Bottomless is a free pixelated action-platformer video game that lets you explore a treacherous system of deep caverns to unlock a mysterious machine found in the depths of Antarctica. Developed by Raffaele Picca, this side-scrolling strategic platformer makes you use ice-climbing controls to traverse the cliffs of the underground caves. This game has full controller support if you find the keyboard and mouse controls restricting.

Tread carefully

Bottomless is pretty straightforward in its gameplay. You have to collect nine glowing artifact keys to power up the large and ancient machine you’ve found in your exploration above-ground. These keys are scattered throughout a deep cave system that requires careful spelunking. Once you collect one, you have to go back to your base to proceed, but this thankfully resets your oxygen timer and replenishes your health and flares. 

There are two game modes available: Normal Mode and Exploration Mode. The first one has a timer and has the usual fall damage, while the second has no time limit and reduces the fall damage. Other than that, the two are the same, and you need to be clever in how you explore to retrieve each key safely. You can’t climb all cliff surfaces, so you’ll need to use your rope gun often.

After choosing a mode, there are two accessible areas: Start, to the right and bottom, and Tutorial, to the left. It’s best to practice with the controls as you can all-too-easily let go of your hold and take damage—or fall into a bottomless pit and die. The ropes are fortunately endless, but you need to conserve your three flares for the darker sections. Using the mouse to peek at certain directions is highly recommended, too.

Hard to finish

Overall, Bottomless is a challenging platformer game, making good use of climbing mechanics and the reality of exploring places with little oxygen. It has beautiful 2D pixel art and nice sound effects. However, many of its issues have to do with the tricky controls. Sometimes, switching from holding the rope to climbing a wall doesn’t work because you’re underneath the edge and can’t reach it. There are also no customizable settings.