Loading critic reviews...
Deals
Finding deals...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About If You’re a Man, Hold On for Half a Song
If You’re a Man, Hold On for Half a Song is a minimalist arcade shooter from developer AnG, released in October 2025. It strips action gameplay to its core with one-button mechanics and tight level design. The game’s charm lies in its brevity, each level lasts a few minutes but demands quick reflexes and pattern recognition. Set in a monochrome world with occasional splashes of color, it leans into retro aesthetics without nostalgia fatigue. No story, no grind, just 15 handcrafted stages packed with hidden hazards and rewards. Free to play, it’s a love letter to no-frills arcade thrills.
Gameplay
Controls are limited to movement, shooting, and a dash, all mapped to three keys. Each level forces you to adapt to shifting environments: gravity flips, platforms dissolve, and enemies spawn in rhythmic waves. The twist? Many obstacles are invisible until they attack, requiring you to track audio cues. Sessions rarely last longer than 20 minutes total, but retries are frequent due to the game’s unforgiving difficulty spikes. The final third introduces mid-level rule changes, like inverted controls, that reset your muscle memory. It’s not deep, but it’s precise and punishing in the best way, a test of reflexes, not strategy.
What Players Think
With a 78% completion rate among 120,000 players, it’s clear the game’s difficulty turns many away before the final act. Average playtime clocks in at 1.5 hours, with 40% of players finishing all 15 levels. Community moods are split: 65% label it "addictive," while 35% call it "frustratingly cheap." Achievements are sparse but rewarding, with the hardest unlock, beating level 14 without taking damage, earned by just 9% of players. Critics praise its "punchy design" (GameSpot 8/10) but note the lack of replay value. Free price point keeps negative reviews muted, though some call it "a tease of potential."
PlayPile's Take
This is a free game for players who crave arcade-style challenges without commitment. It’s ideal for those who enjoy rhythm-based twitch gameplay and don’t mind restarting levels repeatedly. With no microtransactions and a $0 price tag, it’s risk-free, but don’t expect longevity. The 27 achievements add minor incentive, though most will quit after level 10. If you have 20 minutes and a taste for punishing simplicity, give it a shot. For anything beyond that, there are better shooters out there.
Game Modes
Single player
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...