Tunic

 PC
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 406 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 292 out of 406
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 406
  3. Negative: 65 out of 406

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  1. Tobijah
    Mar 23, 2022
    10
    [SPOILER FREE REVIEW]

    It's a nostalgic throwback to early Zelda games. However this game has collectible "manual pages" scattered all across the world that give you information on the mechanics of the game as well as how to solve certain puzzles. This was a core mechanic I haven’t seen before. The illustrations in the manual are beautifully retro and it fits thematically in the game    [SPOILER FREE REVIEW]

    It's a nostalgic throwback to early Zelda games. However this game has collectible "manual pages" scattered all across the world that give you information on the mechanics of the game as well as how to solve certain puzzles. This was a core mechanic I haven’t seen before. The illustrations in the manual are beautifully retro and it fits thematically in the game (because old adventure games used to have these types of physical illustrated manuals) and the way the manual reveals the secrets of the game to you was at times very rewarding.

    The game has a medium sized, but very packed open world. Sadly the progress route through the game is actually very linear, but not necessarily very clear and traveling around the world is a bit slow. I got stuck in the middle of the game because there was one specific location I needed to go to get a certain item (something straight out of the Zelda games) to proceed, but it was hidden in a way that I walked past it 2 times and used several hours just going around in circles (I managed to solve some endgame puzzles while doing this though). Multiple entrances or a subtle hint telling me that this was the next location I was supposed to go to would’ve made this part of the game less annoying.

    There was also an area (Lower Miasma) that you can drop down to that has a locked door and if you don’t have the key, you’re stuck and you have to either kill your character or reload the game to get out of there. I consider this a design flaw. A shortcut elevator from the checkpoint would have sufficed. Maybe they’ll patch this later.

    Some of the puzzles were pretty hard, but I managed to solve them all without help by systematically going through the world and writing down notes or taking pictures with my phone when I encountered something suspicious. There are some mechanics in late game that help you find the unsolved puzzles/areas that are required for the true ending, but you need to do some exploration and write down notes to get the true ending. Puzzles themselves are pretty good - all of them (except the optional ones) are solvable if you pay attention to your surroundings as well as the game manual. The most obscure ones are optional and actually require you to put some time into figuring them out. I’m pretty sure very few people will solve them without guides, but I don’t mind just reading about them online (just reading about them blew my mind because solving them really requires effort and solving them reveals one final secret message that is definitely worth checking out).

    Bosses were quite easy for me (they usually took 3-5 tries which for me is pretty optimal), but I can see them being hard for someone who doesn’t take the time to find all the upgrade materials around the world. The way you beat the bosses is somewhat similar to Soulsborne games, so experience with their mechanics and slower combat will give you a slight advantage. They’re easier than Soulsborne bosses, but you still need to recognize openings between enemy attacks and mashing buttons will get you killed. One enemy encounter seemed to spike in difficulty, but after a couple of tries I bought some single use items and cheesed the fight.

    Game also shares Soulsborne’s minimalistic, ambiguous storytelling. To have any idea what the story was about, you need to go to the forums or watch a lore video. I prefer stories with character development and understandable goals and motivations. Games like Dark Souls or Inside at least gave me slightly more concrete themes I could latch on to. But then again, I didn’t expect there to be ANY story so I was happy that they at least tried to add some bits of lore for the community to figure out.

    The secret mechanics of this game were so fun that I wished it had more of them! Because of them I’d also recommend not to read about the game too much and just play it. Because of its unique mechanic of collecting the manual pages, this might be one of my favorite Zelda-like games ever. I did get stuck once which was really annoying because I felt I was just wasting time running around areas I had already been to. Using guides for this game is not recommendable so I wish they’d at least make the main path of the game more visible and add a few more shortcuts so that backtracking to some areas wasn’t so time consuming.

    I’d give the game 9/10 (strong recommendation) but because this is a disadvantageous time for smaller adventure games, I’ll give it one bonus point.    … Expand
  2. ImperialKnight
    Mar 23, 2022
    7
    Fantastic world building and design ruined by poor combat. Tunic had a great idea, to combine Zelda and Souls, but failed in the execution. The combat design fails to understand what makes Souls combat challenging but fair. You can cheese or brute force through some early fights, but eventually it's just a lot of cheese. I eventually turned on God mode and unlimited stamina, and still feltFantastic world building and design ruined by poor combat. Tunic had a great idea, to combine Zelda and Souls, but failed in the execution. The combat design fails to understand what makes Souls combat challenging but fair. You can cheese or brute force through some early fights, but eventually it's just a lot of cheese. I eventually turned on God mode and unlimited stamina, and still felt some boss fights were complete BS. The game becomes a lot more enjoyable with the cheats.

