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Appel Heat

Community Remix

May 1, 2021

9 Levels

Difficulty: Hard

500,000+

Views

18,000+

Loves

14,000+

Favorites

1,200+

Remixes

About This Game

Turn up the temperature in Appel Heat! This volcanic-themed remix transforms the classic platformer into an intense survival experience with rising lava, heat damage zones, and fiery new hazards. All 9 levels have been completely reimagined with a magma aesthetic, requiring faster reflexes and sharper decision-making to escape the relentless heat. The iconic yellow character now navigates through molten terrain, scorching platforms, and heat waves in an increasingly challenging gauntlet. Can you master the game's core mechanics while racing against the flames?

Features

✓ Rising lava mechanic that forces constant upward progression
✓ Volcanic/Magma visual theme with orange and red palette
✓ Heat damage zones that restrict your time in certain areas
✓ Redesigned levels with increased difficulty and pacing
✓ Intense particle effects simulating heat and embers
✓ Shorter time windows for completing each level
✓ Alternative routes for skilled players seeking shortcuts
✓ Modified enemy placement for increased challenge
✓ Enhanced checkpoint system accounting for time pressure
✓ Heat meter showing proximity to safety
✓ All core Appel mechanics (wall jump, ceiling stick, crouch)
✓ Speedrun-friendly level design with tight margin for error

Game Controls

movement

WASD or Arrow Keys - Move left and right

jump

W or Up Arrow or Space - Jump (hold for higher jumps)

crouch

S or Down Arrow - Crouch to shrink character

wall Jump

Jump against wall + hold direction to stick, press jump to push off

ceiling Stick

Hold Up when touching ceiling to stick

heat Check

H - View remaining time before lava catches you

quick Restart

R - Quick restart level (you will use this often)

Game Mechanics

Rising Lava

Lava rises slowly but relentlessly from the bottom of each level. You must keep moving upward to survive. The lava rises faster as you progress through levels, creating increasing time pressure. There is no safe zone—only temporary respite at higher elevations.

Heat Zones

Certain areas are too hot to remain in for long. Standing in heat zones for more than a few seconds deals damage and forces retreat. These zones are often strategically placed to block direct paths, requiring players to find alternative routes or move quickly through them.

Wall Jumping

Jump against a wall and hold the directional key toward it to stick. While stuck, press the jump button to push off in the opposite direction. In Heat, wall jumps must be performed quickly to escape rising lava and avoid heat damage.

Ceiling Stick

Hold the up key when touching a ceiling to stick to it. Ceiling sticks provide momentary safety from rising lava below and allow you to observe enemy patterns before dropping into dangerous sections.

Crouch and Shrink

Hold the down key to crouch and shrink. Access narrow passages to avoid lava or heat zones. You cannot jump while crouching, so use this defensively when trapped.

Speed Requirement

Unlike the original Appel's contemplative pacing, Heat demands constant movement and quick decisions. Hesitation is punished by rising lava. Mastery requires knowing levels well enough to execute routes without thinking.

Tips & Tricks

Don't stop moving! The lava is always rising and accelerating

Memorize level layouts so you can navigate without hesitation

Look for safe high ground to briefly assess your next move

Wall jumps are essential for vertical escape from lava

Heat zones often hide shortcuts for those brave enough to attempt them

Ceiling sticks provide temporary safety—use them strategically

The heat meter tells you how much time you have in dangerous areas

Practice early levels repeatedly to build speed and muscle memory

Appel Heat: How Environmental Hazards Transform a Classic Platformer

A Fiery Twist on Familiar Mechanics

Appel Heat takes the precision platforming of the original and adds a survival element that fundamentally changes the experience. The rising lava forces you to play faster, removing the safety of patience that characterized the original. Instead of contemplating each jump carefully, Heat demands muscle memory and snap decisions. This transformation proves that the same mechanics can create entirely different experiences when environmental pressure is applied. Players who mastered the original find Heat challenging because it punishes their cautious playstyle.

Visual Overhaul and Atmospheric Design

The game features a distinct orange, red, and black palette, immediately distinguishing it from the original's green and yellow. Particle effects simulate heat shimmer, falling embers, and lava bursts, creating a dynamic atmosphere. The background gradually transitions from cool stone at the beginning to molten orange at the peak, visually reinforcing the rising temperature. Sound design (lava bubbling, heat hissing) adds auditory urgency. Every visual and audio element reinforces the core concept: danger is constant and rising.

Level Design Reimagined for Survival

While retaining the core layout of original levels, Heat recontextualizes the platforming challenge. Safe zones that existed in the original become temporary checkpoints in a survival gauntlet. Wide platforms that allowed relaxation become narrow safety islands surrounded by lava. Wall jump sections that required precision now require precision AND speed. Ceiling stick areas that offered contemplation now offer only momentary respite. This redesign demonstrates sophisticated level design philosophy—same geometry, radically different experience.

