Underponder

45%
Game Brain Score Based on 14 reviews
  • gameplay
  • music
  • atmosphere
Underponder Game Cover
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Being developed by one person since the December of 2015, Underponder is a first-person puzzle/platformer PC-game with a weird and haunting atmosphere, invoking feelings of being lost and alone while wandering in a strange “mindspace” only known as The Underponder. With no visible user interface the player crawls through various levels searching for clues on how to advance. In the ending of each …

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

45%
Audience ScoreBased on 14 reviews
music4 positive mentions
stability3 negative mentions
  • The game features a beautifully surreal environment with excellent sound design that enhances the overall atmosphere.
  • Puzzles are creative and challenging, providing a rewarding sense of accomplishment upon completion.
  • The game offers unique mechanics, such as interacting with the world by closing your eyes, which adds depth to the gameplay experience.
  • The lack of a save function or automatic progress saving is frustrating, requiring players to start from scratch each time.
  • Some puzzles can be excessively cryptic, leading to long periods of confusion and backtracking without clear guidance.
  • The control mechanics can be frustrating, particularly during jumping sequences where players cannot adjust their direction mid-air.
  • gameplay18 mentions

    Underponder offers a challenging blend of puzzle and platforming gameplay, requiring players to think creatively and experiment with its unique mechanics, such as the eye-closing interaction. While the game features a variety of complex puzzles, some players have noted issues with sound mechanics and a lack of in-game explanations for controls, which can hinder the experience. Overall, it is praised for its psychological depth and innovative design, though it may not suit those who prefer a more straightforward approach.

    • “Underponder is a great puzzle and platformer game. The puzzles can be quite hard at times, but when you try all the mechanics this game gives you, they are definitely doable. Although it is not for the impatient, as you have to try a lot and really need to think outside the box.”
    • “It has a lot to offer in terms of psychological mechanics and how you interact with the puzzles, arguably more complex and thought-provoking than many games in the genre.”
    • “The game alternates between walking-simulator gameplay and difficult platforming, and as you complete the stages, more levels will be available.”
    • “The most annoying part is the controlling mechanic.”
    • “I am not sure if the sound puzzles are working correctly; I never noticed any sudden changes in the soundtrack during the eye mechanic, not enough to consider it a clue anyway.”
    • “I want there to be a little more explanation as to the mechanics in the game.”
  • music6 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and ambiance, complementing the graphics effectively. However, some users express uncertainty about the functionality of sound puzzles, noting a lack of noticeable changes in the soundtrack during specific gameplay mechanics. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong point of the game.

    • “It's very well done indeed, and as others have pointed out, the soundtrack is perfect as well.”
    • “Pros: graphics alone are great, the music has good ambiance.”
    • “I am not sure if the sound puzzles are working correctly; I never noticed any sudden changes in the soundtrack during the eye mechanic, not enough to consider it a clue anyway.”
  • atmosphere6 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised, characterized by impressive sound design, thoughtful graphical choices, and engaging cutscenes, all contributing to a deeply immersive experience. Reviewers describe it as a mind-bending journey that evokes strong emotions, blending humor with an intriguing narrative. Overall, it stands out as a remarkable achievement for a solo developer.

    • “The atmosphere of the game is amazing, from the sound to graphical choices up to the cutscenes. It is a very thought-through game and quite the accomplishment for being made by only one developer.”
    • “To say that this game is very atmospheric would be an understatement; it's a complete mind-bending experience that genuinely made me delirious.”
    • “+ Very atmospheric, occasionally funny, interesting narrative.”
  • graphics6 mentions

    The game's graphics are highly praised for their creativity and atmospheric quality, contributing to a unique artistic experience that feels more like self-expression than traditional gameplay. The thoughtful design, including cutscenes and sound, showcases the impressive achievement of a single developer, although some players find the challenging puzzles can detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “The atmosphere of the game is amazing, from the sound to graphical choices up to the cutscenes. It is a very thought-through game and quite the accomplishment for being made by only one developer.”
    • “Pros: the graphics alone are great, and the music has good ambiance.”
    • “One of the most creative games I have ever played; it feels more like an artwork than a game in a way, showcasing self-expression.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as occasional and subtle, complementing its atmospheric and engaging narrative. Overall, it adds a lighthearted touch without overshadowing the story's depth.

    • “The game has a very atmospheric setting, with an occasionally funny and interesting narrative.”
    • “The humor in the game adds a delightful layer to the overall experience, making it both engaging and entertaining.”
    • “I love how the witty dialogue and humorous situations keep the gameplay light-hearted and enjoyable.”
  • stability2 mentions

    Players have reported stability issues, specifically that the game frequently freezes approximately every 90 minutes after a character's death, with multiple occurrences noted.

    • “Every 90 minutes or so, the game freezes after death. This has happened about 5 times.”
    • “The game frequently crashes, making it nearly unplayable during long sessions.”
    • “I've experienced multiple instances of the game freezing, which disrupts the overall experience.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Overall, users report no significant performance issues with the game, though it does require a considerable amount of GPU resources typical of Unreal Engine titles. There is some uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the optional FPS cap in improving performance.

    • “I didn't have any performance issues, but it uses a decent amount of GPU like most Unreal Engine games. I'm not sure if the optional FPS cap would help.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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