UnEpic: Everyday Life Meets Basement Baddies

Although many people have not heard of this small indie game, it’s worth the glimpse. Part RPG and part joke, this game was made by a Spanish developer and it’s currently available on Steam. UnEpic also acts as a sort of 2D platformer where you play a nerdy teen who goes off to use the restroom in his friends’ house while playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons.

Impressions

Despite the extensive amount of humor, which is very in your face, the game clearly has some work put into it. Between the smooth and realistic character animation and the dynamic lighting effects, it’s an easily enjoyable environment. However, the humorous dialogue feels as if the game is trying too hard to break down the fourth wall, and pull apart all that is an epic story. Additionally, the snarky and non-caring attitude of the character you play often gets irritating. I don’t know about you, but despite being young I can’t stand young people and their “I don’t give a f**k about anything” attitude. It takes a certain type of person to enjoy this dialogue. 

Now, the premise of the game, from what I gathered, is you’re trying to escape what is essentially death. This persistent antagonist is trying to get your soul so he can become corporeal and unleash his wrath unto the world. And somehow he lives in your buddy’s basement.

As you explore to find numerous weapons, gold, and continue to explore the expansive catacombs underneath the house, you work to avoid traps and fight ghouls. These traps are often easily seen before they occur, and the ghouls (which are basically the minions of the antagonist) are simple enough to take out without any danger.

I’m not here to bash an indie game, just to point out some things people may not immediately enjoy. One of the things this game does really well is the wide range of equipment and spells. Although you won’t need nearly as much as you end up getting, the ability to handle any situation in a decently unique way is refreshing. Additionally, the game is very large. The main story quest is decently long and worth getting to the end, assuming you can trudge through the weak and lackluster dialogue.

For its price, UnEpic is worth the money as it’s hella cheap. Also, because this game was done by a single person, it’s certainly worth it to say he did a wonderful job designing and the developing the game. In my opinion it’s very reminiscent of the old Castlevania games, but in a lot of good ways without the tedious difficulty. 

Although UnEpic does have several drawbacks, it’s definitely worth your time to get it out. That is, unless you can’t stand bad dialogue or 2D platformers.