The Psychology of Time Pressure

Rising lava serves as a psychological force distinct from traditional difficulty. It's not that jumps are harder or enemies more numerous—it's that you cannot afford to hesitate. This time pressure reveals player psychology: some thrive under pressure and perform better, while others become anxious and make careless mistakes. Speedrunners specifically seek out Heat because it aligns platforming skill with execution speed. The game has become a staple in Scratch speedrunning communities precisely because time pressure creates clear opportunities for optimization.

Community Response and Competitive Play

Heat inspired a significant speedrunning community within Scratch, with organized leaderboards and records tracked across multiple categories. Players analyze lava behavior frame-by-frame to find optimal routes. World records cluster around 7-8 minute completion times, a stark contrast to the original's 10-15 minute casual runs. The game is also popular in 'challenge runs'—players imposing additional restrictions like one-life playthroughs or specific route requirements. Heat demonstrated that Scratch games could support competitive speedrunning with the same rigor as professional titles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Appel Heat harder than the original Appel?

Yes, significantly harder. The rising lava creates constant time pressure, while heat zones restrict your options. Where the original allows careful planning, Heat punishes hesitation. Casual players typically find Heat 2-3x more difficult. However, advanced players often prefer Heat because it removes trial-and-error from the experience—you either execute the route or you don't.

How fast does the lava rise?

Lava starts slowly in early levels (giving you time to learn) but accelerates as you progress. By level 8-9, lava rises quickly enough that you must move constantly. The rising speed also increases during each individual level, creating a 'time is running out' feeling. You typically have 3-5 minutes to complete each level before lava catches you at the top.

Can I get stuck in the lava?

Touching lava resets you to the last checkpoint, not to the start of the level. However, if the lava catches you between checkpoints, you've lost progress. There are no unwinnable situations—if you can reach the top before lava, you can complete the level. The challenge is reaching the top quickly enough.

What are heat zones and how do I survive them?

Heat zones are red-colored areas that damage you if you stay in them for too long (typically 2-3 seconds). Some routes force you through heat zones—move quickly, don't stop to think. Other routes avoid heat zones entirely but require more complex platforming. Advanced players often take the direct heat zone route because it's faster despite the risk.

Are there shortcuts in Appel Heat?

Yes! Like the original, Heat includes alternative routes. Some shortcuts involve risky jumps over heat zones or precise wall jump sequences. Speedrunners know all the shortcuts and use them to save seconds. Casual players can always take the 'safe' (but slower) route that avoids the trickiest sections.

Can I play Appel Heat on mobile devices?

Heat was designed for keyboard controls. Mobile play is possible with touch controls but is significantly harder due to the time pressure—you can't afford the slight input delay of virtual buttons. Desktop with keyboard is strongly recommended for a playable experience.

How do I practice difficult sections?

Unfortunately, Appel Heat doesn't have a 'practice mode' that starts you mid-level. However, watching speedrun replays on YouTube helps you learn optimal routes. Some community members share practice tips on Scratch discussion forums. The best practice is repeated full-level attempts—each try builds muscle memory.

What's the difference between Appel Heat and the original level editor?

Appel Heat does not include a built-in level editor like the original. It's a polished, fixed-level experience designed specifically around the rising lava mechanic. If you want to create custom levels, the original Appel's editor is the tool for that.

Can I complete Appel Heat casually, or is it only for speedrunners?

Appel Heat is absolutely playable casually—it just requires more skill than the original. If you've mastered the original's mechanics, you can learn to beat Heat. It takes persistence (expect 20-50 attempts on later levels), but it's achievable for any dedicated player. The competitive speedrunning scene is separate from casual completion.

Why do speedrunners love Appel Heat?

Speedrunners love Heat because it combines tight controls, learnable routes, reasonable difficulty, and obvious opportunities for optimization. Unlike randomized games, every Heat speedrun follows the same levels with the same hazards. Small improvements in route selection or execution time translate directly to faster completion. The game has clear leaderboards, active community, and international competition—everything a speedrunning community needs.

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Appel Heat

About This Game

Features

Tags

Game Controls

Game Mechanics

Rising Lava

Heat Zones

Wall Jumping

Ceiling Stick

Crouch and Shrink

Speed Requirement

Tips & Tricks

Appel Heat: How Environmental Hazards Transform a Classic Platformer

A Fiery Twist on Familiar Mechanics

Visual Overhaul and Atmospheric Design

Level Design Reimagined for Survival

The Psychology of Time Pressure

Community Response and Competitive Play

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Appel Heat harder than the original Appel?

How fast does the lava rise?

Can I get stuck in the lava?

What are heat zones and how do I survive them?

Are there shortcuts in Appel Heat?

Can I play Appel Heat on mobile devices?

How do I practice difficult sections?

What's the difference between Appel Heat and the original level editor?

Can I complete Appel Heat casually, or is it only for speedrunners?

Why do speedrunners love Appel Heat?

More Appel Games

Appel v1.4 (Original)

Desert Appel

Appel Hacked v1.5