# Flinthook > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Flinthook > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Flinthook.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flinthook > Source revision: 1336886363 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) 2017 video game 2017 video game Flinthook Developer Tribute Games Publisher Tribute Games[a] Designers Dominique Ferland Marion Esquian Programmers Andrew G. Crowell Michael Larouche Jean‑François Major François Masse Artists Stéphane Boutin Johan Vinet Writer Yannick Belzil Composer Patrice Bourgeault Platforms PlayStation 4 Linux macOS Windows Xbox One Nintendo Switch Release PlayStation 4 April 14, 2017 Linux, macOS, Windows, Xbox One April 18, 2017 Nintendo Switch March 9, 2018 Genres Platform, roguelike Mode Single-player ***Flinthook*** is [platform game](/source/Platform_game) [roguelike](/source/Roguelike) by [Tribute Games](/source/Tribute_Games) in which the player's character uses a [grappling hook](/source/Grappling_hook) to traverse [procedurally generated](/source/Procedurally_generated) spaceships for treasure. The developers were inspired by "rogue-lites" including *[Spelunky](/source/Spelunky)* and *[Rogue Legacy](/source/Rogue_Legacy)*. They said that the grappling hook [game mechanic](/source/Game_mechanic) was their hardest design challenge. The game was released in April 2017 for [Windows](/source/Windows), [macOS](/source/MacOS), [Linux](/source/Linux), [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4), and [Xbox One](/source/Xbox_One), followed by a release for [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch) in March 2018.[1] Early previews of *Flinthook* noted the accessibility and tightness of the controls. *[Digital Trends](/source/Digital_Trends)* and *[Kotaku](/source/Kotaku)* listed the game among the best in show at the [June 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo](/source/Electronic_Entertainment_Expo_2016). ## Gameplay Video and screenshot of gameplay *Flinthook* is a roguelike platform game[2] in which the player controls a masked space pirate who explores [procedurally generated](/source/Procedurally_generated) ships for treasure[3] with a [grappling](/source/Grappling_hook) chain hook. Captain Flinthook, the player-character, also has a plasma gun and the ability to slow time. The hook is used on environmental elements as well as enemies. For example, some enemies are invulnerable until the player removes their armor via the hook.[2] The player uses the left [analog stick](/source/Analog_stick) to both control the player and aim the hook. The hook is activated via the controller's trigger, and face buttons make the character jump, shoot, throw bombs and interact with nearby objects.[2] The game's [level design](/source/Level_design) and room contents are randomly generated, such that a room might look familiar but contain different enemies. The player unlocks different bounties to hunt down, and must start a chapter over from the beginning upon their character's death.[2] The game is depicted in [pixel art](/source/Pixel_art).[4] ## Development [Tribute Games](/source/Tribute_Games) is an [indie development studio](/source/Indie_development_studio) based in [Montreal](/source/Montreal) that previously worked on *[Mercenary Kings](/source/Mercenary_Kings)*.[2] In November 2015, the game's designer, Dominique Ferland, polled his contacts on Twitter about their interest in "Spiderman with a gun" as a game concept. Tribute Games co-founder Jean-François Major said that perfecting the feel of the grappling hook was the team's hardest challenge.[2] The game was inspired by other "rogue-lite" games, such as *[Spelunky](/source/Spelunky)* and *[Rogue Legacy](/source/Rogue_Legacy)*, though the team did not design their game to be exceptionally difficult for all players.[2] Less than a month after the release of *Ninja Senki DX*,[4] Tribute announced *Flinthook* in March 2016 with a mosaic teaser on [Twitch](/source/Twitch_(service)). The game's procedural generation was working in the office [Windows](/source/Microsoft_Windows) version of the game at the time of announcement, though their demo used a predetermined [level](/source/Level_(video_gaming)).[2] [Limited Run Games](/source/Limited_Run_Games) released a physical edition of the game for PlayStation 4 on April 14, 2017, with a production run of 4,500 copies.[5] A digital version published by Tribute Games released for Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on April 18, 2017.[6] A digital version for Nintendo Switch was released on March 9, 2018.[7] ## Reception Reception Aggregate score Aggregator Score Metacritic PS4: 76/100[8] Review scores Publication Score Destructoid 8.5/10[9] Digital Trends 3.5/5[10] Game Informer 7.5/10[11] Nintendo World Report 8/10[12] PC Gamer (US) 79%[13] *Digital Trends* listed the game among the best in show at the [June 2016 Electronic Entertainment Expo](/source/Electronic_Entertainment_Expo_2016) and added that though many major games were adding grappling hook features, *Flinthook* was the only one to support a whole game based on the concept. The website praised the game's "imaginative artwork and refined, fun gameplay".[3] Nick Robinson (*[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))*) wrote that the game's controls were "enormously intuitive", easily accessible, and comfortable.[2] The game received "generally favorable" reviews, according to video game [review aggregator](/source/Review_aggregator) [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic).[8] *Rock, Paper, Shotgun* included it among the year's best action games.[14] ## Notes 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Physical version for [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4) distributed by [Limited Run Games](/source/Limited_Run_Games). ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Flinthook for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Game Details"](https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/flinthook-switch/). *[Nintendo](/source/Nintendo)*. March 9, 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190509202111/https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/flinthook-switch/) from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2019. