Human Fall Flat: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Review

Would you believe there was a time where Human Fall Flat didn’t have its staple online multiplayer? With 58 million copies sold and counting, the physics-based platformer-puzzler is gaming’s go-to example of a slow-burn. With its tenth anniversary around the corner, what better way to celebrate than with a Nintendo Switch 2 update—primed to attract new fans like yours truly, who somehow had never heard of this game up until just last week. (For those concerned, the rock I live under’s nice and warm; thank you very much.)

Naturally, that needed some rectifying, and what better excuse than reviewing said Switch 2 Edition? Over the past week, I’ve been climbing, stumbling, and falling across the polygonal labyrinths of Human Fall Flat, solving puzzles on my own, or teaming up with patient (and sometimes not-so-patient) collaborators online. I’ve chuckled at the familiar customized outfits players stitched together in the in-game editor (Hi, Sans Undertale) and laughed at how its playable assortment of clay figures shuffle about like reanimated zombies, right down to their outstretched arms hungry not for brains, but for cliffs to pitifully latch onto.

But this isn’t a review of my own thoughts and feelings on Human Fall Flat itself, no; as much as I would like to discuss how it’s an open-ended puzzler designed to experiment and frustrate (sometimes a little too much—I remain convinced the Water level’s boat controls are inexplicable torture mechanisms), this is specifically about the Switch 2 version, and whether it’s worth the extra five bucks or not.

In a word, uh, I guess?

Okay, sorry, that’s more than one word. But to summarize, it’s best to approach Human Fall Flat’s Switch 2 update as playing catch-up with other platforms rather than getting jazzed over its individual package. Much as it’s appreciated to receive new levels and future ones moving forward, I’m not as enthused about its other inclusions, which evoke a range of reactions from “okay, neat” to “why is this here?”

Right away, the biggest appeal is the new levels: Dockyard, Museum, Hike, Candyland, and Test Lab. While these levels were introduced on other platforms back in 2024, they never arrived on Switch prior, and now Nintendo fans can finally enjoy them on-the-go with these bigger and better levels. From Candyland’s zany imagination to Museum casting the player(s) as a master thief, all are great fun, testing our wits as much as they inevitably raise anarchy: our teamwork literally collapsing in a heap of crash test dummies falling into the ether.

However, the meat of Human Fall Flat’s Switch 2 upgrade comes packaged with some questionable ethics. As it happens, this marks the first paid DLC in the game’s decade-long history, and it’s worth pointing out these levels were provided for free on PC, PlayStation and what have you. Five bucks may be worth the price for a $19.99 game, you may say, but it’s not like as if the original Switch couldn’t have handled the game prior, and it’s clear this level pack’s implemented to justify the cost of the Switch 2 update. While thankfully newcomers won’t have to cough up extra cash, I can imagine Switch owners grumbling beneath their breath while fishing out their credit cards.

Naturally, Human Fall Flat’s also treated to Switch 2’s resolution and FPS bump. Originally running on Switch at 30 FPS with a 720p undocked/1080p docked display, the game now operates at a smooth 60 FPS in 4K. As you’ve undoubtedly noticed, Human Fall Flat isn’t particularly a looker—the minimalist polygon look’s a core draw to the game, and while a smoother performance is certainly appreciated, it’s doubtful sharper graphics will be a huge draw for dedicated players. (And in case you're wondering, no, video capture still isn't available—one would think the Switch 2's stronger performance would allow as much, but alas, many a free falling hijinx will remain lost to time.)

Other expected Switch 2 features follow with Gameshare and Gamechat. The former’s exactly what you expect: sharing Human Fall Flat with those who don’t own the game. I tested it out with fellow GamingTrend writer James, and while connectivity woes threatened to ruin a good time, that proved less an intrusive factor than my co-writer getting acclimated to the controls. Ensure your connection’s up to snuff, and Human Fall Flat ambassadors should have a swell time sharing their favorite game.

GameChat was more interesting in that it addressed a stumbling block of mine: as funny as Human Fall Flat’s online game of charades can be, the lack of communication can prove cumbersome, and I’ve encountered more than one impatient host who vented their frustrations by kicking people out. (Look, I’m trying my best here, guys!) With GameChat, friends still Fall Flatting it up can now hash out the game’s puzzles without pointing and jumping around in vain. Granted, you probably were already communicating via Discord, and I imagine some fans say the silence’s part of the game’s slapstick appeal, but it’s nice the option’s here. (Alas, said option’s unavailable with strangers, but so it goes on Nintendo platforms.)

Then we get to the stinker of the lot: I am utterly confounded by these mouse controls. They are a physically demanding exercise, burdening our poor wrists with constant Joy-Con sliding, moving the camera and pulling up, up, up to clamber over every other ledge. Human Fall Flat already treads a delicate tightrope act in its wobbly physics and uneven controls for the sake of comedy, and this routine’s torturous movement and unintuitive button placements make for a flat performance. Even the most basic of actions turn slow and procedural, dulling the amusing puzzle-solving into boring chores. With no customizable button layouts available, I can’t imagine anyone sincerely using these outside of a quick laugh amongst friends.

Is it worth putting down five bucks for a level pack and the typical offering of Switch 2 upgrades? That depends on whether you’ve had your Human Fall Flat fill or not. I won’t begrudge the update for merely achieving the bare minimum—questionable level pack ethics aside, it’s not like it was a substantial game in the first place—but in the face of Human Fall Flat 2’s release later this year, it may be a hard sell. Otherwise, spend away, but don’t be surprised if it, well, falls flat.