Under the Warehouse gives off distinct 80s vibes. This old-school puzzle experience requires a methodical mind and a sensible mindset. Furthermore, the old-school aesthetic and weird ambience are uncomfortable and eerie. However, this all-too-short game never outstays its welcome thanks to the bite-sized problems and helpful clues.
Developed by GoolWorks and Eastasiasoft Limited and published by the latter, this is a creepy puzzle experience. Moreover, there are point-and-click elements, and this surreal adventure is full of mindless characters and an odd sci-fi edge. Accordingly, it is immediately uncomfortable and will make your skin crawl.
Under the Warehouse tells a strange tale.
I loved the randomness of 80s and 90s point-and-click games. Accordingly, Under the Warehouse piqued my interest. This unusual puzzle title blends classic point-and-click mechanics with a confusing and odd story. On top of this, the challenges are cryptic, and exploring the seedy warehouse is a daunting task.
You control an unnamed hero. This person answers a phone call and his adventure begins. A masked child requires your help in recovering a colourful egg. However, this isn’t an easy task as it’s lost inside a sprawling warehouse. Consequently, if you wish to succeed, you must solve many problems and try to get the workers to talk. Yet, they are a strange bunch that is as confused as you are.
Think outside of the box.
If you love cryptic crosswords and out-of-the-box thinking, then you’ll adore Under the Warehouse. The surreal plot and weird puzzles require you to have an abstract mindset. Furthermore, you require a fine eye for detail as clues are hidden and items are tough to find.
Alongside this, the warehouse is unbelievably odd! There are frozen doors, weird laboratories, and a boss that never talks. Furthermore, people hide in the shadows, and animals block your progress. Accordingly, you’ll frown as you attempt to piece together the madness.
Classic mechanics.
Though much of the action is very weird, Under the Warehouse relies on classic mechanics. As such, you’ll be required to combine items to create new objects or clean the ones you hold. Alternatively, you may need to feed a chicken, tease a dog, or melt a frozen lock. This sounds bizarre beyond belief, but if you speak to the workers and listen to the clues, it all makes perfect sense.
This is what is great about this genre. Mostly, the answers are right in front of your face. However, this can be frustrating as well. If you miss a clue, or you don’t understand what is required, you can become lost. As such, I wish this game had a better hint system. Unfortunately, you can aimlessly wander the warehouse if you lose your way. As a result, I can see many people giving up way before they get to the finale.
Under the Warehouse is grey and grim.
There are many ways to demonstrate an oppressive world. Under the Warehouse uses its plain colour palette and simple sprites to great effect. From the off, you know that something isn’t right. Impressively, this feeling gets worse as you explore a grey and grim world. What’s more, the expressionless workers are creepy and emotionless. As such, this adds to the uncomfortable nature of the story.
This strange title has a deliciously sombre soundtrack. What’s more, there is enough variety to keep things interesting. However, the sound effects weren’t that impressive. The footsteps were OTT and there were no background noises. Though this created a hollow and eerie atmosphere, it didn’t match the visuals. Consequently, it was a little jarring and ultimately it didn’t work.
It was pleasant enough to play.
The developers have done a good job with the controls. Once you work out the fundamentals, you’ll easily select and combine items. Yet, the navigation element was a bit cumbersome and the first-person perspective didn’t help the situation. Accordingly, you’d crash into walls, shelves, and other miscellaneous objects repeatedly. This was more comical than annoying, but it should have been much better.
If you are good at solving cryptic puzzles and you get to grips with the warehouse layout, you’ll fly through this game. Unfortunately, Under the Warehouse is painfully short. Furthermore, once you’ve completed it once, I can’t see a reason to return. As such, it sadly lacks replay value and longevity.
Under the Warehouse won’t wow you.
Under the Warehouse is a decent indie title that won’t wow you. Its gameplay, puzzles, and core concept are good, but nothing more. I liked the eerie atmosphere and the weird plot. However, nothing stands out, and this was disappointing. Furthermore, the lack of longevity or replay value was unfortunate. If you are a completionist, this is a great title. Yet, if you want a weird and interesting puzzle adventure game, there are better options out there. Despite these complaints, I enjoyed my short time with it and I recommend that you buy it here! Can you find the colourful egg? Enter the warehouse, solve the puzzles, and get the hell out.
