Under The Island

The game’s run-time is in the range of 8 to 12 hours, depending on how much you want to explore the world and complete side quests, and it will leave players wanting more. It’s almost disappointing when the narrative all wraps up, as the infectious charm at the heart of the experience will leave players wanting more. That’s better than over-stretching, but it also means the game doesn’t have the larger scope that it could probably benefit from. Still, there’s a lot to love about Under the Island. Even beyond the throwback vibes and solid gameplay, the visual and music presentation make for a sweet experience that’s perfect for younger gamers and older players alike. Under the Island is a great modern take on a classic archetype.

Under the Island does a great job of scratching that 2D Zelda itch while still feeling original and unique. The story and writing are nothing to write home about, but the world is intricate and filled with secrets, and the dungeons offer more than a few creative surprises. Simply put, it's a good time.

Under the Island is a charming, old-school adventure that rewards curiosity with clever puzzles, playful humor, and a beautiful island packed with secrets. Its sense of freedom and discovery shines far brighter than its modest combat, making Seashell Island a place you’ll want to fully explore.

Under the Island is a bright, character driven adventure that balances lighthearted humor with a steady sense of discovery. As you explore its layered world, each new tool opens paths that once seemed out of reach, making progression feel natural and rewarding. It is the kind of compact journey that stays focused, delivers consistent surprises, and leaves you satisfied.

A wonderful tribute to the charming top-down action adventure legacy.

Under The Island didn't take long to sink its charming teeth into me as I had been itching for something a little lighter, both in tone and runtime, after making my way through a handful of long RPGs. Along Nia’s adventure, you end up encountering a variety of different gameplay types, including stealth sequences and arcade-style minigames, and so what has become a well-trod genre does feel quite fresh. If you're in the mood for a whimsical Zelda-like with some unique items and boss fights, the dozen-plus hours you can spend on Seashell Island are absolutely worth your time.

Under The Island is a charming, puzzle-filled adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The balance between the game’s systems ensures that progress always feels meaningful, and while it would have been good to see some slightly more rounded out combat and extra polish, there’s enough substance here to make for a fun and memorable adventure.

Under the Island falters in its combat and storytelling, but more than makes up for those shortcomings with engaging world design, clever puzzles, and creative boss encounters. Link’s boots are admittedly difficult to fill, but Under the Island has enough good ideas to set itself apart from its inspiration. The journey is a short one at only eight to ten hours, but I enjoyed my time with the game. It’s no Link’s Awakening, but in its best moments, it gets close enough to scratch the old-school Zelda itch.

Under the Island does the job it sets out to do: provide players with an enjoyable adventure with plenty of puzzle-solving along the way. The puzzle-solving elements — including the boss fights — are easily where the game is its strongest, but it never really steps out from the traditional top-down adventure template, and the lack of any substantial narrative and mediocre overall combat prevent it from distinguishing itself from the crowd. While it certainly has enough to satisfy players who pick it up, it doesn’t quite take the next step to fully stand out.