Umurangi Generation

84%
Game Brain Score Based on 814 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
Umurangi Generation Game Cover
Umurangi Generation is a poignant game but is best experienced on anything other than the Switch.
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Umurangi Generation is a first-person photography game set in a future Aotearoa facing a crisis. Players, as couriers for the Tauranga Express, can explore levels to complete photo bounties, find hidden items, and unlock new camera equipment. Photos are judged on color, content, and composition, with a unique grading system and editing tools for players to perfect their shots.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 814 reviews
story99 positive mentions
stability17 negative mentions
  • Umurangi Generation features stunning visual storytelling that immerses players in a vibrant, dystopian world, effectively conveying themes of existential dread and societal collapse.
  • The game offers a unique photography mechanic that allows players to explore creatively, with various lenses and editing options that enhance the experience.
  • The soundtrack is exceptional, complementing the game's atmosphere and adding to the overall emotional impact of the narrative.
  • The movement controls can feel janky and unresponsive, leading to frustrating experiences when navigating the environments.
  • Some objectives can be overly specific or unclear, making it difficult for players to complete tasks without resorting to guides.
  • The presence of a timer for bonus objectives can create unnecessary pressure, detracting from the otherwise chill exploration experience.
  • story294 mentions

    The game's story is primarily conveyed through exceptional environmental storytelling, allowing players to experience a rich narrative without dialogue or exposition. Set in a dystopian world, it explores themes of apathy and existentialism, inviting players to uncover the story through their interactions with the environment and photography mechanics. While some players found the lack of a traditional narrative structure challenging, many praised the emotional depth and thematic relevance of the story, enhanced by a captivating soundtrack and vibrant visuals.

    • “This game tells such a good story without saying anything; the visual storytelling showing the struggle and apathy at the end of the world as you spend your final hours was what really sold it for me.”
    • “The environmental storytelling in this game is expertly crafted and is worth experiencing for yourself firsthand.”
    • “It's extraordinary and manages to do so much with environmental storytelling.”
    • “The game has absolutely no dialogue, and while it does some interesting worldbuilding with how it sets up its scenes and levels, there isn't much of a story arc to follow here.”
    • “There's a constant pressure and it feels like you can't just enjoy exploring the level, and it reduces engagement with the story on the first time through because of it.”
    • “The story just needs to be experienced and felt, the vibe setting is excellent.”
  • music231 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its unique and vibrant soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere and gameplay experience. Composed by thorhighheels, the soundtrack features a mix of chill, electronic, and hip-hop influences, reminiscent of classic titles like Jet Set Radio, and is described as both engaging and memorable. Overall, the music is considered a standout element, contributing significantly to the game's aesthetic and emotional depth.

    • “The music is fantastic and worth listening to even if you don't play the game.”
    • “The soundtrack is excellent, funny in some places.”
    • “The music gives off that same chill vibe, heavy use of samples, and it's an absolute jam.”
    • “As I played the first few levels, I kept thinking, 'Gee, all it's missing is some Jet Set Radio-esque music!' because it was just sort of inoffensive, generic background music.”
    • “A couple of songs have already been in other albums of the composer and sometimes don’t seem to fit well with the scenario of the level, giving it rather more of a playlist-feeling than adding to the atmosphere.”
    • “But if you are interested in the soundtrack, just save your time and buy that instead.”
  • gameplay152 mentions

    The gameplay of this title is centered around a unique photography mechanic that encourages exploration and creativity, allowing players to engage deeply with the environment and its narrative. While the mechanics are innovative and the core loop of taking photos can be enjoyable, many players noted issues with janky controls, unclear objectives, and a frustrating timer that detracts from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, the game is praised for its vibrant visuals, engaging soundtrack, and the emotional depth of its storytelling, making it a worthwhile experience for those interested in a creative approach to gameplay.

    • “This game mechanic is a pretty genius move, as you are hyper-aware of your surroundings at all times and understand the story that is being told without any dialogue or exposition.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics are actually a bit more interesting than your average photography game - sometimes you actually really have to think about how exactly to get the shot it's asking you to get, and that can be quite difficult at times - whether it's searching for the specific thing the bounty is asking you to get (for example, it might feature somewhere you don't expect, like on a poster or a computer screen), or lining up the shot itself with the lens it asks you to use.”
    • “The gameplay itself is really well done, it's a mix of exploration and puzzle solving to take the photos to complete the bounties, and being able to edit each shot and unlocking more options as you progress makes the photography really fun.”
    • “If you want a hardcore photography game, or a very polished gameplay experience, you might not have a lot of fun with this.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, getting around levels is a hassle, photograph objective criteria seem alternately way too permissive or way too restrictive, and the scoring system is both opaque and inconsequential.”
    • “The frustration from the constant issues like getting stuck in corners and the lackluster gameplay loop itself takes so much away from the overall experience in my opinion.”
  • graphics148 mentions

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a unique low-poly, cel-shaded aesthetic reminiscent of PS1 and Dreamcast titles, often compared to the style of "Jet Set Radio." While some players appreciate the creative use of color and the immersive environments, others criticize the performance issues and simplistic visuals that can detract from the experience. Overall, the game's art style and atmosphere are praised for their charm and ability to convey a rich narrative, despite technical shortcomings.