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Polygon:_first_3-8) Robinson, Nick (March 24, 2016). ["First gameplay from Flinthook, a grappling hook rogue-lite from Tribute Games"](http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/24/11299012/flinthook-tribute-games-gameplay-hands-on-video-reveal). *[Polygon](/source/Polygon_(website))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160619040320/http://www.polygon.com/2016/3/24/11299012/flinthook-tribute-games-gameplay-hands-on-video-reveal) from the original on June 19, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Digital_Trends:_best_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Digital_Trends:_best_4-1) ["Digital Trends Top Games of E3 2016"](http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/top-games-of-e3-2016/). *[Digital Trends](/source/Digital_Trends)*. June 16, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160618083612/http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/top-games-of-e3-2016/) from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Hardcore_Gamer:_reveal_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Hardcore_Gamer:_reveal_5-1) LeClair, Kyle (March 9, 2016). ["Tribute Games Reveals New Game Flinthook Via Twitch"](https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/03/09/tribute-games-reveals-new-game-flinthook-via-twitch/197115/). *Hardcore Gamer*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160514042444/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/03/09/tribute-games-reveals-new-game-flinthook-via-twitch/197115/) from the original on May 14, 2016. Retrieved June 18, 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Flinthook is zipping onto PS4 in PHYSICAL COPY on APRIL 14th, courtesy of Limited Run Games !"](http://blog.tributegames.com/post/158704825266/flinthook-is-zipping-onto-ps4-in-physical-copy-on). *Tribute Games Blog*. March 22, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Petite, Stephen (March 8, 2017). ["Highly anticipated indie 'Flinthook' hits PS4, Xbox One, and PC on April 18 k"](https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/flinthook-release-date/). *[Digital Trends](/source/Digital_Trends)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170310155610/http://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/flinthook-release-date/) from the original on March 10, 2017. Retrieved May 4, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Vogel, Mitch (March 2, 2018). ["Flinthook Releases on the Switch eShop on 9th March"](https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/03/flinthook_releases_on_the_switch_eshop_on_9th_march). *[Nintendo Life](/source/Nintendo_Life)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250913172313/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/03/flinthook_releases_on_the_switch_eshop_on_9th_march) from the original on September 13, 2025. Retrieved December 10, 2022. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Metacritic_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Metacritic_9-1) ["Flinthook Critic Reviews for PlayStation 4"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/flinthook/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421004419/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/flinthook/critic-reviews) from the original on April 21, 2017. Retrieved May 26, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Destructoid_review_10-0)** Whitaker, Jed (April 18, 2017). ["Review: Flinthook"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170420234523/https://www.destructoid.com/review-flinthook-431806.phtml). *[Destructoid](/source/Destructoid)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.destructoid.com/review-flinthook-431806.phtml) on April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Fulton, Will (August 23, 2019). ["'Flinthook' review"](https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/flinthook-review/). *[Digital Trends](/source/Digital_Trends)*. Retrieved September 6, 2024. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-GI_review_12-0)** Vazquez, Suriel (April 18, 2017). ["Flinthook Review – By Hook As A Crook"](https://www.gameinformer.com/games/flinthook/b/playstation4/archive/2017/04/18/flinthook-review.aspx). *[Game Informer](/source/Game_Informer)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170420175713/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/flinthook/b/playstation4/archive/2017/04/18/flinthook-review.aspx) from the original on April 20, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Ronaghan, Neal (March 9, 2018). ["Flinthook (Switch) Review"](https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/46666/flinthook-switch-review). *Nintendo World Report*. Retrieved September 6, 2024. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-PCG_review_14-0)** Prescott, Shaun (May 12, 2017). ["Flinthook review"](http://www.pcgamer.com/flinthook-review/). *[PC Gamer](/source/PC_Gamer)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170603133016/http://www.pcgamer.com/flinthook-review/) from the original on June 3, 2017. Retrieved May 31, 2017. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Smith, Adam (May 2, 2017). ["Wot I Think: Flinthook"](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/05/02/flinthook-review/). *[Rock Paper Shotgun](/source/Rock_Paper_Shotgun)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170504002412/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/05/02/flinthook-review/) from the original on May 4, 2017. Retrieved May 31, 2017. ## External links - [Official website](http://flinthook.com/) Media related to [Flinthook](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Flinthook) at Wikimedia Commons [Portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Contents/Portals): - [Video games](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Video_games) --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Flinthook](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flinthook) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flinthook?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.