Tunic is an action-adventure game that immediately draws comparisons to classic Zelda titles, thanks to its charming, isometric world and endearing protagonist – a small fox on a grand quest. Released on March 16, 2022, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4
Visuals and Art Style
One of the standout features of “Tunic” is its visual presentation. The game employs a vibrant, colourful art style that is both captivating and inviting. The isometric view enhances the game’s retro feel, reminiscent of early Zelda games, while still delivering modern, high-quality graphics. Each area is meticulously crafted, with lush forests, ancient ruins, and mysterious caves that entice players to explore every corner of the world.
The use of colour and light is particularly noteworthy. Different regions of the game world have distinct palettes that set the mood and atmosphere, from bright, sunny meadows to dark, foreboding dungeons. The visual design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also helps in guiding the player through various puzzles and hidden paths.
Gameplay Mechanics
Combat
The combat in “Tunic” is engaging and can be quite challenging. It requires players to use a mix of strategy and quick reflexes. You’ll need to learn enemy patterns, manage stamina, and make good use of the dodge mechanic to succeed. The difficulty can be unforgiving at times, which might frustrate some players but will appeal to those who enjoy a good challenge.
Combat encounters range from small skirmishes with lesser foes to intense battles with formidable bosses. Each enemy type has unique attack patterns and weaknesses, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly. The game rewards patience and careful observation, making each victory feel earned.
Puzzle-Solving
Puzzle-solving is another core aspect of Tunic. The game features cleverly designed puzzles that often require players to think outside the box. These puzzles are integrated seamlessly into the environment, encouraging exploration and experimentation. While some puzzles are straightforward, others can be quite obscure, requiring careful observation and a bit of patience to solve.
The game’s manual, a collectable item within Tunic, plays a significant role in puzzle-solving. Presented in a retro instruction booklet style, it contains hints, maps, and cryptic messages that aid in uncovering secrets. Deciphering the manual is a puzzle in itself, adding an extra layer of depth and engagement to the game.
Story and Narrative
Tunic delivers its narrative primarily through cryptic messages and environmental storytelling. This method adds to the game’s mysterious and enchanting atmosphere but can also be a double-edged sword. The lack of direct storytelling means that players must piece together the plot from scattered clues, which may not be satisfying for everyone. This indirect approach to storytelling contributes to the overall sense of discovery but may leave some players feeling disconnected from the narrative.
The game’s lore is rich and intriguing, hidden in fragments throughout the world. Players who take the time to explore thoroughly and read the in-game manual will uncover a deeper understanding of the story and its world. However, the abstract nature of the storytelling means that some plot points remain ambiguous, leaving much to player interpretation.
Difficulty and Accessibility
The difficulty curve in “Tunic” is notable and can be a point of contention. The game does not hold the player’s hand, often leaving them to figure out mechanics and solutions on their own. This approach can lead to moments of frustration, especially for players who are not accustomed to such a high level of challenge. However, for those who enjoy figuring things out without much guidance, this aspect can be quite rewarding.
To assist players, Tunic offers a range of accessibility options, such as reducing combat difficulty and enabling in-game hints. These options help make the game more approachable for a wider audience without compromising the core experience for those seeking a challenge.
Audio and Sound Design
The audio design in Tunic deserves special mention. The soundtrack, composed by Lifeformed, perfectly complements the game’s aesthetic and atmosphere. Each track is carefully crafted to enhance the emotional impact of different areas and moments in the game, from serene exploration tunes to intense combat music.
Sound effects are equally well-designed, providing crucial auditory feedback during gameplay. The distinct sounds for enemy attacks, environmental interactions, and item pickups add to the overall immersion and help players stay attuned to their surroundings.
Replayability and Content
Tunic offers a good amount of content for its price. The main quest can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to complete, depending on how thorough the player is in exploring and solving puzzles. Additionally, there are numerous secrets and hidden items scattered throughout the world, encouraging replayability.
For completionists, Tunic offers a variety of achievements and collectables to hunt down. The game’s world is densely packed with hidden paths and secret areas, making it rewarding to revisit and explore even after finishing the main story.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Tunic earns a solid 8/10. It stands out with its beautiful visuals, engaging combat, and inventive puzzles. However, its steep difficulty curve and the obscure nature of its storytelling may not appeal to all players. If you appreciate challenging action-adventure games with a retro aesthetic and are willing to invest the time to uncover its secrets, Tunic is certainly worth your time.
The game’s strengths lie in its art style, audio design, and the sense of accomplishment it provides. However, potential players should be aware of the challenging combat and the need for patience in deciphering the narrative and puzzles. Tunic is a delightful, if sometimes demanding, adventure that offers a nostalgic journey with modern twists.
Tunic is also available on PlayStation’s PSPlus, so it’s a great time to get into it if you’re unsure about it.
Gareth Ellis - Author 