Tools Up!

Tools Up doesn't make the most of its clever co-op gaming concept, but I still had a decent enough time. I'll be there day one if a sequel ever takes this home-renovation hook and runs wild with it.

It's an incredibly accessible game, but the necessity to cooperate isn't as strong, and it may not hold your attention as much because there's less going on.

If you’re after an alternative to Overcooked, then Tools Up offers up enough incentive to take the plunge, even if it doesn’t quite match up.

Tools Up! is simply another goof that makes fun of another activity in people's lives. After cooking in the form of Overcooked! and the house moving of Moving Out, you get to renovate a house, which again, you'll enjoy mostly with friends. The title offers a cool challenge, a well-crafted soundtrack and nice visuals that make the gameplay even more immersive. The final impression is spoiled by poorly optimised controls in some respects and a few bugs that can hurt you a lot during gameplay.

$20 is a good price for the amount of enjoyment there is for Tools Up!, but given its age, you probably would be right to wait for a sale when the discount is more significant.

Although I did have a lot of fun while playing Tools Up! during the moment, I found myself wanting more from it upon reflection. It is a fun game, but the only challenge comes from timing, essentially. I can see why there would be more chaos with more players, as that would require more co-operation, but… It just felt like it was missing that little something.

While there are other games out there with similar gameplay you could find some a lot less worthy of your time and money. If you’re looking for a crazy team-based co-op game which can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels then you would be wise to check out this title.

Tools Up! is a goofy, fun, chaotic multiplayer game that is only hindered by how short it is

Tools Up! is a local-only cooperative four-player game that doesn't quite hit the mark with all of the mechanics. Throwing feels useless when your character refuses to complete the action, and targeting can be a concern in tight corridors. Playing alone can best be described as frustrating, to the point where I wouldn't even recommend the game at all unless you are planning to play with others. The lack of online multiplayer doesn't help either.

Despite a handful of issues issues, Tools Up! is a co-op game that does the impossible and actually makes DIY fun! It might even inspire you to do some real-life DIY. Nah, who am I kidding? That extractor fan is going to stay well and truly un-extracted.