Probability 0 is a procedurally-generated arcade platform game created by Droqen that's all about working your way down. Most games make it pretty easy to move in that direction, as we tend to think of "up" as the win direction (just ask any tall person) and down as, well, not win. With this moody little game, though, you'll have to fight your way to the bottom of the screen, squeezing through blocks, punching holes in the terrain, dealing with evil enemies, and upgrading your abilities at every opportunity you get.

Your basic controls are as thus: [arrow] keys to move, [z] to jump, and [x] to either punch or throw stars, depending on if you're on the ground or in the air. The screen automatically scrolls upwards, shoving those nasty black blocks in your way. You can punch through the hollow bricks, freeing up some passages, but really you have to stay on your toes and be lucky enough to not get trapped in a dead end. If you do, it's no big deal, apart from having to start all over again with no upgrades!

As you successfully survive for longer and longer, you'll reach certain points where the action will freeze and you'll get to upgrade some abilities. This is where things get truly interesting. It starts off with a few simple bonuses like a stronger set of legs to survive higher falls or a bigger stash of stars to throw. The skill tree expands as your abilities do, so the longer you stay alive, the more interesting things become. Soon, solid blocks aren't even an obstacle!

Analysis: Probability 0 aligns itself with the genre of "go as far as you can" arcade games made especially popular by the growing mobile platforms. It rarely feels like an endless runner, though, opting instead for an almost cerebral experience punctuated by moments of panic when you realize the top of the screen is about to squish your tiny head. It's more about carving a path than jumping around like a bunny, and for that, you've got to think as far ahead as you can manage.

Can't shake the feeling that this game looks a bit familiar? That's no telepathic suggestion being forced into your brain by a transdimensional alien being, it's the truth! Probability 0 began as a freeware title back in 2010. The old game lacks the polish and playability of this updated release, though, so if you're interested in seeing what the game is all about, try the official demo first!

Probability 0 is a different kind of arcade game, one that will challenge your brain as much as your hands. Come for the endless downward action, stay for the cool upgrades you can bestow upon your character. No matter how well you play, you will eventually die, and you will immediately try again, simply because that's the nature of the game!

Windows:
Download the demo Get the full version

Mac OS X:
Download the demo Get the full version