Short Life is a side-scrolling platformer where players guide a character through deadly obstacle courses. The main goal is to reach the end of each level without being severely injured or killed by the traps scattered throughout the path. Players must time their jumps, crouches, and movements carefully to avoid spikes, explosives, and other lethal hazards. Precision and patience are critical, as even small mistakes can lead to dramatic and often humorous failures.
Hazards and Strategy
Each level is designed with increasingly complex setups of traps that require quick decision-making and careful observation. Players must learn to anticipate dangers such as falling objects, pressure plates, and sudden wall traps. Some levels encourage slow, methodical progress, while others reward bold moves and quick reactions. Managing the character’s physical condition is part of the strategy, as taking minor damage can affect mobility and make completing later sections more difficult.
Visual Style and Level Design
The game features a simple visual design, with cartoon-like characters and exaggerated injury animations that highlight the impact of mistakes. Levels are compact but packed with interactive elements that react dynamically to player actions. Hidden stars scattered throughout the stages add an optional challenge for players seeking full completion. Short Life’s straightforward structure and instant respawn system make it easy to replay levels multiple times, encouraging experimentation with different ways to overcome the dangerous layouts.
