Under the Island
IGDB
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About Under the Island
Under the Island is a 2D action RPG from Slime King Games that channels 90s fantasy vibes. You play as a character navigating a mysterious island, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and piecing together the history of a lost civilization. The game emphasizes exploration, with lush environments and quirky NPCs to interact with. It launched on February 17, 2026, across PS4, PC, Xbox Series, PS5, and Switch. The single-player campaign blends combat and puzzle-solving, all framed by a story about the island’s inhabitants and their secrets. It’s not a fast-paced action title, think methodical exploration and narrative-driven discovery, with a retro aesthetic that feels like a throwback to older RPGs but with modern polish.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around platforming-style exploration and turn-based combat. You navigate vertical and horizontal spaces, climbing, jumping, and digging to access hidden areas. Battles are tactical, requiring you to position your character and use elemental weaknesses to defeat foes. Puzzle-solving often ties to the environment, like manipulating plants to open paths or using tools to access new regions. Sessions usually mix combat, exploration, and light dialogue with NPCs, all while piecing together lore fragments. The controls are responsive, but the game’s pace is deliberate, favoring careful planning over speed. You’ll spend time grinding for upgrades and managing a small inventory of items and tools. Progression feels incremental, with each discovery tying back to the island’s central mystery.
What Players Think
Critics gave it a 90%, while players average 8.6/10. The game has a 22% completion rate, with most players logging around 17 hours. Community moods skew curious and nostalgic but also highlight grindiness. Review snippets praise the "lovely setting" and "creative puzzles" but note repetitive battles and slow pacing. The 100 achievements take an average of 23 hours to unlock, with 58% of players failing to complete them. On Reddit, one user wrote, "It’s like a 90s RPG but without the budget," while another called it "a chill, pretty game that I’d revisit just for the vibes." The Switch port is popular for its portability, but PC players report occasional UI bugs.
PlayPile's Take
Under the Island is a niche pick for fans of slow-burn RPGs and 90s-style adventures. At $24.99, it’s affordable but not a must-buy for most. The game thrives on charm and atmosphere but may frustrate players wanting brisker pacing. If you enjoy methodical exploration and don’t mind grinding, it’s worth trying. The achievements add replay value, but with a 22% completion rate, don’t expect to finish it all. It’s a solid, if flawed, ode to older RPGs that rewards patience over power. Skip it if you prefer fast action or tight combat systems.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
84.3
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