Roguelikes and roguelites tend to have an urgency to them, the ever-constant threat of a failed run, trying to make that extra progress to reach an item that will assist in future attempts. Up to Par counters this sense of urgency with a relaxing package, its visuals akin to a picturesque home, its relaxing soundtrack floating along as you take your next shot. Up to Par is an example of a relaxing roguelite, and it’s a stroke of brilliance.
Up to Par is the third title from NZ indie studio, It’s Anecdotal. A roguelite minigolf where players make their way through six-hole courses, each having a par of three shots. If you can stay under par, these shots can then be banked for the next, usually harder hole. The very clever thing about Up to Par is that these banked shots are also currency. At the end of each course, these banked shots can be used to unlock one-time consumables or permanent upgrades. However, if you run out of shots at any point, the run is over.
The moment to moment strategy is present in each calculated swing, along with an added strategic layer on whether these leftover shots should be banked or spent on unlockables. Either choice helps in the long run, helping future attempts with items such as extra consumable slots or permanent modifiers such as no out of bonds penalty.
Each course is randomly generated, changing in design, theme, and obstacles, although over time, these changes do not vary greatly after multiple runs. Throughout Up to Par, reaching a certain hole for the first time will unlock obstacles such as bumps or a pond; these will then be added to the future course rotation.
The very clever thing about Up to Par is that these banked shots are also currency
This progression loop is where Up to Par sets itself apart. Traditionally, as you progress throughout a roguelite, learning the ins and outs of the game’s progression loop, items tend to make your journey through the early stages easier. This isn’t the case with Up to Par, offering an approach I couldn’t say I’d seen before. As you progress through Up to Par unlocking obstacles or new course themes, these obstacles are added to familiar starting levels, making them harder than before. As I got better at the game, the game grew with me. Adding hills to a course that I was comfortable with, adding open bridges to a suspiciously easy water level, completely changing my course strategy.
This progression mechanic is something new and provides an evolving challenge. As you progress, new things are added into the mix, always keeping players on their toes in a unique, innovative way outside of the normal expected roguelite progression. However, despite the innovative take on progression, I can’t help but feel I am being pushed back further than I’d like for doing well. The more I unlocked, the more daunting it became to reach the same point in a run.
Up to Par’s core gameplay is simple to pickup; everyone knows mini golf. People who don’t play video games know mini golf, and it’s exactly what you’d expect here. Gameplay is easily digestible in runs, and it’s very addicting. Getting through holes with a shot to spare feels great and literally keeps the ball rolling.
Up to Par is very polished, from its gameplay design to its satisfying transitions; no major bugs were found throughout my time with the game. Throughout the games later stages, holes do pick up in difficulty and have harsh consequences from even one misplaced shot. This encourages experimentation with pickups and careful management of leftover shots and consumables to truly get ahead and make new ground.
Up to Par is very polished, from its gameplay design to its satisfying transitions
Up to Par offers various multiplayer features, such as local co-op or versus, providing players with the option to battle it out or try and set a new record together in a run. A weekly challenge is also available, offering a set of courses where the whole community can compete on a leaderboard. These options add even more longevity to Up to Par and provide another layer of great competition.
Visually, Up to Par adopts a minimalist aesthetic; as founder Philip Buchanan described in our interview, Up to Par is a game where a screenshot can be taken at any time, and they really do look great. Up to Par’s look is pleasing, calming, and really helps you embrace the easygoing nature of a mini golf round. The same can be said for Up to Par’s soundtrack, music is comforting and provides a great backdrop that accentuates the feeling of calm. Melodies build as these courses progress, but never in a way to give a sense of unwanted stress.
Roguelites have an almost unending replayability, not defined by its content and completion but more when a person is done and feels a personal satisfaction. Up to Par does have a defined end without explicitly saying; there’s a completion list that ticks up as you unlock each course, obstacle, and consumable. However, despite the theoretical end goal, it will take players a fair amount of time to reach this conclusion.
Pros
- Beautiful polished visuals
- Simple and addicting gameplay
Cons
- The progression mechanic can feel like a punishment for doing well
Up to Par is a relaxing roguelite that is accentuated by its thoughtful, polished visuals and pleasing soundtrack. An addicting gameplay loop that builds in challenge with the players own skill level is a nice touch that elevates Up to Par beyond expected progression norms. Up to Par is a pleasing swing at the roguelite genre.
A review copy was provided by It’s Anecdotal. Up to Par is available now on Steam.
