There’s something immediately comforting about booting up Under The Island. Before the story even begins to unfold, the vibrant pixel art, top-down perspective, and upbeat colour palette quietly signal what kind of journey you’re about to take. This is a game that wears its inspirations proudly on its sleeve — and yet, it still manages to carve out an identity of its own.
Developed by Slime King Games and published by Top Hat Studios, Inc., Under The Island is a 2D action-adventure RPG that feels like it belongs in the late ’90s — in the best possible way.
Straight to the action
You step into the shoes of Nia, who reluctantly accompanies her parents to seemingly very boring island. Under the Island quickly escalates the stakes and doesn’t waste time sending players on their adventure. The premise is simple, but it works. There’s an immediate sense of urgency layered beneath an otherwise cosy island atmosphere.
The game’s narrative doesn’t overwhelm you with exposition. Instead, it unfolds naturally through exploration, side quests, and conversations with the island’s eccentric residents. You’ll reunite lost pets, uncover strange environmental disturbances, and gradually peel back the mystery surrounding the island’s fate.
The tone balances lighthearted charm with genuine interesting characters. As players progress they will constantly loop back to the main Koala Village where NPC’s will move around, complete their tasks and have something new to say. It’s what this title does really well, added details like that, which wouldn’t be missed, but add so much character by being there.
Great puzzles combined with fun gameplay
If you love discovery-driven games, this is where Under The Island shines brightest. The island is divided into multiple distinct regions — lush forests, odd industrial areas, strange greenhouses, frozen caverns — each with its own visual identity and mechanical twist. The map design encourages backtracking once you unlock new abilities, creating that classic “aha!” moment when you remember a previously unreachable ledge or sealed path.
There’s a satisfying density to the world. Hidden chests, secret pathways, optional character stories — the island constantly rewards curiosity. It’s not massive in scale, but it feels intentional and handcrafted. Under the Island captures that elusive feeling of childlike adventure — the sense that every corner of the map might hide something surprising.
It’s not trying to reinvent the genre but refine it. It’s confident in its scale, focused in its design, and careful not to bloat its systems unnecessarily. For players who grew up on classic 2D adventure games, this feels like coming home. The puzzles are rewarding with a perfect balance between being satisfying without unnecessarily frustrating.
My Conclusion
Under The Island is a heartfelt indie adventure that understands exactly what it wants to be. It combines exploration, combat, puzzles, and story into a cohesive experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It may not push technical boundaries or introduce groundbreaking mechanics — but it doesn’t need to. Everything this title offers is done perfectly.
If you’re drawn to retro-inspired action RPGs with charm, mystery, and a strong sense of place, this is absolutely worth your time. Under the Island is inexpensive and available on all major platforms.
