Grapple Bear is a platformer where the only way to move the character is via a grapple hook; the game lacks jumping and running. The player controls a bear cub pursuing a lost cub across over 40 hand-crafted levels, each with its own record on global leaderboards. This game was developed by a solo Hungarian developer under the pseudonym ProkischDaniel and released by the HEJ Collective on July 17, 2026, for PC via Steam. The international price is $4.99, currently discounted by 10% at launch.
Each level is relatively short, but the core idea is to constantly replay the game, optimizing the route and attempting to improve one's personal best. Similar to those who enjoyed precision-focused platformers like Super Meat Boy, players will face a cycle of death, learning, and retrying. However, there is no jumping here; everything depends on precise hook aiming, balance calculation, and timely release.
The central concept is simple, yet hard to give up. Instead of jumping between platforms, the bear hooks onto environmental elements and uses the momentum from balancing to move forward. Although the controls are easy to learn, they allow for many variations: one can chain balances, build speed, and find faster routes. Success lies in execution; the feeling of working with the hook is excellent, precise, and meets player expectations. It is not slippery control that makes death seem like the game's fault. Here, when the bear falls, the impression is that the timing was insufficient, and this fair agreement between error and success keeps the player engaged.
Grapple Bear relies not only on mechanics. The environment and audio accompaniment perform a subtle job of immersion: the further the game progresses, the more captivating the atmosphere and soundtrack become, creating a feeling of complete absorption into the campaign without realizing the passage of time. For a game created by a single studio, this level of polish is usually absent even in much larger projects.
The visual style is one aspect that the studio itself emphasizes. All the graphics were originally drawn by hand on paper and then digitized. The game states that no image was generated by artificial intelligence, and every level, character, and scene was made manually. In an era where AI-generated graphics have become a frequent topic of discussion among players, this fact itself becomes a selling point and harmonizes with the handmade feel the game conveys from start to finish.
The heart of Grapple Bear lies in its difficulty. Obstacles progressively increase in complexity, and some levels demand immense patience: the author spent over half an hour stuck on one stage, repeating the same section until the balance was correct. When it finally happened, the satisfaction was enormous. This is the classic reward of the precision genre: victory is valuable precisely because it cost effort. This approach to progression determines who will love the game and who will give up. For the player willing to repeat, every completed level serves as a small achievement. The game does not offer a sense of ease, and it is this requirement that gives weight to every step forward.
The longevity of the game lies in its rankings. Each of the more than 40 levels has its own online ranking, allowing players to compare their times with friends and the global community. Furthermore, every week, the game adds a new procedurally generated level with its own ranking. This structure works in practice: by competing for spots on the leaderboards, the author managed to place in the top three on some weekly procedural levels. It is this fight for fractions of a second that turns the game from a finite campaign into something one wants to return to again and again. For leaderboard chasers, this is a type of gameplay that greatly extends session time. It is worth noting that although the store describes the game as an online competition, there is no mode where two players compete simultaneously in one session; the competition is asynchronous, through the time leaderboard.
None of the issues jeopardize the game, but they exist and are felt by the casual player. The first is the nature of the difficulty itself: death due to insufficient hook mastery can cause frustration because the learning curve offers no concessions. This is the price of a platformer that relies entirely on one mechanic. The second problem is more specific and easily solvable. When the bear dies, the game spends several seconds restarting the level, and this pause cannot be skipped. In a game built on attempts and errors, where the player will die dozens of times on one stage, these accumulated seconds are irritating. An instant restart function would solve this discomfort and make the rhythm of attempts much smoother. This is the most necessary comfort element in the package.
After all the effort, the ending brings a deserved reward. The bear successfully saves the cub and completes its journey, and the conclusion has a sweet touch that matches the overall artistic tone of the game. It is not an epic conclusion nor does it claim to be; it is a fitting flourish to an adventure that was always more about tenderness and persistence than grandeur.
