Never Give Up (2019)

"Never Give Up (2019)" throws players into a brutally unforgiving yet surprisingly accommodating masocore, tough-as-nails groundhog day platformer. The core loop is simple: survive a level, or watch it respawn with even more devious obstacles. While its initial appearance might lead many to exclaim, "This game looks too hard," Massive Monster brilliantly counteracts this with a suite of player-empowering features. Whether it's the forgiving "Easy Mode" with checkpoints, the delightfully chaotic "Infinite Jump Mode" allowing players to float above danger, or the pragmatic "Give Up Button" to skip a particularly infuriating challenge, the game ensures that while it was designed to be difficult, players retain full control over just *how* difficult. This unique blend of unrelenting challenge and thoughtful accessibility truly embodies the spirit of its title, ensuring everyone has a chance to never give up. This title rightfully earns its place among the best games by Massive Monster due to its masterful execution of a challenging premise combined with the studio's signature wit and meticulous design. Beyond the core mechanic, "Never Give Up" offers a wealth of content: 6 unique worlds with boss battles, over 150 levels across 30 sets, 155 tempting collectible coins, and 30 hidden secret objects. Massive Monster's playful personality shines through with 21 unlockable outfits – perfect for looking "cute for your date with a buzzsaw" – and the persistent, humorous taunts from Egoraptor throughout the entire experience. Complete with speedrunning tools, leaderboards, and crucial accessibility options like button remapping and screenshake toggles, "Never Give Up" perfectly showcases Massive Monster's ability to craft a deeply engaging, personality-rich, and ultimately fair experience, proving their early prowess in creating unforgettable, polished, and challenging games that lay the groundwork for their later successes.