Action Henk

Action Henk is a kinetic, momentum-driven platformer that revolves around one deceptively simple idea: running fast is more important than jumping high. Developed and published by RageSquid, the game takes the familiar framework of time-trial racing and filters it through precise physics, playful humor, and an immediately readable control scheme that rewards mastery through repetition. You play as Henk, a slightly worn-out action figure determined to reclaim his former glory, sprinting through obstacle-filled tracks built from oversized everyday objects. From the very first level, the game makes it clear that speed is king, and that learning how to conserve and exploit momentum is the key to success.
The core mechanics are elegant and focused. Rather than relying on complex move sets, Action Henk gives players a small number of actions—running, jumping, sliding on your backside, and later grappling—that interact deeply with the game’s physics. Sliding downhill builds speed dramatically, and well-timed jumps allow you to preserve that velocity across gaps and obstacles. The brilliance of the design lies in how these mechanics encourage flow; the best runs feel almost rhythmic, as if the level itself is guiding you forward when executed correctly. Early stages teach these principles gently, while later tracks demand precise timing and near-perfect execution, pushing players to refine their technique rather than simply react.
Progression is structured around time-based medals, which form the backbone of the game’s addictive loop. Each level can be completed at a basic level with little trouble, but earning gold or the coveted rainbow medals requires optimization, experimentation, and repeated attempts. The game excels at making retries painless and inviting, with instant restarts and clear feedback that helps players identify where time was lost. Racing against ghost replays—either your own best times or those of other players—adds a compelling layer of competition that turns self-improvement into a tangible goal. Every fraction of a second shaved off feels earned, and that sense of incremental mastery is what keeps players coming back.
Level design consistently reinforces this philosophy. Tracks are compact but carefully constructed, offering multiple routes, shortcuts, and risk-reward decisions that reward bold experimentation. As environments change, new obstacles and mechanics are introduced, keeping the experience fresh without overwhelming the player. Visually, the game leans into a playful toy-box aesthetic, with courses built from pillows, toy cars, wooden blocks, and household clutter. This exaggerated sense of scale gives the world personality and charm, while also making obstacles easy to read at high speed—an essential quality for a game where split-second decisions matter.
Beyond the main campaign, Action Henk gains impressive longevity from its social and creative features. Local multiplayer allows friends to compete directly in frantic couch races, transforming the precision-focused solo experience into chaotic fun. Online leaderboards and ghost challenges foster a sense of global competition, while the inclusion of a level editor and Steam Workshop support opens the door to an endless supply of community-made tracks. This user-generated content significantly extends the game’s lifespan, offering new challenges long after the original levels have been mastered.
The presentation complements the gameplay with an upbeat soundtrack and lighthearted tone that never takes itself too seriously. Character animations and sound effects emphasize humor and energy, reinforcing the idea that this is a game about joyful movement rather than punishment. While the narrative framing is minimal, it doesn’t need to be more; the motivation comes from the satisfaction of improvement and the thrill of a perfect run rather than story progression.
Overall, Action Henk succeeds by refining a single idea to a razor-sharp edge. It doesn’t rely on gimmicks or bloated systems, instead delivering a focused, rewarding experience built around speed, precision, and flow. For players who enjoy time trials, physics-based movement, and games that reward dedication and practice, it offers an immensely satisfying challenge. Its charm, responsiveness, and emphasis on mastery make it a standout indie platformer that turns running fast into an art form.
Rating: 8/10

Truly a hidden gem in my opinion. This game takes the simple concepts of time trials and momentum control and turns them into one of the most fun platformers I've ever played.

It feels great to control once you get used to it, and grinding out runs for a fast time never feels like a hassle with a one-button restart and (mostly) shorter levels.

If speedy fluid platformers are your kinda game I 100% recommend it.

Super Fun! Reminds me of the Olliolli games (which I also love). I got it on the cheap, but if you're looking for a fun fast platformer, it's worth it.

If you like trial runners, its a decent one. Runs well, decent maps, easy level restarts. Not too inventive or creative but its also not my ideal genre. Feels like it would be a mobile game or something. If you like this type of game, give it a try when its on sale. $15 is absurd for it though, wait for $5 or so.

Fun little game, nothing more, nothing less

I think I received this as part of a humble bundle or maybe I took a chance on it on a steam sale.
It quickly surprised me with it's fun and addictive game play, reminding me of UniRally/uniracer the old snes classic and has a little micro-machines dna in there too. the difficulty curve is really optimised and there's something to be gained by replaying old levels and learning the timing of each. It can occasionally be frustrating in the later game when jumps have to be timed 99% perfectly or you have to restart the whole map.
I despise the exaggerated grotesque character art style and find it unfunny and not interesting, relying on tropes and stereotypes.|
They could have definitely taken a more stylised approach and looked at real world action figures for inspiration for instance i've never seen a poseable action figure with screws.
I think they could have given unique power-ups to each character, like a batman style glider action figures or teenage mutant ninja turtle style pizza launching action figures.
I do love the movie posters, references and easter eggs throughout the game as they definitely work to sell the idea.
solid 7/10 game , extra fun if you can convince your friends to learn the controls and nuances of gameplay for multiplayer .

Very fun gameplay. Game looks meh but is very fun and replayable.