Grapple Bear is highly recommended for those who enjoy precision-focused platformers, leaderboard chasing, and don't mind replaying the same stage multiple times until the perfect time is achieved. For the price of a small indie game, it offers original and well-implemented mechanics, hand-drawn graphics, an average to above-average level of environment and sound for a single-studio project, and a ranking system that keeps the player engaged long after the credits roll. Those looking for a relaxing game to pass the time without pressure should be cautious. The promise of ease clashes with a difficulty that does not yield, and the expectation of restarting every level tests patience. For such a player, it is advisable to start with the free demo version on Steam before making a decision. But for those ready to take the challenge, they will find one of the fairest and most satisfying indie projects in its price segment.
Price: 19.49 PLN (10% launch discount, price 17.54 PLN).
Availability: Not included in Game Pass. Not applicable to PS Plus—the game is exclusive to PC.
Language: Interface is only in English, with no subtitles or Brazilian Portuguese voice acting. Since the game has very little text, this does not have a strong impact.
Platforms: PC (Steam). Console versions are unavailable.
Multiplayer: Single player only. Competition is asynchronous, via global leaderboards.
Demo: A free demo version is available on Steam for preliminary testing.
Post-Campaign Content: New procedurally generated levels with their own rankings are added weekly.
Minimum PC System Requirements: Windows 10 · Intel i3 or equivalent · 2 GB RAM · Integrated graphics card (Intel HD 4000 or higher) · DirectX 10 · 500 MB free space.
Recommended PC System Requirements: Windows 10 or 11 · Intel i5 or equivalent · 4 GB RAM · Dedicated graphics card (NVIDIA GTX 750 or equivalent) · DirectX 11 · 500 MB free space.
Turkish actress Hande Erçel garnered significant interest during Paris Fashion Week. She became one of the most discussed celebrities after appearing at the event in a striking red and black dress that instantly captured the attention of fans and fashion enthusiasts online.
Erçel attended the Parisian event in a memorable outfit, characterized by a bold color contrast and dramatic design. The actress decided that the dress should be the main focus, so she kept the other elements of her look more subdued, opting for a simple hairstyle and makeup, and completed the look with dark high-heeled shoes.
Photos of her appearance quickly spread across social media, where fans shared their impressions of her fashion choice. Thanks to one of the largest online audiences among Turkish celebrities, the actress regularly becomes a trending topic when attending international events or releasing new looks for her audience.
Hande Erçel has built a strong global fanbase through her acting career, especially after participating in popular Turkish series such as 'Sen Çal Kapımı' (Love in the Air). In this series, she played the role of Eda Yıldız alongside Kerem Bürsin. This romantic project gained international popularity and introduced viewers in many countries to Erçel.
Before success in television, Erçel also gained recognition through beauty pageants and modeling. In 2012, she was crowned Miss Civilization World in Azerbaijan, which helped launch her public career before transitioning into acting.
In recent years, Erçel has established herself as a notable figure in the world of fashion, attending international events and collaborating with global luxury brands. Her appearances at major fashion gatherings often attract attention due to her style choices and influence on young audiences.
In addition to professional successes, Erçel's personal statements also interest fans. Recently, she spoke about relationships and the importance of maintaining authenticity with a partner, emphasizing that the ability to remain true to oneself next to someone is one of the most valuable things.
Hande Erçel's recent appearance at Paris Fashion Week once again demonstrated her influence beyond television, showing how the actress has become a significant figure in the Turkish entertainment, fashion, and media scene.
Kylie Jenner has presented a new collection from her fashion brand Khy in a bold photoshoot. The 28-year-old reality star posted the fresh collection from her label Khy on Instagram on Monday. In the picture, Jenner posed without an upper garment, using her hands to cover her chest, and showcased a brilliant tattoo covered in stones on the upper part of her arm with the inscription 'I Heart LA.'
The entrepreneur used this bold visual concept to symbolize a period of 'complete renewal' for the brand's social media. In the caption to the post, the founder of Kylie Cosmetics told her 390 million followers that the new collection pays tribute to her origins. She noted that the 'Born in LA' collection is incredibly important to her because it was inspired, designed, and almost entirely produced in Los Angeles.
