We’re thrilled to bring you a hands-on review of "Which Way Up: Galaxy Games" by Turtle Flip Studio. I recently had the chance to chat with the minds behind the game, so let’s dive into what we discovered.
PS4Blog: Good morning! Thanks for stopping by to chat with us. Can you start by sharing a bit about yourself and your role?
Hello there! I’m Nick Cellini, the director at Turtle Flip Studio, an up-and-coming game dev company based out of Australia. Thanks to a grant from Screen Australia, we managed to breathe life into our very first project—Which Way Up: Galaxy Games. It’s a wild, wacky multiplayer party game that plays around with gravity, and it’s set to debut on March 27!
I have a long history with games and interactive media, clocking over 15 years in programming and design. Launching my own studio and seeing a game through from just an idea to its console release has been a thrilling, gravity-defying journey, in more ways than one!
PS4B: Exciting! Now that Which Way Up: Galaxy Games is all set for its launch on Nintendo Switch, how would you describe it to newbies?
Picture this: a couch multiplayer party game where gravity plays tricks on you, inspired by the classic mechanics of Super Mario Galaxy from back in 2007. Which Way Up turns that topsy-turvy concept into a frenetic and fun experience. Players race around various mini-games and arenas, getting their share of chaotic, gravity-defying antics.
It’s the kind of game that’s simple to pick up and promises a lot of laughs. You might find yourself racing to escape from a black hole, snagging comets for points, or frantically passing a bomb around after chasing it across planets. It’s perfect for igniting playful rivalries at game nights or just plain chaotic shouting as you figure out which way is up in space.
PS4B: Let’s talk evolution. How different is the final version from the demo showcased during your Kickstarter campaign?
The demo remains available for those wanting a first taste before purchase. It features six out of our twelve Galaxy Games and five of the seven playable characters. Plus, there’s a hint of the single-player missions, giving you a feel for the characters and the universe’s quirky charm.
Come March 27, the full version will hit, featuring the complete dozen Galaxy Games, including six fresh mini-games absent from the demo. You’ve got challenges like Hole In One, where you’re shooting golf balls through shifting gravity fields, and Puff Panic, where you dodge fireballs during a dragon’s tantrum. There’s also Bumper Stars, where you and your friends slam into each other trying to evade a furnace-star’s pull.
PS4B: What’s next for Turtle Flip Studio after this big launch? Surely, a well-deserved break is in order—or are you already plotting the next big thing?
After pouring everything into getting this game out the door, our team does plan to take a short breather. This project has been our heart and soul, and we’re eager to see players interact and have fun with it. Observing other players laugh and hurl each other into the cosmic void is exactly what we’ve dreamed of.
Looking forward, we have a few sparks of inspiration. Our cosmic characters have grown near and dear to us, and we’d love to explore more adventures in their universe. Though we’re thinking of something different—a single-player setup centered on mining and building, perhaps? It’s still the brainstorm stage, but there’s potential, and we already have one character earmarked—Spark.
For now, we’ll soak in the excitement of launch day, enjoy the ensuing party game chaos, and maybe catch up on some much-needed sleep.
PS4B: Any plans for future updates, like adding new characters or mini-games to the lineup?
We’d absolutely love to expand the game with new characters or mini-games, and perhaps introduce some charming customization options. We’re keen to hear player feedback post-launch, hoping to continue evolving our game if possible.
PS4B: Lastly, will Which Way Up feature bots to fill in during multiplayer sessions?
We grappled with the idea of adding bots, but with twelve varying Galaxy Games, each requiring a unique bot setup, it was no small feat. Instead, we concentrated on delivering a nostalgic, local multiplayer experience perfect for family and friends.
PS4B: Thanks for your time! Anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to say thanks for having me! We’re looking forward to seeing how players take to "Which Way Up: Galaxy Games."
