Tunic Review 

Game: Tunic
Genre: Action, Adventure
System: Steam (Windows & macOS) (also on Xbox)
Developer|Publisher: TUNIC Team | Finji
Controller Support: Yes
Price: UK £24.99 | US $29.99 | EU € 27,99
Release Date: March 16th, 2022

Review code provided with many thanks to Ico Partners

The Wait was Worth it

Tunic is an isometric adventure game that has been on my radar for quite some time since it was revealed at the Xbox showcase at E3 in 2018. The idea of a Zelda style game where you play as an adorable little fox had me pretty much sold on day one. With the world these days feeling quite sad in places, Tunic might just be the video game cuddle you are looking for. If you’re looking for an adventure to get lost in with a decent challenge and charming art style then I highly recommend giving this foxy tale a go.

Enjoyment in the Process

The game begins with the cute fox protagonist waking up in the game world. From there you are essentially left to it. Explore the area and you will eventually find a stick that will help you fend off enemies. The game really doesn’t give the player any pointers. In fact, even the subtitles, to begin with, are presented in some unknown language to the player. But, as you explore the world you’ll eventually find fragments of the game’s actual instruction manual. A booklet that mimics the good old days showing you the game’s mechanics, controls and useful hints along with some nice illustrations.

It’s clear from the get-go the game takes a lot of inspiration from the Zelda series but particularly the NES original. You’re not given much instruction on where to go and what to do. But the joy of this game really comes from exploring and discovering things for yourself. Eventually, you’ll come across a sword, shield and a variety of other items which will help you access new areas of the game and open up the game world even more.

I guess, when I reflect on it, Tunic is the typical hero who awakens to save the day story. But I found great enjoyment in the process of exploring Tunic’s world rather than rushing to the finish line. I felt in absolutely no rush and that is a feeling I don’t often get in video games. 

Move Like Fox

The controls are solid and navigating the world feels comfortable. For this version of the game, I used an Xbox gamepad. The movement was smooth and combat was simple in concept with some added depth. You have the typical hack and slash of the sword but you can also roll out of harm’s way with a handy dodge move.

Although you do need to keep a watchful eye on your stamina bar. Letting this drop will make you vulnerable, opening you up to taking further damage from enemies while you recover. You can also lock onto enemies but only one at a time, so I often found this best to be used on boss fights rather than big groups of enemies. 

Adorable and Cute

Graphically the game looks gorgeous. The art is 3D low poly models with grass and hedges that can be chopped down (provided you have the right weapon), flowing streams and dark dungeons. There’s a good use of lighting and reflections which really come alive when you’re outside exploring the landscape. Then you have your cute as heck fox protagonist, which I want a plushie of to put next to my PC today.

The soundtrack to accompany the game is mostly quite calming and relaxing when exploring but will venture into the more techno side of things when the action heats up and things get a little dark. Tunic may offer a bit of a challenge but the score makes you feel you’re going in for a calming session of video game meditation.

Hearty Challenge

The main adventure will take around the twelve hours mark but this will increase if you spend time hunting around for all the secrets of which this game has many. Even after a regular playthrough you only really scratch the surface of this game. The game does offer a pretty hearty challenge; it is possible to encounter enemies you’re probably not equipped to fight. But through exploration, you can find better weapons and items to tackle these brutes.

There are also a few head-scratcher puzzles to test your skills. Tunic is not a game that leads you by the hand for its solutions. If the combat does get too much it does offer accessibility options including a no-fail mode and unlimited stamina. These features are handy for those that need them but I kinda liked playing this game on its base difficulty. Save shrines are not too far away and the most rewarding thing about playing the game is exploring and just getting immersed in the world.

Conclusion – Raise Your Sword

Tunic left a very positive impression on me. I haven’t enjoyed an adventure game like this in quite some time. Tunic cleverly drops the player in its world and just lets them discover things for themselves without feeling overbearing or confusing. It’s a feeling I don’t think I have felt since the good old retro days. Most of all I left most sessions with a smile whether I made progress or not. If that sounds good to you, then I strongly suggest checking it out. 

Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up