As an unyielding pioneer in gaming, few things compare to the satisfaction of uncovering every hidden gem a game offers. Exploring a vast and intricate world like UNSIGHTED, developed by Studio Pixel Punk and published by Humble Games, felt like a monumental task. Released on September 30th, 2021, the game has earned predominantly ‘Very Positive’ reviews, blending intricate gameplay, a profound narrative, and captivating aesthetics.
A Unique Take on Metroidvania Mechanics
UNSIGHTED stands out in the Metroidvania genre with its ticking time mechanic, forcing players to make critical choices about who to save and who will turn UNSIGHTED. While this system could have disrupted balance, the developers skillfully designed it to heighten narrative tension, increasing urgency without overwhelming the player.
Gameplay & Combat: Precision Meets Chaos
Action-packed gameplay takes center stage, offering a diverse selection of weapons that allow players to tailor their combat style. The parry mechanic, reminiscent of Hyper Light Drifter, adds another layer of satisfaction. However, some gameplay quirks hinder the experience. Dodging sometimes leads to accidental wall latching or unintended enemy collisions. Additionally, encounters before boss battles occasionally create an unexpected difficulty spike by draining health. Some players also found the final boss more of an endurance test than a skill challenge, suggesting areas for improvement.
A Thought-Provoking Narrative with Missed Potential
UNSIGHTED crafts a philosophical metaphor within its escapist world. However, NPC interactions and character development failed to forge strong emotional connections for some players, making survival decisions feel more utilitarian than heartfelt. While the game explores humanity’s exploitative tendencies, inconsistent character development dulls its impact. Strengthening these narrative aspects could have amplified its emotional weight.
Visual & Audio Aesthetics: A Retro-Inspired Masterpiece
UNSIGHTED embraces a stunning retro-inspired art style, reminiscent of Hyper Light Drifter yet unique in its execution. Each frame blends melancholy with resilience, reflecting Arcadia’s post-war ruins. The vibrant, contrast-heavy color palette enhances the atmosphere, bringing the game’s tone to life.
Sound design further immerses players, featuring atmospheric beats that intensify urgency while maintaining a rhythmic calm during exploration and combat.
Difficulty & Replayability: A Balanced Challenge
UNSIGHTED delivers a fair challenge without frustrating difficulty spikes. The ticking clock mechanic adds a manageable layer of stress, making each playthrough compelling. Post-game content extends the experience, rewarding those who crave full completion.
As a champion of completionist gameplay, UNSIGHTED excels in creating a world brimming with exploration and content. Additionally, the game highlights the contributions of trans developers, making it a landmark for diversity and representation in the industry.
Final Verdict
UNSIGHTED redefines Metroidvania gameplay with its innovative mechanics, engaging combat, and artistic brilliance. However, certain gameplay and narrative elements could benefit from further refinement. Given all the premises, I would rate UNSIGHTED a firm 3.5 stars out of 5, warranting several sessions of thorough gaming, especially for the likes of meticulous completionists.
