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Ultimate Chicken Horse – Party Platformer Chaos
A multiplayer party platformer where you build deadly levels and race through them. Rated 7.9/10 for chaotic fun with friends.
Game Info
Verdict
A brilliant party platformer that justifies its $14.99 price with endless creative chaos and competitive fun.
Pros
- Unique level-building gameplay fused with platforming creates endless variety
- Cross-platform play connects PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch players seamlessly
- Affordable at $14.99 with 50+ hours of entertainment potential
- Local four-player couch co-op on one screen delivers chaotic social gaming
- Robust level editor and sharing system keeps content fresh indefinitely
- Consistent post-launch support from developer with free and paid updates
- Accessibility features include handicap systems for skill balancing
Cons
- Solo play lacks the magic and competitive tension of multiplayer
- Art style is deliberately simple, which may disappoint players seeking visual polish
- Learning curve exists for newcomers unfamiliar with platforming mechanics
- Online matchmaking can feel empty during off-peak hours on less-populated platforms
Performance Notes
Lightweight 2D platformer runs at 60 FPS on all platforms. PC version scales from integrated graphics to 4K displays. Console versions maintain 1080p/1440p at 60 FPS. Switch handheld mode delivers 720p at 60 FPS.
Ultimate Chicken Horse flips traditional platforming on its head by combining strategic level design with intense competitive gameplay. Released in 2016, this indie gem from Montreal-based Clever Endeavour Games has become a staple of couch co-op gaming, earning critical acclaim for its unique blend of construction and platforming. The game’s genius lies in how players simultaneously design and navigate obstacles, creating an ever-shifting battleground where creativity meets skill. This review breaks down why it’s one of the best party games on consoles and PC.
How to Play Ultimate Chicken Horse
Each round begins with players taking turns placing one block or trap onto a shared level. After everyone has placed their item, all four characters race through the level simultaneously. You score points by finishing while at least one opponent fails, but if everyone completes the level, nobody scores. The core loop rewards balance: traps must be challenging yet passable for yourself.
- Controls – Standard platformer inputs with simple run, jump, and wall-jump mechanics. Learning curve is minimal, making it accessible to casual players.
- Progression – Unlock new characters, levels, and blocks by playing. Progression speeds up with online play against global competitors.
- Combat/Mechanics – No direct combat; victory comes from creating obstacles others cannot overcome. Physics-based interactions between blocks add depth.
- Tips – Start with familiar levels before custom maps. Watch how experienced players balance difficulty. Use handicap systems when skill gaps exist.
Who Should Play Ultimate Chicken Horse
This game excels as a social experience. It rewards creativity and trash talk in equal measure, making it perfect for group gaming sessions. Solo play exists but lacks the magic of competitive multiplayer.
- Party Gamers – If you love games like Mario Party or Jackbox, this delivers the same competitive energy with platformer skill requirements.
- Couch Co-op Fans – Local multiplayer is the soul of this game. Up to four players can share one screen with instant chaos and laughter.
- Creative Players – The level editor is robust. Players enjoy building custom challenges and sharing them online with the community.
- Skip if – You prefer single-player campaigns or narrative-driven experiences. Solo level creation feels empty without opponents.
Ultimate Chicken Horse Platform Performance
Ultimate Chicken Horse runs smoothly across all platforms thanks to its stylized 2D art style. The game prioritizes playability over graphical fidelity, resulting in consistent performance.
| Platform | Resolution | FPS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Up to 4K | 60+ | Scales well with older hardware due to simple graphics |
| PS4/PS5 | 1080p/1440p | 60 | Stable performance; PS5 version enhanced |
| Xbox One/Series X | 1080p/1440p | 60 | Consistent frame rates across versions |
| Nintendo Switch | 720p handheld/1080p docked | 60 | Optimal for portable party gaming |
Ultimate Chicken Horse System Requirements
The game’s lightweight design means even modest PCs can run it smoothly. No high-end GPU required; older integrated graphics handle it without issue.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows XP and later | Windows 10 or newer |
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Duo Q6867 | Intel Core i5 or equivalent |
| GPU | Intel HD 4000 | NVIDIA GTX 960 or better |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB |
| Storage | 2 GB available space | SSD Recommended |
Similar Games to Ultimate Chicken Horse
If you love Ultimate Chicken Horse’s party platformer energy, these games offer comparable chaos and creativity. Each takes a slightly different approach to competitive couch co-op.
- Duck Game – Similar humorous tone with quirky weapons. Focuses more on direct combat than level building.
- Overcooked – Cooperative cooking challenges instead of platforming. Requires teamwork rather than sabotage.
- Towerfall Ascension – Competitive archery platformer with tight controls. No building element but equally fun in groups.
- Levelhead – Build and share levels like Mario Maker. Faster-paced than UCH, more focused on speedrunning than trolling friends.
Ultimate Chicken Horse vs Competitors
Ultimate Chicken Horse occupies a unique space between Mario Maker and traditional platformers. Its $14.99 price point undercuts most competitors while delivering hours of entertainment.
| Feature | Ultimate Chicken Horse | Duck Game | Overcooked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $14.99 | $9.99 | $19.99 |
| Average Playtime | 50+ hours | 30 hours | 40 hours |
| Local Multiplayer | Up to 4 players | Up to 4 players | Up to 4 players |
| Metacritic Score | 79 | 81 | 82 |
Ultimate Chicken Horse Story and World
Ultimate Chicken Horse skips narrative complexity in favor of pure gameplay joy. You select from a diverse roster of animal characters—each with unique personalities reflected through voice acting and animations—and jump into competitive level-building battles. The game’s world is deliberately light and cartoonish, emphasizing fun over lore. The colorful environments range from forests to space stations, providing visual variety without demanding attention. Water levels, jungle temples, and volcanoes create thematic diversity. The game thrives on emergent storytelling through player interaction rather than scripted events.
Ultimate Chicken Horse Multiplayer and Online
Multiplayer is the heartbeat of Ultimate Chicken Horse. Cross-platform play connects PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch players seamlessly, eliminating fragmentation.
- Online Versus – Race against up to four opponents globally. Skill-based matchmaking paired with handicap systems keeps competition balanced.
- Challenge Modes – Compete for global best times on developer-created levels. Leaderboards track records across all platforms.
- Local Co-op – Full game supports four players on one screen, perfect for parties. Shared controller mode enables play with a single input device.
- Cross-Play – All platforms supported equally. Host lobbies with privacy controls for friends-only or public matchmaking.
Ultimate Chicken Horse DLC and Expansions
Clever Endeavour Games has supported Ultimate Chicken Horse with consistent free and paid content updates since launch. Recent additions include new characters, cosmetics, and level themes.
- Character Packs – Turtle, Armadillo skins, and alternate outfits available through updates
- Level Content – New maps like Metro released in patches; existing levels refreshed with seasonal themes
- Cosmetics – Helmets, ninja gear, pirate costumes unlock through play or purchase
- Free Updates – Regular patches maintain balance, fix bugs, and introduce community-requested features
Ultimate Chicken Horse Community and Support
The community remains active across platforms with thriving Discord servers and subreddits. Developer communication is transparent and responsive to player feedback.
- Official Discord – Active dev team posts patch notes, tournament announcements, and gameplay tips
- Reddit Community – r/UltimateChickenHorse features level shares and player clips
- Level Sharing – Cloud-based system stores custom levels; community curation highlights excellent designs
- Patch Support – Last major update released June 2023; team actively monitors online stability