Tunnet
- February 28, 2023
- puzzled_squid
- 10h median play time
Tunnet is a single-player adventure game with unique atmosphere, where you play as a robot technician tasked with building a computer network in an underground facility. Explore bunkers, dig tunnels, and connect endpoints to earn credits, while optimizing and debugging the network to maintain performance. As you progress, unlock new devices and delve deeper into the mysteries of this underground world.
Reviews
- Engaging and unique gameplay that combines networking puzzles with exploration in a creepy atmosphere.
- The game offers a satisfying sense of progression as players optimize their networks and troubleshoot issues.
- Active developer support with frequent updates that improve quality of life and address player feedback.
- The horror elements can be more frustrating than scary, with monster encounters often feeling like annoying obstacles.
- Lack of clear documentation and guidance can lead to confusion, making it difficult for new players to understand the mechanics.
- Some gameplay mechanics, such as the digging and wiring systems, can feel clunky and underdeveloped, leading to frustration.
- gameplay50 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 72 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Tunnet" is characterized by its intriguing blend of puzzle-solving and exploration, centered around building and optimizing a network in a dark environment. While the core mechanics are engaging and allow for complex system design, players note that the game feels somewhat unfinished, with some mechanics underdeveloped and pacing issues present. Overall, it offers a unique experience that appeals to a niche audience, but many reviewers express a desire for more depth and refinement in future iterations.
“The core gameplay basically involves building the internet with pretty low-level, rudimentary equipment.”
“Genuinely intriguing gameplay, a mixture of puzzle solving and exploration.”
“Unique gameplay with networking/routing puzzles that need to be solved that will make you feel like an idiot at first and then a genius when you solve them.”
“The game is in a rough state at the moment and still needs a lot of work, but despite this, I keep coming back to it because the core gameplay of building and optimizing a network is so much fun.”
“I couldn't figure out why some stuff increased in price, though I understood why from a gameplay standpoint.”
“Maybe I skipped through some of the dialog options telling me to be more conscious of network traffic, or skimmed through the wrong parts of the manual, but certain key mechanics of the game felt a little undocumented.”
- atmosphere36 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and often eerie qualities, effectively blending elements of horror with a charming and creative presentation. Players appreciate the dense, underground settings and the nostalgic graphics, which contribute to a unique experience that evokes feelings of isolation and curiosity. Overall, the game successfully establishes a captivating atmosphere that enhances both the exploration and puzzle-solving aspects, making it a standout title despite its low price point.
“This game is an absolute gem; the atmosphere and creativity behind it are incredible.”
“The game combines a great mix of atmosphere with a world that makes you feel alone in a post-apocalyptic setting, with hints of eerie horror.”
“The music and sound are phenomenal for maintaining the atmosphere of mystery and fear, competing with your own curiosity about what happened.”
“Extremely dense atmosphere of underground tunnels.”
“The graphics and sound design shape the atmosphere of being an underground robot network technician.”
“It maintains an effective creepy atmosphere throughout and got me with some of its spooks.”
- graphics19 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their nostalgic PS1-era aesthetic, which effectively contributes to the immersive atmosphere and overall charm. While some players note minor graphical issues and a rough feel reminiscent of an early alpha version, the unique art style and solid environmental design are generally well-received, enhancing the gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics evoke a sense of nostalgia while fitting seamlessly into the game's themes and mechanics.
“Loved the aesthetic and ambiance of this game.”
“The environment, graphical quality, and atmosphere are all solid, too.”
“The graphics, reminiscent of the nostalgic days of PS1 gaming, are not merely a nostalgic throwback; they are a deliberate design choice that adds to the overall charm.”
“I really like the atmosphere, graphics, and the gameplay loop idea, but it feels like an early alpha version of a good game.”
“And then there were minor turn-offs here and there like grammatical errors in texts and some graphical issues.”
“It might be a little rough around the edges for me, but that's likely due to my computer specs and lack of a graphics card that is minimally good.”
- story17 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally minimal and not the main focus, serving primarily to create an intriguing atmosphere and provide some lore for players to uncover. While it may not be groundbreaking, it offers enough depth to engage players, complemented by enjoyable gameplay mechanics. Overall, the narrative is seen as a solid addition that enhances the experience without overshadowing the core gameplay.
“The story of the game is pretty intriguing overall, but I'd rather not spoil anything ;)”
“Again, it's nothing breathtaking, but it's a good time nonetheless with an interesting story, fun optimizing gameplay, and a really cool aesthetic.”
“If you're looking for a deep narrative, this game will disappoint you - the story is pretty minimal; you're here to lay cables, not save the world after all.”
“The story is also nothing special, but it does enough to create a good atmosphere.”
“From a story perspective, the game lets you (literally) dig up the lore for yourself and slowly uncover the tunnel and its residents.”