    The instruction manual system was an absolute gem. You could do everything from the start, but you could discover the "secrets" yourself, or find a page and find out about it. Both are rewarding in their own way.    … Expand
  3. Igansargor888
    Mar 23, 2022
    10
    A MASTERPIECE!
    It's simply amazing how it brings a sense of lightness in exploration, satisfying ecstasy in discovering this vast little universe and pure adrenaline in combat!
    Your story, art, sets and music touched my heart!
    I feel like I just shaved the Iceberg point yet!
  4. kennydog
    Mar 22, 2022
    9
    An incredible action-adventure game! It's fun, challenging and satisfying. The world is fun to explore, and the boss fights are tough but exciting. I've gotten lost many times, but the instruction booklet pages are a brilliant way to guide the player, and I've had many great "Aha!" moments. Overall, the game is designed incredibly well. Highly recommend!
  5. birucan
    Mar 22, 2022
    10
    This is one of the best indie game i've played in a while, really captures the feeling of playing a game as a kid before you learn how to read in a good way. It's an absolutely gorgeous looking game, and the difficulty is definitely there, for both the puzzles and the gameplay, the puzzles feel very similar to Fez and the Zelda + Dark Souls influence is obvious. Overall, it's a great gameThis is one of the best indie game i've played in a while, really captures the feeling of playing a game as a kid before you learn how to read in a good way. It's an absolutely gorgeous looking game, and the difficulty is definitely there, for both the puzzles and the gameplay, the puzzles feel very similar to Fez and the Zelda + Dark Souls influence is obvious. Overall, it's a great game and more people should be playing it, it deserves to be played.… Expand
  6. Firas0002
    Mar 22, 2022
    10
    when i first saw this game's trailer i thought it's just another zelda clone but i said why not giving it try and literally from the first gameplay minute i saw a completely different game with a very beautiful atmosphere and a unique art the level design is also very impressive i think i already got my goty indie game
  7. Nikopro245
    Mar 22, 2022
    10
    Great game. Don’t know why people here claim it is like a mobile game and give it a literal zero. Yes sure it is a Zelda rip off but it really is good fun and has a sweet tone throughout.
  8. Hazelvil
    Mar 22, 2022
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Отличная, душевная, красивая) Очень хочется продолжение и доработанном и в игре, ещё больше возможностей хотелось бы. Игра класс (: !… Expand
  9. TerraSanctum
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    This game is simply amazing! The art is beautiful, the progression and menu pages you find are extremely creative, enemies are challenging and the game doesnt hold your hand, which makes finding secret passages and learning how to advance very rewarding. 10/10, probably the best game I have played in awhile, it surprises me on every turn!
  10. Mac1972
    Mar 21, 2022
    9
    Fantástico! A exploração é viciante. Este é um jogo obrigatório para qualquer fã do gênero. Incrível a simplicidade da jogatina
  11. Diogo708
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    MARAVILHOSO! um jogo incrivel, sem duvida um dos melhores do genero, parecido também com o Deaths Door e com uma gameplay de DarkSouls/Demon Souls
  12. rafacapoci
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    The game is not easy at all! But it's extremely satisfying discover by yourself reading the pages of the manual that your find, what you have to do! For sure a very nice suprice!
  13. QPCloudy
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    Tunic is adorable and fun. Doesn't hold your hand. It is indeed much like the original Zelda on NES, but it's all the better for it. Fantastic game. Absolutely try it out. EXPECIALLY if you have PC or XBOX Game Pass.
  14. mistrmatt00
    Mar 21, 2022
    9
    Beautiful, engaging and just outright tremendous game. Everything feels handcrafted and a work of love. The combat is engaging and difficult. The exploration is rewarding and the soundtrack is amazing. This is a must play for any fan of the genre. And even for those who aren't!
  15. ginessl
    Mar 21, 2022
    8
    Me encanta como el propio mundo es en sí un puzzle enorme, en el que en ningún momento te dicen qué debes hacer y debes ser tú quién, gracias a encontrar trozos del manual sepas cual es la próxima zona y qué necesitas para completarla.
  16. Rallianto_Rex
    Mar 21, 2022
    8
    For a one-man single-developer project, this is amazing. Even for at medium sized developer, hvis game is amazing. It's diffucult to argue this game should be any less than 8/0 IMO
  17. muzdiddy
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    Nice little surprise on Game Pass this month. Super charming and wears it's influences on its sleeve. Well worth your time!
  18. ReviewAvenger
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    TBH, the game isn't perfect and is not for sure a 10 out of 10. But the score is just do balance the user score since some reviews are really awfull or pure stupidity. No, the game is not a "cheap zelda knockout". It borrows many elements from old Zelda game, that is true. But every single element works as intendend.

