However, the game does suffer from some noticeable glitches, including clipping errors, and the voice acting leaves much to be desired. On Steam, "Only Up!" has received a mixed reception, with only 65% of user reviews being positive. 

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The Game's NFTs 

Aside from its tendency to run roughly, integrating NFTs has displeased players. Although you do not directly buy NFTs within the game itself, you will notice images from the Goblintown NFT series scattered throughout the game world.

Additionally, the title "Only Up!" appears to be a play on Up Only, a well-known phrase in the NFT realm, which was previously the title of a popular NFT-related podcast. Notably, the NFT app Floor recently introduced a feature called Up Only mode.

The player character's jacket also bears the Goblintown logo on the back, with the name emblazoned across the front, albeit not easily discernible. Interestingly, players can also equip a Goblintown mask at the start of the game.

While "Only Up!" might not have achieved critical acclaim or satisfied all gamers on Steam, it has struck a chord with Twitch viewers drawn to its peculiar blend of climbing mechanics and bizarre narrative elements.

Whether it is the allure of witnessing xQc navigate this quirky world or the curiosity surrounding its subtle promotion of NFTs, the game has managed to capture the attention of thousands.

Only time will tell if "Only Up!" will continue to rise or fade into obscurity like the floating islands within its virtual world.

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