Shift Happens, developed by Klonk Games, is a cooperative-focused platformer that blends clever puzzle mechanics with lighthearted visuals and a quirky personality. At its core, the game explores a simple but highly effective concept: two gelatinous characters—Bismo and Plom—can shift mass between each other, changing their size, weight, and abilities in the process. This unique mechanic becomes the foundation for a wide variety of puzzles and challenges, offering a satisfying blend of teamwork, timing, and trial-and-error. While it can be played solo, Shift Happens shines brightest as a local or online co-op experience, delivering moments of collaboration, chaos, and plenty of laughter.

The game begins by introducing the two protagonists, who escape from a science lab and embark on a journey through a series of creatively themed environments. These include industrial zones, forests, caverns, and laboratories, each with their own visual style and mechanical quirks. The environments are colorful, cartoony, and full of charm, providing a pleasing backdrop for the increasingly tricky puzzles. The level design gradually ramps up in complexity, introducing new obstacles, traps, and environmental features that build on what the player has previously learned, creating a satisfying progression curve.

Gameplay centers around the core “shift” mechanic. At any time, Bismo and Plom can trade size and weight, with one becoming large and heavy while the other becomes small and light. This dynamic changes how each character interacts with the environment—heavy characters can activate pressure plates, break through weak floors, or throw their smaller partner across gaps, while small characters can jump higher, fit through tight spaces, or be launched across distances. These abilities are used in tandem to solve puzzles that require precise coordination and communication, particularly in co-op mode. The clever level design consistently makes use of this mechanic in new and engaging ways, preventing the gameplay from becoming stale.

Co-op is where Shift Happens truly comes into its own. Whether played locally or online, the game demands collaboration in nearly every moment. Many puzzles cannot be solved without timing actions together, handing off objects, or shifting mass at the right instant. This makes for an incredibly engaging two-player experience, filled with opportunities for cooperation but also plenty of room for hilarious mishaps. Accidentally dropping your partner into lava or launching them into spikes becomes part of the fun, and the game never punishes failure too harshly. Instead, quick respawns and accessible checkpoints keep the pace light and fun, even in trickier levels.

While solo play is possible, it is a noticeably more challenging and slower experience. The player must control both characters, either by switching between them or manipulating them in tandem. This setup removes the organic communication and improvisation that make co-op gameplay so enjoyable. That said, the puzzles are still well-designed for solo mode, and the controls are responsive enough to make character switching feel manageable. However, it’s clear the game was designed first and foremost for cooperative play, and solo players may find certain sections more frustrating than rewarding.

Visually, the game is bright and clean, with a cartoon aesthetic that fits its playful tone. The character animations are fluid, and their expressive movements add personality to their otherwise minimalist designs. The environments are detailed without being distracting, and small visual cues help guide players toward objectives or hint at puzzle solutions. The UI is simple and effective, and the screen never feels cluttered, even during complex sequences. The soundtrack is cheerful and unobtrusive, providing a pleasant background to the action without overshadowing it. Sound effects, particularly the squishy thuds and splashes of the gelatinous heroes, reinforce the game’s bouncy, upbeat vibe.

A point of strength is the game’s length and content offering. With over 40 levels spanning different biomes, including secret areas and bonus challenges, Shift Happens delivers several hours of solid gameplay. There’s also a collectible system in place: coins are scattered throughout each level, some in obvious places and others hidden behind clever tricks or demanding platforming sections. These encourage replayability, especially for completionists or those who enjoy testing their skills under time constraints. Additionally, challenge modes provide even more demanding versions of levels, extending the game’s lifespan for more experienced players.

Despite its many positives, Shift Happens isn’t without flaws. The difficulty curve can feel inconsistent, with occasional spikes in challenge that might frustrate players not expecting precise timing or split-second coordination. A few puzzles rely on mechanics that aren’t introduced clearly, leading to brief moments of confusion. There’s also limited variation in enemy types or interactive hazards, which means that some areas rely more heavily on platforming dexterity rather than evolving puzzle complexity. However, these are relatively minor criticisms in a game that otherwise offers such a tight, imaginative, and cooperative-driven experience.

In summary, Shift Happens is a joyful and inventive puzzle platformer that stands out for its unique shifting mechanic and its emphasis on cooperative play. It successfully blends thoughtful level design with slapstick charm, making it a fantastic pick for friends, partners, or family members looking for a game to tackle together. While solo players can still enjoy the challenge, the game is undoubtedly at its best when two people are working—and often laughing—side by side. It’s a hidden gem in the co-op platforming space, one that proves collaboration can be as fun as it is chaotic.

Rating: 8/10

a fun game for two, funny emotions, and cool levels. you can have fun