The Under Presents
- April 16, 2020
- Tender Claws
Get on Steam"The Under Presents" is a unique VR game that combines live theater and single-player campaigns. Attend immersive pre-recorded performances and manipulate time to alter characters' fates in the "Timeboat" campaign. Meet quirky characters, cozy up to new friends, and collaborate with your past selves to explore crew memories, all while uncovering the mysteries of the doomed research vessel, The Aickman.
PC
Virtual Reality
Windows
Oculus Quest
Oculus VR
Reviews
- The Under Presents offers a unique and immersive VR experience that blends storytelling, exploration, and social interaction, making it a must-try for VR enthusiasts.
- The multiplayer aspect is particularly charming, allowing players to communicate through gestures and body language, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
- The art style and magical realism of the game create a captivating atmosphere, with many players expressing joy and wonder during their experiences.
- The single-player campaign can feel confusing and lacks clear guidance, leaving players unsure of their objectives and how to progress.
- There are technical issues, such as visual and audio bugs, which can detract from the overall experience and make the game feel unpolished.
- The absence of live actors in the multiplayer mode has left some players feeling that the game lacks depth and engagement compared to its initial release.
- story84 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is a blend of gripping narrative and interactive elements, allowing players to influence outcomes through their choices. While many praise its depth and character development, some express disappointment in the lack of a satisfying conclusion and the limited replayability after completing the main storyline. The integration of multiplayer elements and unique storytelling methods, including live interactions, adds to its charm, though technical issues have been noted.
“The story is gripping and very well told.”
“The single player campaign is very story driven, and very dependent on the choices you make during each level.”
“Adventure, interactive story and social multiplayer game are blended in one coherent VR experience.”
“Once you finish the story, and you've explored the empty hub world for a while, that's it for most people.”
“Trying to pull the story out of this game is a chore.”
“You will not be satisfied if you are coming for story.”
- optimization16 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The optimization of "The Under Presents" has received mixed feedback, primarily due to its limited content on the Steam platform compared to Oculus, where exclusive live performances are available. Users express disappointment over the lack of ongoing live events and suggest improvements, such as notifications for actor availability, to enhance the experience. Overall, the game is viewed more as a virtual theater than a traditional game, which may affect its appeal for potential buyers.
“For those familiar with The Under Presents, replaying and revisiting offered new insight into the lore and recent additions, as well as an opportunity to investigate more moments of the Under's newest performance.”
“I haven't seen any of the live performances; I'd love to see a feature where we're alerted when an actor comes online so we don't miss it.”
“What I hadn't realized from the fine print is that their Tempest performances are exclusive to Oculus, and the version you see on Steam is limited to 'The Under', their multiplayer space, and 'Timeboat', a single-player experience.”
“Was pretty cool around release for the multiplayer aspect when there were paid actors around, there's no reason to get it now and especially not on Steam as this game has Oculus-exclusive content/performances.”
“If the entire live performance industry wasn't out of work due to a pandemic, I would have refunded this game.”
- gameplay16 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Gameplay is described as lacking clear guidance and featuring clunky mechanics, leading to a confusing and often boring experience. While some unique elements like teleportation and a "scrunch" mechanic add variety, the overall moment-to-moment gameplay may not appeal to those seeking traditional gameplay loops.
“I have absolutely no idea what is going on with this game in terms of gameplay, but yet I know it's great.”
“Regarding game mechanics, I felt that locomotion felt a little slow (think Half-Life: Alyx locomotion), but they make up for that with their unique presentation of teleportation.”
“However, there's a 'scrunch' mechanic, which I like to personally call pinch-zoom because that's what it feels like.”
“The moment-to-moment gameplay is very boring.”
“There are several clunky mechanics which do bring down the intended experience.”
“If you need clear guidance, strong gameplay, and typical gameplay loops, this might not be for you.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game features a striking and creative art style that enhances its storytelling and gameplay, with unique movement mechanics that players find enjoyable. However, some users criticize the graphics as outdated, particularly when using the Valve Index, noting issues like aliasing and excessive glare that detract from the overall visual experience.
“The art style is incredibly striking, and the controls are very responsive. The space warp blink move is my favorite; it feels powerful and makes me wish for an action game with that kind of intensity.”
“The creative art style really stands out, making this a well-designed puzzle game.”
“The storytelling reaches a whole new level, complemented by the playful art style and unique movement options. This game is definitely worth your time.”
“Graphics looked really outdated (using Valve Index) from the mobile VR era with lots of aliasing, god rays, and glare due to the lighting/contrast.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players consistently highlight the game's ability to deliver powerful emotional moments, often catching them off guard with its impactful storytelling. Be prepared for an intense emotional experience that may leave a lasting impression.
“This game will sucker-punch you emotionally, so be prepared.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game to be engaging and interactive, with many highlighting the helpfulness and comedic elements that enhance the overall experience. The humor is consistently praised, making it a recommended play for those seeking a fun and entertaining environment.
“They are so helpful, so funny, and so interactive with others. I highly recommend playing this game blindly.”
