Game Review: Tunic
Game Review: Tunic
Available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch, Tunic is an action-adventure game with a nostalgic charm reminiscent of the old Legend of Zelda games (especially A Link to the Past).
Gameplay Mechanics:
Tunic combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The combat system, inspired by the Dark Souls series, focuses on precision and timing. Players need to carefully monitor their stamina, learn enemy patterns, and be strategic with dodging and shield use.
The world is also designed with an isometric (angled) viewpoint, so there are tons of hidden paths and secret areas.
Combat with regular enemies was challenging until my equipment (and health bar!) improved. The boss fights, however, were extra difficult for this casual gamer, even on easy mode. I often had to have my husband do the boss fights. He’s infinitely better at video games than I am.
Story and Characters:
The story in Tunic is minimalist and cryptic, and the storytelling is less about dialogue and more about atmosphere and exploration.
You play as a small fox in a green tunic who wakes up on a mysterious shore and sets off on a journey. But the details of said journey are left intentionally vague. The game encourages players to piece the story together through environmental clues, in-game manuals, and confusing hints.
Unique Features:
Speaking of in-game manuals, it’s one of the most unique features of Tunic. The manual, which you gradually collect pages of as you progress, is a charming, nostalgic design that mimics the old-school NES game manuals. It’s written in a fictional language, which adds a layer of mystery, but it provides hints, maps, and lore through the images.
World-Building and Setting:
The world of Tunic is well crafted, blending vibrant colors with a sense of mystery and wonder. And the game’s environments range from lush forests to creepy dungeons, each filled with hidden secrets and puzzles.
The game’s manual, which is presented as an in-game artefact, plays an important role in the world-building and serves as a key to unlocking the world’s secrets.
Sound and Music:
The sound design is good. It shifts from calm melodies during exploration to more intense music during combat. The sound effects, like rustling leaves and clashing swords, add to the atmosphere.
Themes:
As an action-adventure game, Tunic has themes of adventure and exploration. But with all the puzzles, hidden areas, and mystery surrounding the world, it also has themes of perseverance, curiosity, and overcoming challenges.
Replayability and Longevity:
It took me about 16 hours total to finish the game with the “bad” ending. With help, it took an additional 4 hours to finish with the “good” ending. There’s a solid amount of replayability, especially for completionists, as there are secret trophies (I only managed to get one of the twelve) and a New Game+ option.
Overall Experience:
Whether you’re a fan of classic Zelda games, enjoy a good challenge, or simply love a game that rewards curiosity, Tunic is a must-play adventure.
Have you played the game before? Let me know in the comments!
Raine