    • “The art style is distinctive and gorgeous, taking photos feels wonderfully tactile and the amount of control you have is a lot of fun to play with, the world is wonderfully developed and I immediately got sucked in and wanted to know more.”
    • “Despite the low-poly graphics, the environments are interesting and impactful and a pleasure to explore.”
    • “The visuals evoke a neo-noir style.”
    • “The graphics are god awful.”
    • “The performance isn't great, even though everything is low poly and low res, on top of an awful forced graphics shader that lowers your internal resolution to god-knows-what making everything incredibly jaggy and consequentially seeing anything beyond 20 feet is a nightmare.”
    • “I sometimes like low-fi aesthetics, but in this case it goes directly against the core of the game - text becomes insanely aliased when it is very important for the political message, the platforming is very buggy, and even the photo mechanic is too permissive.”
  • atmosphere41 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, combining beautiful visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and strong environmental storytelling. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a range of feelings, from melancholy to liberation, while encouraging exploration and creativity. However, some critiques mention that certain political messages can detract from the immersive experience, though the overall atmosphere remains a standout feature.

    • “The world is both depressing and exciting; the atmosphere is thick and oppressive while the vibe you get is strangely liberating.”
    • “This game is beautiful, atmospheric, innovative, and manages to tell an interesting story without any narration.”
    • “Great atmosphere, pretty well done environmental storytelling, and a fantastic soundtrack.”
    • “However, the hamfisted and forced down one's throat message of 'government bad, all cops are bastards', let alone an entire location (the final one in the DLC) devoted to protests, forcing you to look at the poorly made parodies of already existing memes, but with leftist political messages, personally really destroyed the immersion and the atmosphere the game strived for.”
    • “It's experimental art style coupled with the atmosphere of despair and useless struggle in the face of a nearing end creates a chilly experience.”
    • “Even though I knew it was optional, I still had a hard time ignoring the timer and found myself rushing through the levels instead of soaking in the atmosphere and the story.”
  • stability17 mentions

    The game exhibits a range of bugs and glitches that contribute to a somewhat janky experience, but many players find that these imperfections enhance the overall vibe rather than detract from it. While some issues, such as erratic objective detection and clunky movement, can hinder enjoyment, they are generally not game-breaking. Overall, the stability is described as rough around the edges, yet it remains compelling and enjoyable for many players.

    • “There are a few glitches that I experienced that hindered my enjoyment slightly; the detection on some of the objectives was really janky. Sometimes I would take a photo miles away from the objective and it would mark that off the checklist, and sometimes I'd be right in front of it and it wouldn't count at all. Occasionally, I would walk into an object and get sent flying 100 meters in the air, which was cool sometimes, but most of the time it would send me off the map and respawn me at the beginning with a 2-second time penalty, which was less cool.”
    • “The movement is clunky and occasionally glitches out, causing issues like having gravity affect you while still having 0 y movement, which results in the character shooting downwards with far too much velocity when you finally get to move down.”
    • “I sometimes like low-fi aesthetics, but in this case, it goes directly against the core of the game. The text becomes insanely aliased when it is very important for the political message. The platforming is very buggy, with the character getting stuck whenever it collides with something, the double jump being finicky and momentum-based, and some things looking like platforming but turning out to have no collider.”
  • replayability14 mentions

    Overall, the game offers significant replayability through its unlockable lenses, creative modes, and open-ended mission objectives, encouraging players to revisit levels for new experiences and perspectives. While some users found the game could be completed quickly, many expressed a desire to replay it for the enjoyment of capturing new imagery and exploring additional challenges. However, a few players felt the game lacked replay value, highlighting a mixed reception in this aspect.