- optimization10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's optimization mechanics are highly engaging, offering players a deep and addictive experience akin to Factorio, where mastering routing and data flow becomes a rewarding challenge. While the core gameplay allows for completion without exhaustive optimization, those who delve into the intricacies of network design will find a fulfilling, albeit sometimes overwhelming, puzzle to solve. Overall, the optimization aspect is both a highlight and a potential source of frustration, depending on the player's investment in the game's complexities.
“Simple, very addictive, and innovative Factorio-like open-ended optimization puzzle.”
“This game is addicting; it just makes you want to optimize everything and make it all run smoothly, and I love the dark horror atmosphere.”
“Lots of fun figuring out network optimization puzzles.”
“Once I had learned the basics of routing, data flow, and optimization, I began a journey on a fantasy career that does not exist, engaging in menial but pseudo-career relevant actions in the form of plotting and building routers for a job that is not real and does not have a literal analog in the real world. I cannot stress enough how confident I am that the skills I have and am still actively honing are an actual waste of gray matter, and I will work hard to one day forget these useless talents once I have dealt with the consequences of connecting the rest of the mainframes.”
“Network optimization is the peak of optimization hell.”
“The horror that is the network itself is entirely your own doing, so it cannot be switched off, but it can be optimized.”
- stability7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 71 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally solid, with users appreciating the joy of troubleshooting connection issues, though some minor bugs and clunky elements persist. The developer is noted for being responsive and proactive in addressing problems, ensuring that these issues do not significantly detract from the core gameplay experience. Players find satisfaction in overcoming technical challenges, enhancing their engagement with the simulation.
“Runs great on Steam Deck.”
“While I wouldn't call it a bug-free experience, the developer has been exceptionally responsive and quick to address any issues presented.”
“Some aspects of the game are a little bit clunky or buggy; however, nothing that really affected the core experience that the game offers.”
“New era of simulation game going strong with horror-flavored network technician roleplaying, complete with dreadful busywork, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and the realization that you've done everything all wrong.”
“Troubleshooting connection errors for a gain of another 0.5kb/s never felt so good.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often exacerbated by a lack of quality-of-life features that complicate interactions. While some appreciate the serene, farming-sim-like experience, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration due to the repetitive nature of tasks and technical limitations. Additionally, issues with hackers and DDoS systems further contribute to the grind's tedium.
“The game has a limited duration which I assume is to make it harder to get away from monsters, but it mostly just means that going anywhere is really tedious and time-consuming.”
“The game does suffer from a lack of quality of life features, which makes a lot of interactions more tedious than they need to be, but you can get by.”
“The hackers and DDoS system is atrociously tedious.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Tunnet is praised for its charming and clever dark humor, which adds a thought-provoking layer to its narrative and enhances the overall atmosphere of the game. This unique blend of humor and depth sets it apart as a hidden gem in the gaming landscape.
“Without overtly referencing its unique attributes, Tunnet stands out in a sea of games with its charming, clever dark humor, and a penchant for underground adventures that might initially seem less appealing.”
“The dark humor woven into the narrative is not only clever but also thought-provoking, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after you put down the controller.”
“It's a hidden gem that deserves recognition for its unique blend of dark humor, atmospheric wonders, and unexpected depth.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for enhancing the atmosphere of mystery and fear, effectively complementing the main character's internal dialogue. While players can attempt to turn off the music, it remains present, contributing to the overall suspenseful experience.
“The music and sound is phenomenal for maintaining the atmosphere of mystery and fear in competition with your own curiosity about what happened and compulsion to complete the tunnel.”
“It's possible to turn them off, but that doesn't work either, since you'll still hear the suspense music and see the visual fear effect while the monsters just stand there.”
“The main character talking to himself with accompanying creepy music really added to the vibe.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's replayability, noting that it offers an additional 10 to 15 hours of content through various activities and a randomized world, which enhances the experience. Many find themselves drawn back to the game casually, highlighting its engaging nature and the allure of exploration.
“There's some other bits to do which offer some replayability, so from scratch maybe another 10 or 15 hours; possibly even more!”
“I find myself willingly sinking hours into this game on a casual basis, a testament to its replayability and the magnetic allure of its mysterious depths.”
“The world is randomized as well, so there's a reasonable amount of replay value.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a mix of emotions while engaging with the game, feeling both empowered by their newfound knowledge in network engineering and frustrated by the sudden obsolescence of their hard work when entering new areas. The initial confusion gives way to a sense of accomplishment as they learn and observe network dynamics, highlighting the game's ability to evoke a range of emotional responses from curiosity to self-doubt.
“Having a separate area made me feel like the game was over as soon as I stepped foot in there, because the massive network that I've been building suddenly became irrelevant.”
“It's a fun automation-type game; it's a little opaque at first, but getting all the manual pages made me feel like an idiot once I read what the stations do and actually started observing network traffic.”