There’s something quietly magical about classic top-down adventures, and Under The Island looks ready to tap directly into that nostalgia.
Launching today on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4, this colourful 2D action-adventure invites players to explore a mysterious island that may not be around for long.
Published by Top Hat Studios and developed by Slime King Games, Under The Island blends puzzle solving, exploration, quirky storytelling, and combat into an adventure that feels rooted firmly in the golden era of ‘90s gaming.
At A Glance
- Game: Under The Island
- Developer: Slime King Games
- Publisher: Top Hat Studios, Inc.
- Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
- Genre: 2D Action-Adventure
A Mystery Beneath Seashell Island
Under The Island places players in the shoes of Nia, a newcomer to Seashell Island who quickly learns that her new home may be doomed. Alongside a local resident named Avocado, Nia begins investigating an ominous legend, one that suggests the island itself is destined to sink beneath the ocean.
The story unfolds through exploration, puzzles, and encounters with a strange and memorable cast of characters scattered across the island. From helping locals with everyday problems to uncovering ancient secrets, the journey mixes lighthearted adventure with an underlying sense of urgency.
Classic Adventure Design With Modern Personality
At its heart, Under The Island embraces the structure of classic top-down action-adventures, encouraging players to explore interconnected regions filled with secrets, upgrades, and side activities.
Six distinct environments make up the island, each offering unique mechanics, enemies, and discoveries. One moment you might be exploring frozen caverns, the next navigating sentient greenhouses or chaotic sawmills.
And then there are the stranger encounters; cereal pirates, wandering animals that can become allies, and enemies that include everything from tunnelling wolves to vomiting eggplants.
It’s a world that clearly doesn’t take itself too seriously, even while the stakes continue to rise.
Tools, Treasure, And Adventure
Progression comes through discovery. New abilities, artefacts, and tools are hidden throughout the island’s dungeons, minigames, and hidden areas. Some upgrades come from exploration, while others may be earned through quests or interactions with the island’s inhabitants.
Players will gradually expand their toolkit with unusual items – including instruments, digging tools, and even animal companions – all of which help unlock new paths and secrets across the island.
The result is an adventure built around curiosity, rewarding players who explore beyond the main path.
A Pixel Adventure With Heart
With vibrant pixel art, quirky humour, and a focus on exploration, Under The Island aims to capture the spirit of classic action-RPG adventures while delivering something fresh for modern audiences.
We’ll find out in full review, but this could well be an island worth exploring, even if it might not be there forever.
Your Store links? We’ve got you covered with those for Xbox (£16.74), PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and PC (Steam).
