diff --git a/BoxBoy/BoxBoy.gd b/BoxBoy/BoxBoy.gd
index 786d5df..1f3e179 100644
--- a/BoxBoy/BoxBoy.gd
+++ b/BoxBoy/BoxBoy.gd
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ const MOVE_FORCE: int = 300 #about 10 tiles horizontally (airborne arc)
 const JUMP_FORCE: int = 500 #about 4 tiles vertically
 
 const GRAVITY_RISING: int = 15
-const GRAVITY_FALLING: int = 30
+const GRAVITY_FALLING: int = 60
 
 #bouncy platform
 const BOUNCE_FORCE: int = -820 #about 10 tiles vertically
@@ -43,12 +43,21 @@ func _physics_process(_delta) -> void:
 		velocity.y = -JUMP_FORCE
 		buffer_grounded = 0
 		buffer_jumping = 0
-	
-	#normally, fall faster than you rise
-	elif velocity.y < 0 and (Input.is_action_pressed("input_jump") or just_bounced):
-		velocity.y += GRAVITY_RISING
+	#normally, fall faster than you rise + smooth apex at peak	
+	if not is_on_floor():
+		var grav = GRAVITY_FALLING
+		if velocity.y < 0 and (Input.is_action_pressed("input_jump") or just_bounced):
+			grav = GRAVITY_RISING
+		else:
+			grav = GRAVITY_FALLING
+			just_bounced = false  # reset here so bounce ascent uses light gravity
+		
+		# smooth the transition right at the top
+		if abs(velocity.y) < 80:
+			grav = int(grav * 0.65)
+			
+		velocity.y += grav
 	else:
-		velocity.y += GRAVITY_FALLING
 		just_bounced = false
 	
 	#sideways movement