The Perilous Path of the Serpent: What Happens When You Ride the Snake in Getting Over It?
For those brave (or foolish) enough to venture into the treacherous world of Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, certain landmarks inspire immediate dread. One such landmark is the snake positioned tantalizingly close to a bucket, accompanied by a sign screaming “DO NOT RIDE SNAKE.” Ignoring this stark warning has a swift and unforgiving consequence: you are immediately, uncontrollably, and unceremoniously sent back to the very beginning of the game, right next to the serene, yet mocking, lake. Your painstaking progress, your near-misses, your hard-won inches – all vanish in an instant, leaving you to contemplate your hubris. It is, in essence, the ultimate punishment for impatience or recklessness in a game designed to test both patience and skill.
Understanding the Snake’s Significance
The snake in Getting Over It is more than just a cruel trap; it’s a symbolic representation of the game’s core philosophy. It’s a blatant, almost comical, warning against taking shortcuts or trying to exploit the game’s physics. The game consistently punishes such attempts, forcing players to learn from their mistakes and approach each obstacle with careful planning and precise execution. The “DO NOT RIDE SNAKE” sign isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a fundamental rule of engagement.
The game’s narrative, delivered through Bennett Foddy’s commentary, often touches on the nature of failure, persistence, and the acceptance of setbacks. The snake embodies this lesson perfectly. It’s a seemingly easy way to bypass a section, but it ultimately leads to a greater loss than any other individual mistake in the game. It teaches the player that sometimes the perceived easy way out is actually the most punishing path.
The Psychological Impact of the Snake
The emotional toll of being sent back to the beginning by the snake is significant. After hours of meticulous climbing, navigating complex geometry, and enduring countless frustrating falls, the prospect of starting all over can be devastating. It tests the player’s resilience and their willingness to persevere in the face of adversity. This is a key element of the game’s appeal – it forces players to confront their own frustration and develop coping mechanisms. The Games Learning Society explores how video games can be tools for personal growth and emotional development, and Getting Over It serves as a prime example. (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/)
Many players find themselves initially furious after encountering the snake, but eventually, they learn to accept it as part of the game’s challenge. This acceptance is a crucial step in mastering Getting Over It. It’s about understanding that failure is inevitable and that the only way to progress is to learn from each mistake and keep moving forward.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the World of Getting Over It
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more context about the game and its unique challenges:
1. What is the hardest section in Getting Over It?
The “Orange Hell” section is widely considered the most difficult part of the game. Its complex geometry, combined with the unforgiving physics, makes it a true test of skill and patience.
2. What happens when you reach the top of Getting Over It?
Upon reaching the highest point, the game concludes with Diogenes entering space. Credits roll, followed by a message asking players if they were recording their gameplay.
3. What’s on top of the mountain in Getting Over It?
The top of the mountain contains a chat room that players can access after completing the game and viewing (or skipping) the credits.
4. What happens if you beat Getting Over It 50 times?
Beating the game 50 times unlocks the Golden Cauldron, a visual upgrade to Diogenes’s starting cauldron.
5. Is Getting Over It the hardest game ever made?
While subjective, Getting Over It is undoubtedly a very difficult game. Its unique control scheme and unforgiving physics make it a significant challenge for even experienced gamers.
6. Has anyone completed Getting Over It quickly?
Yes! Streamer Distortion2 holds the world record for the fastest completion time, finishing the game in under two minutes.
7. What is Getting Over It based on?
The game is heavily inspired by the character of Diogenes, an ancient Greek philosopher known for his unconventional lifestyle and disdain for societal norms.
8. Is Jump King harder than Getting Over It?
Both Jump King and Getting Over It are notoriously difficult. The former relies on precise jumps, while the latter focuses on mastering the janky physics of the hammer. Both games are very demanding, and are of similar difficulty.
9. What percentage of players finish Getting Over It?
Less than 1% of players who purchase Getting Over It on Steam successfully complete the game, highlighting its extreme difficulty.
10. How long does it take to beat Getting Over It?
The average playtime for completing the game is around 6.5 hours, but this can vary drastically depending on skill and persistence. Some players may take dozens of hours.
11. What is the first stage of Getting Over It?
The initial stage involves navigating a small tree before reaching the mountain itself. It’s characterized by short, relatively easy obstacles.
12. What is the Black Cauldron?
The Black Cauldron refers to the default, starting cauldron of Diogenes. It gradually turns more golden with each completion of the game, eventually becoming the Golden Cauldron after 50 wins.
13. What is the lesson of Getting Over It?
The game is a metaphor for overcoming frustration, accepting failure, and the value of perseverance. It teaches that progress isn’t always linear and that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.
14. Why is Getting Over It so difficult?
Creator Bennett Foddy argues the difficulty comes from the need to execute a series of easy moves perfectly, without making a single mistake.
15. What are similar Games to Getting Over It?
There are many games similar to Getting Over It. Jump King is very similar. Only Up is another game that is very similar. There are many games that have this type of difficult game play that are similar.