Short Life is a Survival Challenge game where you must guide your hero through more than 16 levels of deadly obstacles. The game is simple: survive to the finish line and collect the Stars, but be warned: spikes, bombs, swinging axes, and other crazy traps await. One wrong move, and the game’s famous ragdoll physics will ensure your hero reacts in spectacularly funny (and gory) ways!
Developed by GameTornado, Short Life was first released in January 2018 and last updated in May 2022. It is available to play directly in your Browser (utilizing HTML5/Unity WebGL) and can also be found on platforms like the App Store (Android) and Steam.
Gameplay and Scoring
In-game, you need to reach the finish line without getting fatally injured. As you complete one level, the next is automatically unlocked, with challenges increasing dramatically. Success requires knowing when to react quickly and when to employ a slow, timely, and balanced movement.
You earn points for clearing a level, generally starting with 100 points, which contributes to your final score. You are also rewarded with up to three stars per level based on your performance and speed, similar to scoring systems in bike racing games. Keep an eye on the timer in the top left, which tracks your run time in real time. Applying your mind with careful, timely action and precision controls can help you achieve scores over 100,000.
Control Keys (Desktop)
The game’s controls are easy but require precise timing. Use the:
- Left and Right Arrows to move your character.
- Up Arrow to jump or stand up, and
- Down Arrow to crouch.
- P if you need to pause the game at any point.
Hazards in Short Life
The levels are packed with escalating dangers beyond simple spikes and bombs. Early levels feature moving combs with sharp spikes and arrow hazards. As you progress, watch out for crushing objects, fire drums that explode within 3 seconds of being touched, and cannonballs that can be dodged by quickly crouching. A big moving wheel also causes massive damage on contact.
Later levels introduce complex mechanics you must master. In Level 3, use the lift to ascend, but immediately leave the platform upon reaching the floor to avoid sharp gears at the top. You must also use the cart trolley to safely cross long stretches of spikes; while riding, do not try to change your position (like standing or sitting), or you will fall. In Level 5, use sliders to safely clear paths blocked by dangerous gears and look for hammers that aid in making long jumps. The final challenge in Level 16 is the laterally moving object; this hazard requires you to touch or ride on the object to be thrown safely to the other side.
How to Survive in Short Life
To maximize your chances of survival and score high, apply this essential trick: The game uses a STOP signboard positioned just before every major hazard. Always stop at this sign and observe the upcoming danger carefully. Ignoring this stopping point is the primary reason many players fail new levels. Beyond that, move slowly in unfamiliar areas, use the football asset to safely deactivate hidden mines, and near obstacles like the big green tree, be prepared to maintain momentum for a huge, necessary jump.
Alternative Games
If you enjoy Short Life’s brutal physics challenges, you might also like games such as Happy Wheels, which pioneered this genre, and other challenging platformers focused on precise timing like the Vex Series and Geometry Dash. For a less intense but still fun obstacle course experience, check out Fall Guys.
Important Note for Younger Players
This game is not recommended for small children. Due to the nature of the survival challenges, the game frequently employs visuals depicting cartoon violence, dismemberment, and blood using ragdoll physics. Parents and guardians should be aware that these graphic moments, while exaggerated for comedic effect, may be uncomfortable or inappropriate for younger audiences
