A Route Up

A Route Up

A Route Up is a vertical 2D platformer where you descend into a deep pit, collect the loot at the bottom, then race back to the surface using deployable ladders and the terrain you scouted on the way down — all while enemies pour in from above to stop you.

Controls

W / S — Climb up and down ladders 

A / D — Move left and right 

Space — Jump, wall jump, double jump 

Left Click — Deploy ladder at cursor position

E — Interact with loot and the dropship

The Ladders

The ladder is the defining mechanic of the game. You deploy them on the way down to leave "A Route Up". Ladder count is limited per level, so placement matters. You cannot deploy new ladders on the way back up.

The Movement

The player can run, jump, double jump, wall slide and wall jump. Tap jump for a short hop or hold it for a full jump. Chain wall jumps and double jumps together with the placed ladders on the way down to climb up nice and quickly.

The Enemies

THE SNAKE:

The snake is a blocker style enemy hat flies in from off-screen and positions itself above the player to cut off climbing routes.  Once its above the player it waits before repositioning above the player again.  It deals contact damage so they are best avoided.

THE FERRET:

The ferret hovers above the player and fires projectiles downward.  It flies using its awesome propellor hat and throws its lollipop down at the player causing projectile damage. They will group up and fly above the player with the rotation style of a helicopter.

Both enemies spawn only after the loot at the bottom is collected, so the descent is clear and the pressure only begins on the way back up.

Auto Shooting

The player automatically aims and throws its pickaxe at the nearest enemy within range. This lets you focus entirely on platforming and ladder placement without manual aiming.

The Timer and Start

Interacting with the caution tape gate at the start of each level begins a timer displayed in the top-left of the screen.  The timer stops when you climb back up to the dropship at the top with the loot. The levels in the main menu unlock as you complete them.