    • “Although one might be able to beat the game within a few hours, it feels as if it could be endlessly replayable, especially with the new tools the player unlocks throughout - as the credits rolled, I felt ready to jump back in, to capture new sights and imagery, and to let more story details wash over me.”
    • “Great replay value since as you unlock more lenses and processing options you can get new perspectives on earlier levels.”
    • “I have submitted my request for a refund as it has no replay value.”
    • “It's incredible how heavily the narrative of 'for a game about observation the timer is really polluting the entire experience' as if the timer isn't only a necessity in the pursuit of a perfect file and as if the levels aren't designed with the intention of replayability.”
    • “That's not to say there isn't any replay value because if you're anything like me, after you've played this you'll want to give the speedrun or creative modes a shot.”
  • emotional10 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted as its main selling point, with players praising its ability to evoke deep feelings through a relevant and impactful story. The experience is described as both bleak and hopeful, encouraging players to engage with their surroundings and absorb the narrative woven into the environments, making it a poignant reflection of contemporary issues. Overall, it stands out as a heartfelt and engaging title that resonates strongly with players.

    • “But of course, I have to mention the emotional impact of the story, as I'd argue that is the main selling point of this game.”
    • “Umurangi Generation is one of those unique games that stands tallest, even amidst industry giants - at once perfectly accessible, heartfelt, and engaging, this is a title that should be on everyone's list of games to try.”
    • “It is refreshing to have a game that asks you to care and observe your surroundings, taking in the sights, framing the shot, and absorbing the story - with this title having released within the context of COVID-19, rampant inequality, despotic and apathetic governments, and the ever-looming climate crisis, Umurangi Generation feels like an emotional outlet.”
  • humor9 mentions

    The game is praised for its strong sense of humor, blending lighthearted moments with a touch of bleakness that resonates with players' concerns about the future. Reviewers highlight memorable comedic elements, a catchy soundtrack with funny moments, and a colorful design that enhances the overall experience. Overall, the humor is described as both engaging and layered, contributing significantly to the game's charm.

    • “The game has a great sense of humor and style, with some pretty memorable moments that really make you feel seen for worrying about the future of the planet in modern times.”
    • “Bleak and nihilistic but in a chill, funny kind of way.”
    • “Looks great, the soundtrack is banging (also very funny at times), and the story is one that keeps revealing more layers the longer you play.”
  • optimization9 mentions

    The game's optimization is widely criticized, with users reporting poor performance, frequent stuttering, and various technical issues such as clipping, invisible walls, and game-breaking bugs. Despite its low-poly visuals and engaging soundtrack, the overall experience is marred by janky movement and a lack of feedback, leaving players frustrated with the game's numerous optimization shortcomings.

    • “In a way, I appreciate this simplicity, but I want some sort of feedback for my performance.”
    • “The game also has weird performance issues, but it’s not something I’ve seen others mention.”
    • “The performance isn't great, even though everything is low poly and low res, on top of an awful forced graphics shader that lowers your internal resolution to god-knows-what making everything incredibly jaggy and consequentially seeing anything beyond 20 feet is a nightmare, so good luck finding those film rolls without crawling on the ground like you're looking for your lenses!”
    • “Sadly, the game isn’t optimized very well.”
    • “Technically awful, janky physics, terrible performances, unobtainable achievement that requires downgrading the game version to get it, multiple gamebreaking bugs like clipping through surfaces, some objects not spawning properly, or an infinite black screen that prevents me from finishing the DLC... for a moment I had hope, seeing dev posts about fixing everything—but that was 3 years ago now.”
  • grinding7 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while the exploration and camera mechanics are enjoyable, the tediousness of parkour elements, low mouse sensitivity, and time constraints can detract from the overall experience. Many feel that the scavenger hunt nature of the game can become repetitive and frustrating, especially when trying to complete tasks within tight time limits. Overall, while some appreciate the artistic elements, others find the grinding to be overly tedious.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “If you're struggling to do everything in 10 minutes, this will become very tedious.”
    • “Personally, I found the bounty aspect of the game rather tedious, and the timer even more so.”
  • monetization6 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for its insensitivity and perceived exploitation of cultural themes, with advertisements and propaganda that feel like a cash grab rather than meaningful content. Players note a stark contrast between the wealthy and the impoverished, highlighting a commodification of cultural heritage that detracts from the immersive experience. Despite these issues, some players find value in exploring the environment and engaging with the narrative conveyed through the various signs and advertisements.

    • “I must stop this review here as I have started to physically shake with rage at the lack of sensitivity displayed by this obvious cash grab.”
    • “You cannot photograph the subway crowded with face-masked citizens corralled by automatic rifle-toting soldiers without the neon billboards advertising escapism via end-of-the-world movies and military enlistment propaganda.”
    • “The wealthy are shown to have a very different style that completely ignores the cultural heritage while at the same time advertising and commodifying the style of those surface dwellers.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

77% average critic score

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Play time

4hMedian play time
4hAverage play time
4-4hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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