Review: Unepic (Xbox One)

Daniel was just an average guy. He was a great video game player, a big fan of sci-fi movies, and a novice RPG player. In the midst of an RPG, he was teleported to a castle. At first, Daniel believed that he was having a massive hallucination.

Pros:

• Graphics are really good with some excellent lighting effects.
• Can re bind controls.
• Four difficulties: Easy, Medium, Hard and Hard++.
• Classic 2D RPG dungeon crawler gameplay.
• Epic atmosphere. The game is very dark, You use a torch to see so far in front, Light torches in rooms in order to illuminate your way. Even then its still a dark dreary nerve shredding atmosphere.
• Uncover the map as you explore. Rooms will stay hollow until you light all the torches in the room. Any points of interests will show as an icon on the map automatically.
• Can zoom in and out of the game.
• Controller short cuts. You can assign items and weapons to one of the 12 available shortcuts for ease of use.
• Opening tutorial.
• Full voice cast for all characters in the game.
• Earn exp and level up to get unlock points that are used to increase stats in areas like: Swords, axes, magic, armour and so much more. Increasing the stats will increase there damage, use and ability to wield better gear.
• 1000 Gamerscore.
• Nine save slots.
• UI is clear and easy to understand. The HUD is mexcellent and shows the controller shortcut layouts with any items assigned to the shortcuts. You can also follow items in a list which is handy for monitoring potions etc. A quest list also shows details to cut down on menu surfing.
• Doors: These are basically shortcuts . You unlock one in level which takes you back the main hub of doors. Here you can then easily jump straight back to the newly opened door.
• Loot is dropped from slain enemies and treasure chests and other little nooks and crannies.
• Huge array of intellingent enemies. From snakes to ants that attack in swarms to bats and wizards.
• Halo item: Handy item that allows you to instantly teleport back to the save room.
• Nods to famous films and games.
• Shops can be found in game and allow you to buy/sell items. Each shop specialises in particular items. You can buy items./recipes/weapons/armour and more. Any found shops show on the map.
• Full stats screen.
• Thieves: Fast moving enemies that you can trap by dropping items on the floor and hiding and waiting. Thieves will drop what they take from you and maybe bonus loot.
• Checkpoints are well implemented upon death. You never have to traverse a load of level to get back to where you were.
• Cauldron: Here you can create your own items and potions by using any found recipes.
• Combat is clever as it isnt just straight up hack and slash. Enemies attack in different ways and styles meaning you need to be on your toes and plan weapon choice accordingly.
• Clever level design. The level areas are huge and have loads of secret rooms and shortcuts. You always find something new and the game rewards you for exploration.
• Health does regen automatically but it is so slow its not that amazing.
• Pets: Unlock and use one of the many pets available. Pets add extra to your character and all of them are unique. Some will auto attack for you whilst some deal magic or make you better. A pet has its own health bar, Upon taking damage you can un assign the pet to allow them to heal. Pets can be ressurected with a spell.
• Inventory is a huge grid system with minimal filter options. Any equipped items will flash. Each item once selected will display damage numbers and any buffs.
• Addictive solid game play.

Cons:

• Pausing is a pain. You have to bring up the menu then select it.
• Slow starter.
• Voice acting can get annoying.
• Text is small in places.
• Difficulty spikes.
• Tedious sections like falling boulders or timed jumping sections.
• Jumping feels a bit clunky.
• No real help on direction or objectives.