Ladders are a key part of our lives, even if we don’t recognize it at first. They have helped us reach high places of all types, and many things wouldn’t have been made without them. So, the team at Buck Games decided to “honor” the ladder…by making an entire 2D Platformer about them called Ladder Lad! Yes. Really. This is a physics-testing precision platformer where you’ll need to make your way through numerous levels with nothing but a ladder to help you! Do you think you can “climb the ranks to victory?” If so, check out the full synopsis of the game below, along with its announcement trailer!

“In a world that has forgotten how to jump, ladders have become the only means of upward mobility. As the titular Lad, scale a whimsical ladder-shaped tower with nothing more than a personal ladder and a healthy serving of creative climbing. 

In the Lad’s capable hands, a ladder can do so much more: bridge gaps, pole-vault into the air, bounce on it like a pogo stick, ride it like a sled… if it comes to mind, it’s worth a try! In this vertical adventure, platforming staples transform into new surprises ripe for experimentation.

Physics-based chaos and slapstick comedy collide in a world seemingly built to torture our poor, sweet Lad. Master the ladder’s intuitive tilting control scheme to triumph over each trial. Precariously balance at the top to suck in the sweet, sweet oxygen above toxic plumes. Dodge a variety of deadly projectiles by ascending (or descending) at juuuust the right moment.” 

…as gamers who have dealt with precision platformers before…yeah, this feels right up that genre’s alley. But, you have to give credit to the dev team for coming up with unique ways to make the ladder mechanic feel fresh beyond just having it. There will be ways to “power up” said ladder and give you even greater mobility across the stage.

As of right now, the game is confirmed to be coming to Steam and Nintendo Switch next year.