Chimp! is a single-player 2D platformer developed for PC by EASTPIXEL Software. The game follows a monkey determined to open his own hair salon, which requires gathering gold locked behind doors that only keys can open. Those keys sit under the watch of whimsical and absurd animal enemies, and the monkey defeats them by locating and throwing bananas. The full experience spans 50 levels built around this core loop of platforming, enemy encounters, and key collection.
Gameplay
The central action revolves around precise platforming combined with projectile combat. Players guide the monkey through side-scrolling stages, jumping across platforms while searching for bananas to hurl at the guarding animals. Each successful throw clears a path toward the keys needed to progress. The levels emphasize straightforward navigation and timing, with enemies placed to interrupt direct routes and encourage exploration for ammunition. The retro-inspired design draws from classic NES-era platformers, resulting in tight controls and pixel-art visuals that keep the focus on movement and timing rather than complex systems.
Progression ties directly to the story beats. Collecting gold serves as the ultimate goal in each stage, but reaching it demands clearing animal guardians first. The whimsical enemy designs add personality without altering the fundamental challenge of locating resources and executing throws accurately. With 50 levels planned, the structure supports steady advancement through increasingly inventive arrangements of platforms and opponents.
Game Modes
Chimp! operates exclusively in single-player mode. There are no additional multiplayer options, co-op features, or alternate competitive formats confirmed at this stage. The entire campaign unfolds as a solo journey through the 50 levels, allowing uninterrupted focus on mastering the platforming and banana-throwing mechanics. This setup suits players who prefer a self-paced experience without external competition or shared objectives.
Story and Setting
The narrative centers on the monkey's straightforward ambition to own a hair salon. Gold represents the necessary currency, yet it remains inaccessible until keys are obtained. Those keys, in turn, require defeating the quirky animal sentries that protect them. Bananas serve as the sole tool for overcoming these obstacles, creating a direct connection between resource gathering and combat. The 50 levels advance this premise through varied stage layouts that gradually introduce new platforming challenges while maintaining the same core objective of key retrieval and gold collection.
Development comes from EASTPIXEL Software, a studio focused on NES-style video games. Christian handled the concept, programming, and graphics, while Radu Prado composed the sound effects and music. This background informs the game's visual and audio presentation, which aims for a clean, retro aesthetic paired with fitting chiptune-inspired audio.
Current State and Availability
The game remains in development with a planned release date of February 18, 2027. A playable demo is scheduled to arrive soon, giving interested players an early look at the platforming and combat loop before the full 50-level campaign launches. System requirements stay modest, supporting Windows and SteamOS/Linux setups with basic hardware. Single-player and family sharing features are listed, aligning with the solo-focused design.
Is It Worth Playing?
Chimp! targets fans of classic 2D platformers who enjoy simple, self-contained challenges built around movement and resource management. The quirky premise of a monkey pursuing a hair salon through banana-based combat provides light narrative flavor without complicating the action. Because the title has not yet released, no player reviews or aggregate ratings exist to reference. Those drawn to retro-inspired single-player experiences with short, focused levels may find value once the demo becomes available and the full version launches. The absence of multiplayer keeps the experience streamlined for individual play sessions.