It’s all in the name as “Heave Ho” is a fun couch co-op game for you and your friends to take a grasp at! Published by Digital Devolver and developed by Le Cartel Studios, Heave Ho is best experienced with friends on a Friday night to get the evening started as its compliments many other party games that are up there like Pummel Party or even smash bros.

Heave Ho’s simple premise is “Don’t Fall to your Death!” This task is easier to say than it is to do, as it is up to you and up-to four players to reach the relative safety of the checkered flag.

Gravity isn’t your only enemy, with spikes, drills and even sometimes your own teammates need to be overcome in order to swing your way to safety. Teamwork is the key, but luck can play a big part more often than not.

This wacky game brings a unique look and feel, from its variety of costumes and quirky looks for your character with token that can be obtained in the game to unlock more customisation.

As the art style kind of reminds me of Super Mario Bros along the large variety of levels that are available for you and your friends to overcome. Not to mention included is a pleasant background music that helps you maintain your focus in those tense situations that does not hinder your tempo.

It is highly recommended and best enjoyed and experienced with controllers the game can be played with a keyboard but sadly controls cannot be customised in game but playing with a keyboard adds a significant challenge with it takes you away from the full experience and movement of the game’s mechanics compared to using a controller.

Supporting up to Four players with the option to play solo, the game is best optimised for four players as playing solo may be challenging, it’s not as fun as it would with friends.

Without online capabilities the game is restricted to a couch co-op setting and is definitely best suited or a group to play together at a party or just catch up with friends, but if you do decide to play solo you will be challenged. Overall Heave Ho is a perfectly simple couch co-op game enjoyed with friends and others alike.

For developers Le Cartel Studio, this is a different direction for them as their previous game Mother Russia Bleeds was such an Ultraviolet blood-soaked in-depth game. As Heave Ho makes a complete 180 showing that Le Cartel Studios has the capability to make a variety of games with all manner of play styles.

Get Heave Ho on Steam

Written by: Simon Hayward