Pink River is a free action video game wherein you have to survive on a raft that you can’t steer. Developed by kebabskal and ragewag0n for the GMTK Game Jam 2020 with the theme “Out of Control”, this unique endless platformer game puts you in a deadly river that you must traverse with only a rebuildable raft. The endlessly-generating level design, audio, and numerous obstacles make for a solid fun experience despite some drawbacks.

A unique gameplay

Pink River starts with your character on a closed-off pier—the title and simple controls splayed on the screen and already allowing you to try them out right there. The game starts as soon as you step on the small raft made up of 7 connected blocks. You can pick these up and rearrange them however you like, letting you create cool platform designs. However, the river can kill you in seconds if you fall over.

Not only that but you can’t just design away. As the currents control your raft’s movement, you’ll encounter different obstacles that can destroy the blocks, such as rocks and bombs. You need to move the blocks around to not lose them and to also catch extra blocks in the river. There’s even collectible diamonds and hearts—which you’ll need whenever you get hit by the merfolk’s acidic spit. These enemies will shoot while you’re in range. 

The goal is to simply go as far as you can and not die. For the keyboard, the controls are W, A, S, and D for movement, Spacebar or Z to jump, and X or Ctrl to pick up and put down the targeted blocks. Unfortunately, you can’t remap these for better placement so using a console controller is much better. Collecting diamonds also doesn’t mean much and your final score doesn’t even show up.

Seems unfinished

Overall, Pink River can be highly addictive with its unique gameplay mechanics. Add in its cutesy pixel art and nice sound design and it’s a great endless platformer. However, the keyboard isn’t the best controller for it and it could use some more improvements, like adding a shop or such for the collected diamonds so you’ll have a good reason to risk reaching out for them.