DaRmaZat A Nostalgic Vacation with a Sinking Deadline.
On the surface, Under the Island is a vibrant love letter to the ‘90s—a world of pixel-perfect biomes and quirky monsters that defined an era. It’s built on the foundations of legendary action RPGs like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Secret of Mana, or, say, Crystalis. Yet, Slime King Games does more than just mimic the past; they masterfully fuse this retro DNA with a modern zeitgeist. The result is a surprisingly fresh experience where 8- to 16-bit nostalgia meets contemporary charm, proving that the classic formula still has plenty of secrets left to uncover.
Uncover a Sinking Mystery
In Under the Island, you step into the shoes of Nia, a teenager who’s been dragged along by her parents to the mysterious Seashell Island. While they are preparing to research ancient ruins for work, you’re based in a small cottage in Koala Village. It’s a cozy little town, and before long, you’ll meet the quirky locals at the library, the farms, and the shops—all of whom seem to have at least one quest waiting on their to-do list. However, things have taken a turn for the worse lately; a plague of enchanted enemies, from corrupted trees to feral beasts, has begun attacking everyone. There’s a sense of unease in the air, but no one truly realizes the catastrophe that’s looming.
Everything changes after you meet a cool peer named Avocado. While visiting a shrine for the god Arashi, the ground gives way, and the two of you plummet into a hidden ancient ruin. There you encounter Karasu, a mysterious figure clad in an ancient mask and costume, who delivers a chilling warning: Seashell Island is destined to sink beneath the ocean! To prevent this, you must track down four gears scattered across the island to repair its underlying mechanism. Since playing the hero isn’t exactly Avocado’s cup of tea, this heavy burden falls squarely on your shoulders. To help you on your way, Karasu hands you a “sacred” weapon capable of slicing through grass and shrubs: a hockey stick.
Classic Inspiration with a Twist
Indeed, right from the start, it’s clear that Under the Island doesn’t take itself too seriously. This makes for a more lighthearted and cozy interpretation than the classic top-down 2D games it’s inspired by—reminiscent of the original Zelda titles, which are personally my favorite take on the series. Yet, beneath the charm lies plenty of danger, echoing the challenges of those very classics.
Just like in the old days, you’ll need explosives (bombs) and fire (via the fire plant) to defeat tougher mobs—like those pesky Weremotes that pop out of the ground with vicious speed—and take down massive bosses. These tools are also essential for uncovering secrets and opening new paths. There’s even a Secret Radar to alert you when treasure is nearby. Visually, the resemblance to Zelda is unmistakable. This extends to the gameplay essentials: you have Ramen Bowls that can be refilled at a trader for health, as well as the more traditional potions known here as Monster Souls. Both are indispensable for surviving the island’s many threats.
Modern Convenience Meets Old-School Exploration
Notably, the game lacks a quest log, and you can’t zoom in on the map, forcing you to actually learn the layout of the world. However, there are several modern touches that make the experience more accessible. You can earn upgrades from Ranar the bear, and even a bodybuilder if you bring him the right items—his name is M. Uscle, which immediately reminded me of those classic prank calls from The Simpsons.
Additionally, you can unlock a Fast Travel system via puzzles that utilize “speed tunnels”. There’s also a hint system available at save points and through Molevich the mole who lives in the village and is always available for a visit. While I appreciated the option when I got stuck, the hints felt a bit rudimentary. They stay fairly surface-level and don’t always track your actual progress since your last hint. The system seems primarily designed to eventually automatically place a destination marker on your map when you’re truly lost.
A Vibrant World Brimming with Pixels and Puzzles
One thing you won’t lose, however, is your sense of wonder; Under the Island bristles with energy and joy. Seashell Island is incredibly diverse, featuring six unique regions brought to life with vibrant pixel art. The inclusion of a day and night cycle adds a great layer of immersion to the world. You’ll journey from sunny beaches to gloomy forests, dusty valleys, and frozen caverns. The universe feels expansive because, beyond the outdoor biomes, you’ll delve into numerous dungeons. This is where the Metroidvania and puzzle elements truly shine, requiring you to solve riddles in a specific order and hunt for keys to progress. Don’t expect a walk in the park, either; some of these puzzles are genuine brain-teasers.
If I had to nitpick one technical flaw, it’s that the audio can be inconsistent. In some sections, the sound feels a bit muffled and flat, while others deliver a rich, multi-dimensional experience. That aside, the musical score itself is excellent and fits the adventure perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Under the Island is a loving tribute to the legendary top-down Zelda games. It’s set in a beautifully imaginative world and successfully adopts the best parts of the genre: a solid Metroidvania format, challenging enemies, and clever puzzles that don’t hold your hand. By infusing the classic concept with modern perks like Fast Travel and character upgrades, Slime King Games has created a highly entertaining 2D action RPG crafted with immense care and charm. To put it simply: it’s a must-play for anyone with a heart for nostalgic adventure.
Additional Information
Release Date: Feb 17, 2026
Reviewed On: PC. Download code provided by the publisher and PR agency.
Developer: Slime King Games
Publisher: Top Hat Studios, Inc., Doyoyo Games
Relevant links: Available on STEAM
