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Shift Happens similar games & best alternatives

Shift Happens

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 • 2017

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Quick resume

Shift Happens is a cooperative platformer for two. You and a friend shift your mass, throw each other and puzzle your way through four stages of stylized imaginary worlds. Including the occasional backstabbing and taunting. Play with a friend on a couch, online or even special singleplayer levels.

Global score

78/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Platform, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Fun and engaging co-op gameplay
    • Unique size-shifting mechanics
    • Humorous and lighthearted tone
    • Good puzzle variety and challenge
    • Accessible controls and visuals

    Cons

    • Some bugs and occasional lag in online co-op
    • Repetitive elements in later levels
    • Singleplayer mode less enjoyable
    • Lack of level editor or extended content
    • Some frustrating physics glitches

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Competition. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence, Survival.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players control two characters with the ability to shift their sizes and swap roles, requiring active decision-making and coordination."

    • Competence
      3

      "The game offers puzzles and platforming challenges that require skill and coordination, with increasing difficulty and time trials."

    • Competition
      2

      "There is a mild competitive element in co-op where players can steal coins from each other and compete for higher scores."

    • Continuation
      2

      "Players report enjoying multiple hours of gameplay and replaying bonus levels, though some find it somewhat repetitive."

    • Cooperation
      5

      "The game is designed primarily for cooperative play, requiring teamwork and communication to solve puzzles and progress."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players creatively use size-shifting mechanics and physics to solve puzzles; some customization options like hats exist."

    • Domination
      -3

      "Interactions are playful and balanced; while players can sabotage each other, the tone is humorous rather than domineering."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Players use the game as a fun distraction and stress relief, enjoying laughter and lighthearted gameplay."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for fun and social interaction, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "The game encourages trying different strategies and experimenting with physics-based puzzles and character abilities."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Players explore levels with hidden areas and collectibles, though the environments are relatively limited in variety."

    • Expression
      2

      "Some cosmetic customization like hats and emotes allow for modest self-expression."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "The game features imaginative, cartoonish blob characters and physics-based puzzles in a fictional setting."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Strong community and social bonding through cooperative play and shared humorous experiences."

    • Growth
      2

      "Players develop coordination, puzzle-solving skills, and teamwork over time."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and coordination during gameplay sessions."

    • Intimacy
      3

      "Encourages close social interaction and bonding, especially when played with friends or partners."

    • Leadership
      1

      "Some informal leadership may emerge during coordination, but roles are generally balanced and cooperative."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players collect coins, stars, and unlock bonus levels, showing clear progression through the game."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Generally lighthearted and fun, though some puzzles and timed challenges add tension."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Enjoyable visuals, sound, and humorous animations provide moderate sensory stimulation."

    • Status
      0

      "No strong emphasis on social recognition or leaderboards beyond mild score competition."

    • Story
      -1

      "Minimal narrative with some lore, but focus is on gameplay and puzzles rather than story immersion."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Requires planning and problem-solving to complete puzzles and coordinate actions effectively."

    • Thrill
      1

      "Some suspense in timed challenges and tricky puzzles, but overall a lighthearted experience."

    • Value
      3

      "Good value especially when purchased on sale; players find it worth the price for the fun and replayability."

    • Violence
      -4

      "Gameplay focuses on puzzle-solving and cooperation; playful sabotage but no real violence or destruction."

    • Survival
      -3

      "Low risk environment; failure leads to level restart but no harsh survival mechanics."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026