I love the atmosphere, art style, and music in this game. The platforming is tight, responsive, and feels good to control (other than the few minor issues I have). I feel this game gets far too often ignored or reviewed harshly because people want it to be the next Meat Boy. It's not a Meat Boy sequel, it is a very solid platforming experience through a unique and very Edmund McMillen-y world. I found pretty much every area to be enjoyable in some aspect, whether it was the level gimmick, area design, or the secrets. I love the collectibles in this game. They are quick to collect and don't lock in until you finish the screen, which means you actually need to perform a bonus feat instead of a "suicide run" over to the collectible (like Crash Bandicoot for example). Additionally, the cartridges are a cool collectible that just provides more game content (though they are very difficult...). I love the twist in the second half of the game, that is all I will say. The final two levels (the main two endings) are really great experiences. This game is most certainly very difficult, one of the most challenging I have played. This might lead to frustration in a lesser game, but the restart time is so fast it doesn't get infuriating. The only time I got seriously upset by this game was doing bonus content (challenge runs, cartridge levels). This doesn't take away from the actual game quality though, as it is all optional. My main issue with this game is the absurd completion criteria (mainly the Steam achievements) that require you to beat everything without dying, but this isn't really a surprise for an Edmund McMillen game. 100% trophies on PS4 has less achievements than Steam, which, while still extremely difficult, is infinitely more doable than getting every Steam achievement. However, if you just want to play the game normally and you like 2-D platformers, I see no reason you don't give this game a try. The End is Nigh is some high quality 2-D platforming.

Best precision platformer I've personally played. I love the thematic consistency throughout the game, the dark themes and oppressive atmosphere.

But what I love the most is the gameplay. Incredible level design, a character that feels fantastic to control, and less emphasis on speed, but more on precision.

The game is also deceivingly long. When you just thought you were done, the next portion of the game opens up. It goes on and on, and keeps delivering high quality.

The retro carts are a nice addition as well. Collecting 1000 rings in The Super Mega Cart was not the most fun task, but everything else was just fantastic.

If you enjoy tight platformers, give this one a go.

The​​ ​​End​​ ​​Is​​ ​​Nigh,​​ ​​my​​ ​​friend
I​​ ​​will​​ ​​be​​ ​​brave
Pick​​ ​​up​​ ​​the​​ ​​pieces​​ ​​of​​ ​​a​​ ​​dream​​ ​​I​​ ​​save
I​​ ​​miss​​ ​​the​​ ​​sound​​ ​​of​​ ​​your​​ ​​voice
Inside​​ ​​my​​ ​​head​​ ​​tonight

First ending accessed from returning to Ruins 1. Collected 180 tumors.

The End is Nigh is overcompensating for the slightly unreliable context sensitive wall jumps of its spiritual predecessor Super Meat Boy by trading them for much inferior ledge grabs. The result is a movement system which is predictable in both senses of the word: decidedly consistent and awfully drab. There is an acute lack of those eureka moments, otherwise occurring when skillfully overcoming a tricky gauntlet in any of the better precision platformers out there. The one real surprise is the addition of a punishing game over-system during the latter half. It adds pressure and demands steady and confident maneuvers. A decent idea but it does not save the core movement from mediocrity.