    I can get it that most modern players are used to be held by their    TBH, the game isn't perfect and is not for sure a 10 out of 10. But the score is just do balance the user score since some reviews are really awfull or pure stupidity. No, the game is not a "cheap zelda knockout". It borrows many elements from old Zelda game, that is true. But every single element works as intendend.

    I can get it that most modern players are used to be held by their hands when playing, and it's ok. But don't pretend that in a game intended to use old school mechanics. Is not the game for you, but saying is a cheap ripoff of zelda (when probably most of you don't even played the original 2d zeldas) is just gratuitous hate.

    Tunic is a well made tribute to old 2d zelda games, where each element will help you understand more and progress in the game. It's not for sure an easy game, but it's not even a "hardcore elite" type game.
    The graphics are particular and remind a lot of the recent remake of Link's Awakening. Seeing the nature of the game I guess it does it's job.

    Good game to relax from bigger AAA titles.
    8/10    … Expand
  19. Keav
    Mar 21, 2022
    10
    Tunik es un juego muy especial, hermoso en sus aspectos tanto jugables como visuales, muy recomendable.
  20. mabritec
    Mar 21, 2022
    0
    necesita mas para ser un juego en condiciones, muy bonito pero no todo son los graficos.
  21. Kunray
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    Great game in my opinion.
    Let's all have a fun time!
    This games art style is awesome. It’s got a great soundtrack. Is both beautiful and creepy, but mostly charming.
  22. PlayWithMe
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    Excelente juego, te atrapa en su mundo y descifrar todos los secretos. Excelente modo de combate y estrategia
  23. Kratosss666
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    After 8 hrs of game i have the complete certain about this game, is soo cool, funny and inmersive, the mix of Zelda and DarkSouls is just amazing. Its crazy but is a job of one men, i hope we get another game in the future or another DLC, 10/10
  24. chrisplay2021
    Mar 20, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Es una propuesta difícil de jugar que requiere de bastante concentración, no es un pelijuego y por eso le doy un nueve, el juego arriesga con una propuesta de mundo abierto y de ser similar a Zelda, pero pierde en lo gráficos aunque como obra artística gana bastante, lo he empezado y he ganado al primer jefe y espero reanudar muy pronto mi partida, pero estoy jugando ahora mismo a varios juegos a la vez.… Expand
  25. Xbd
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A very good game, I enjoyed it and I recommend it to everyone. The game world is very beautiful and the sounds are great… Expand
  26. BoiledEgg
    Mar 20, 2022
    10
    What starts out as a cute Zelda lookalike very soon gets more and more difficult and mysterious, with tons of both more and less obvious secrets to be found.
    The gameplay is fun, combat is challenging (very Souls-like, there's a godmode setting for people who want a more chill ride), exploration of the world is fun, and the story is very intriguing. Also it just looks adorable, and the    What starts out as a cute Zelda lookalike very soon gets more and more difficult and mysterious, with tons of both more and less obvious secrets to be found.
    The gameplay is fun, combat is challenging (very Souls-like, there's a godmode setting for people who want a more chill ride), exploration of the world is fun, and the story is very intriguing. Also it just looks adorable, and the music is great, too!
    Definitely a must-play!    … Expand
  27. javeto23
    Mar 20, 2022
    9
    Great fun gane, if Zelda and souls games had a baby this would be it. Colorful world, secret paths is just and amazing game. Go play it now.
  28. pricedaxe2054
    Mar 19, 2022
    10
    This is an amazing game, since the start looks really good, its like a souls like and a old zelda game
  29. Diegames
    Mar 19, 2022
    3
    Comandos confusos em boa parte do game. Dificuldade mal balanceada. Se tiver muita paciência, a experiência melhora conforme o andamento, mas mesmo assim, é muito abaixo do que poderia entregar, mesmo sendo uma gameplay reciclada. Não inova em nada.
  30. BigDad02
    Mar 19, 2022
    4
    Gameplay reciclada, não trás nada de novidade. Andamento confuso que atrapalha a experiência.
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Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best PC Game of 2022
15
#15 Most Discussed PC Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 59 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 60
  3. Negative: 1 out of 60
  1. GameStar
    Jan 25, 2023
    78
    Tunic is a wonderful Dark Souls alternative that fails to strike a fair balance.
    Read full review
  2. KeenGamer
    Jul 13, 2022
    90
    Tunic is truly a masterpiece of game design: a modern day Zelda with all the complexity it needs to thrive with gamers today. If you like running around a beautiful fantasy land, sword fighting fantasy baddies, or translating ancient languages, Tunic will have something for you to sink your teeth into. If you haven't already, I'd highly recommend picking this foxy little gem up.
    Read full review
  3. Oyungezer
    Jun 26, 2022
    85
    If you were looking for a foxy answer to the question "What would happen if Zelda was a Soulslike?" (I don't know why you're looking in a foxy way), you found it.
    Read full review
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