Published on: September 25, 2018
Ultimate Chicken Horse on Nintendo Switch: Redefining 2D Platforming with Creative Multiplayer Chaos
Nintendo platforms have long been synonymous with the platforming genre, especially in the 2D space.
The Nintendo Switch continues this tradition with a robust lineup of acclaimed titles such as Kirby Star Allies, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Sonic Mania, and high-profile indie successes like Celeste.
Among these, Ultimate Chicken Horse by Clever Endeavour Games stands out for revitalizing the genre with a unique twist—injecting a level-builder and fierce party competition into classic platforming gameplay.
Originally released on PC in 2016 before arriving on PS4 and Xbox One, Ultimate Chicken Horse made its Nintendo Switch debut in September 2018, complete with all previously released content, including the substantial 'Chimply Amazing' update.
This edition brings new characters, additional stages, and objects to expand the ever-chaotic playground available to players.
The Switch version was made available on the Nintendo eShop, ensuring easy access for fans of the genre and party games alike.
At its heart, Ultimate Chicken Horse is a multiplayer experience that combines the tight mechanics of 2D platformers with Super Mario Maker-esque level creation.
Each round challenges players to race toward a goal flag, but with a clever twist: before each attempt, every player gets to place a new object—ranging from simple platforms to hazardous traps—anywhere on the stage.
According to Clever Endeavour Games, this design philosophy encourages strategic thinking as players "strive to build levels just challenging enough to knock out their friends while still reaching the finish themselves."
The game’s stages provide a diverse backdrop for player creativity, featuring environments like rural farms, city rooftops, and mysterious mansions.
Later levels introduce novel gimmicks such as visibility-obscuring disco lights or moving icebergs that affect navigation across the map.
Each stage serves as a customizable canvas, allowing replayability and community-driven content that help set Ultimate Chicken Horse apart in the crowded platformer market.
A significant draw for the Switch version is its variety of control options, optimized for the console's distinct play styles.
Though players can’t remap controls, the default settings are intuitive enough for quick pick-up-and-play sessions—a vital feature for local multiplayer experiences.
The game is also fully playable online, with cross-play enabled for PC users.
This inclusion helps expand the competitive pool and keeps the multiplayer action lively.
Ultimate Chicken Horse offers robust local and online multiplayer options, supporting up to four players.
The party mode selects a limited set of items for each round, while the creative mode grants full access to the item catalogue.
Points are awarded based on who reaches the finish and how many players get eliminated by traps.
The game’s emphasis on clever placement, risk-reward mechanics, and emergent chaos ensures every match is unpredictable and packed with humorous moments.
Level sharing is another highlight, with players able to upload and download custom stages created via the in-game editor.
While the toolkit may not match the intricacy of Super Mario Maker, it supplies ample tools for making devious courses, offering endless variety for the active player community.
Visually, Ultimate Chicken Horse features charming, cartoon-style graphics punctuated by expressive animal characters and whimsical animations.
Unlockable costumes and hats add a personalized flair, encouraging replay.
The game runs smoothly in both handheld and docked modes, though the larger TV display is preferable for maintaining visual clarity when the camera zooms out during crowded multiplayer rounds.
Navigating the game is uniquely accessible, substituting the standard menus for a hub world that allows players to jump between settings, stage selection, and customizations.
This not only serves as a practical onboarding area for newcomers but also reinforces the game's playful approach.
Clever Endeavour Games has successfully delivered a game that innovates within the 2D platforming genre by merging approachable controls, creative level-building, and riotous multiplayer competition.
Ultimate Chicken Horse continues to entertain and surprise players, making it an essential addition for platforming enthusiasts and multiplayer aficionados on the Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Clever Endeavour Games Ultimate Chicken Horse Multiplayer Nintendo eShop Super Mario Maker Chimply Amazing update PS4 Xbox One PC