Since its launch in November 2023, Khy has aimed to merge high luxury and casual streetwear through collaborations with new designers. At its launch, the brand demonstrated significant commercial appeal, selling over one million dollars in just the first hour. The current 'Born in LA' collection reflects a shift towards local production, as the items are created locally.
This revealing photoshoot followed an active celebrity festival season. Jenner spent the weekend at Coachella, where she was seen with longtime friend Hailey Bieber. In a photo taken at the festival in Indio, California, Kylie Jenner followed the 'lingerie as outerwear' trend, wearing a sequined and fringed bra top paired with baggy light-blue jeans. Bieber stood nearby in a similar relaxed look while they enjoyed the desert performances.
Furthermore, Kylie Jenner recently shared that her personal life is becoming more family-oriented. On the April 1st episode of Kid Cudi's Big Bro podcast, she mentioned that she recently watched 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' for the first time with her 8-year-old daughter Stormi. Fans are admiring Jenner's latest photoshoot for her clothing brand KHY. The brand's official Instagram account features pictures where the social and business magnate poses, covering her chest with her hand, while wearing striking KHY belts.
The model showcased herself in the new KHY photoshoot, dressed only in a dark blue denim tank top and a cargo mini-skirt with double ring belts. She used two ornate belts from the current KHY collection—one black and one brown. According to the caption, these belts are 'vintage from Los Angeles.' Jenner praised the craftsmanship of every stone and spike, stating that great care was taken with every detail. She displayed the outfit with a daring attitude and full lips, opting for a relaxed, effortless look with loose hair and soft nude makeup.
For those who have not yet been able to visit Retrocon 2026, this Sunday represents the last chance to take advantage of everything the fair has to offer. Recognized as one of the main events dedicated to retro gamer culture in Brazil, the fair brings together everything from old consoles to independent developers, hosts championships, and features a vast area focused on preserving video game history.
In addition to classic games, the event's agenda also incorporates market novelties, experiences that promote inclusion, and hundreds of collectible items for those wishing to expand their collection.
A central point of Retrocon is the section dedicated to historical video games. There, the public has the opportunity to play iconic titles from various generations on consoles such as Atari, Master System, Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PlayStation, Neo Geo, and others. This experience transcends simple nostalgia, as many pieces of equipment are part of collections maintained by enthusiasts, allowing for close contact with the evolution of video games.
The fair also dedicates space to the future of gaming. In the area reserved for independent creators, visitors can try out projects developed in Brazil, speak directly with producers, and discover titles still in development, which constitutes a valuable opportunity to follow the work of national studios and learn about new ideas.
The AbleGamers Brasil space is another unmissable location, as the organization displays accessibility solutions designed for players with disabilities. They demonstrate how adjustments to peripherals, controllers, and settings enable a growing number of people to participate in games. In addition to practical demonstrations, the sector fosters discussions about technology and inclusion within the gaming industry.
For collectors, the vendor aisles are a big attraction, where dozens of specialized stores sell a variety of items, including games from various eras, classic consoles, controllers, accessories, old magazines, action figures, and other collectibles. It is common to find rare editions, imported cartridges, and restored video games.
Football game enthusiasts also find their place guaranteed in the program, which features the traditional Football Cup. This competition gathers players in matches using various classic titles of the genre, attracting both competitors and spectators and recalling iconic franchises from the console era.
More broadly, the event offers exhibitions, panels, the presence of special guests, independent artists, and content creators, providing activities for all age groups. Even for those who do not intend to buy anything, Retrocon provides an immersion into video game history and a meeting point between different generations of players. Thus, the last day of Retrocon 2026 is configured as an excellent occasion to revisit classics, discover new projects, and celebrate gamer culture.
The event took place on July 24, 25, and 26, 2026. The hours were: Friday, from 12 am to 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 7 pm. The location was Expo Center Transamérica, located at Av. Dr. Mário Vilas Boas Rodrigues, 387, Santo Amaro, São Paulo/SP (Pavilions A and G). To get there, you can use the Santo Amaro Metro (Line 5-Lilac) or buses 5100 and 5117, with parking available with 2,500 spaces (paid service).
