It's the year 1999. The internet is really slow. Some people might try to tell you that it's because the modem line just can't handle more speed... but don't trust them, it was all chimpanzees. Typing the pictures out, bit by bit. And you're one of them.
In "Chimpology," players assume the role of "corpo-chimps" tasked with manually routing image data bit-by-bit across the internet in 1999, when connection speeds were notoriously slow. The game's narrative premise humorously attributes this sluggishness to chimpanzees literally typing out the images one 0 or 1 at a time.
The core gameplay loop challenges players to rapidly press two buttons in precise timing to transmit the image data. Even a single mistimed button press can result in the player getting "fired" from their simulated job. The game encourages developing a rhythmic button-pressing style, with the option to play "with or without rhythm." Remarkably, the game supports a wide variety of control schemes, from standard keyboards to more unconventional inputs like gamepads, dance mats, guitars, and even bananas.
As players transmit more image data, they earn points and build up combos, providing a compelling scoring system and leaderboards to drive the game's addictive replayability. Many reviewers highlight the simple but challenging nature of the core gameplay loop as a major draw.
One unique feature is the ability to insert custom images into the game, though the game does not actually transfer these across the internet. This personalization option allows players to have fun and get creative within the game's minimalist aesthetic.
Despite its straightforward premise, "Chimpology" has cultivated a dedicated community of players who appreciate the title's quirky humor, rhythmic gameplay, and opportunities for friendly competition. The game's blend of challenge, customization, and community involvement make it a compelling and distinctive experience for fans of arcade-style and rhythm-based games.