Due to the increase in resources for developers to create their own video games in the past few decades, the medium has expanded greatly in all directions. While most technology progresses only in one or a few directions at a time, older ways to play video games are often explored by indie developers and can generate large fanbases for that unique content. An upcoming example of this phenomenon, Under the Island, developed by Slime King Games and published by Top Hat Studios, has just revealed its release date, providing a trailer to put more eyes on the project.
According to the Steam store page, Under the Island follows the journey of Nia, who only recently came to the island in question. She is joined by a girl named Avocado as she discovers that the island is doomed to sink. The two set off on an adventure to protect their home while exploring unique biomes and meeting quirky characters. The game will see players face off against a variety of dangerous enemies, using tools and abilities discovered throughout the adventure to gain the upper hand.
Challenges in Under the Island can also be tackled using the help of a nearby animal, which the trailer shows off in greater detail by showing a ram helping with a puzzle when a bomb doesn’t work. Animals are guided by placing treats in their path, leading them to their destination and, in some cases, even riding on top of them. Combat is managed mostly by using Nia’s hockey stick, though players will also be able to mix in abilities, such as the dash shown off in the trailer. In the comment section, many fans express excitement for the game’s release, referring to its similarities to 2D Legend of Zelda titles.
Under the Island is set to release for consoles and PC on February 17th.