Review: Unlife | Xbox

In the desolate world of Unlife, survival hangs by a thread in a haunting landscape marred by nuclear fallout and grotesque mutations. Developed as a retro-inspired 2D shooter/survival horror game, Unlife promises an immersive experience that delves into the depths of despair and resilience. However, while it excels in crafting a chilling atmosphere and presenting intriguing enemies, its journey is hindered by a cumbersome control scheme that leaves players grappling with frustration.

A Post-Apocalyptic Tale of Survival

Unlife thrusts players into an alternate reality where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction following cataclysmic nuclear events. Against this bleak backdrop, the protagonist finds themselves navigating the remnants of civilization, haunted by the ever-looming threat of irradiated horrors. The narrative weaves a tale of desperation and hope, as players embark on a quest for survival and redemption in a world ravaged by the sins of the past.

Atmosphere and Visuals: A Dark Delight

One of Unlife‘s standout features is its atmospheric presentation. The developers have expertly crafted a world shrouded in darkness, where every corner conceals lurking dangers and hidden secrets. From dimly lit corridors to grotesque mutations, the game’s visuals evoke a sense of unease and apprehension, immersing players in its foreboding atmosphere. The enemy designs, particularly the mutating creatures, add a layer of macabre fascination to the experience, enhancing the game’s overall sense of dread and tension.

The Struggle with Controls

While Unlife excels in setting the stage for a harrowing survival experience, its gameplay is marred by a frustrating control scheme. Designed with keyboard and mouse in mind, it’s the controls translation to a controller is as good as it English translation (“You Dead”). Movement feels clunky and imprecise, with players forced to contend with awkward mechanics that hinder exploration and combat alike. The absence of free-roaming movement detracts from the immersion, making even simple tasks feel needlessly cumbersome. In combat scenarios, where quick reflexes and precise movements are essential, the control scheme becomes a significant hindrance, leading to moments of aggravation and dissatisfaction.

A Tale of Ambition and Frustration

Unlife presents a compelling premise set within a meticulously crafted world teeming with atmospheric tension and visual intrigue. However, its potential is overshadowed by the pervasive shortcomings of its control scheme, which detracts significantly from the overall experience. Despite its commendable efforts to immerse players in a post-apocalyptic nightmare, Unlife ultimately falls short of delivering a satisfying gameplay experience. While its haunting atmosphere may entice some players, the struggle with controls may prove too daunting for others to overcome.