UNDETECTED
- September 30, 2022
- Antonio Freyre
Get on Steam"UNDETECTED is a stealth-based video game set in a futuristic Mexico. As Tenoch Kaan, a Desplazados rebel, you must infiltrate the Chicxulub Perpetual Energy Station to find your missing leader and team. Utilize stealth techniques such as shadow hiding, smart use of sound, and a scout mode to evade detection and complete your mission."
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game is a fun homage to the original Metal Gear Solid, capturing its aesthetic and stealth mechanics well.
- Visually appealing with retro graphics and a creative story, the game offers enjoyable boss fights and a variety of gadgets.
- It runs well on the Steam Deck, providing a nostalgic experience for fans of classic stealth games.
- The controls are clunky and the AI is inconsistent, making stealth gameplay frustrating at times.
- The game is short, with a runtime of around 3-4 hours, and lacks depth in gameplay mechanics compared to its inspirations.
- There are numerous bugs and issues, such as getting stuck in menus and problems with the camera, which detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay58 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mix of stealth mechanics and trial-and-error challenges, with players navigating through various sections of a base. While the controls can feel clunky initially and the gameplay lacks the depth of classic titles like Metal Gear Solid, it offers a polished experience with engaging visuals and gadgets. However, many players find the gameplay simplistic and frustrating, especially given its short length, suggesting it may be better suited for sale rather than full price.
“Very solid stealth mechanics, visually appealing retro visuals, and the story is both deliberately cheesy yet wholesome.”
“Solid quality stealth gameplay, lots of fun gadgets to mess around with, and some top quality Max Payne-like hand-drawn cutscenes.”
“The gameplay feels very polished and besides a few hiccups I had with rolling into guards and them not getting knocked out, it was a very fun challenge that makes you make use of all of the tools in your arsenal as well as the different points of view you can have (first person, and the wider overhead angle to spot guards in your vicinity).”
“I don't recommend it for the full price, given that the gameplay is often frustrating and only 2 hours in length, but it's worth picking up the Merlino games bundle on sale.”
“I liked the concept of playing a game like the original MGS, but only 40 minutes in and I'm bored as hell. The gameplay is more limited than the original MGS; no real stealth element as far as I got. All I had to do is keep to the outer edge and that was all the stealth I needed.”
“The biggest problem with the sneaking gameplay is it can feel simplistic compared to MGS.”
- story40 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story is presented through 2D comic book cutscenes, which some players found unengaging, though others appreciated its cheesy yet wholesome tone. While the narrative is light until reaching a key location that reveals more lore, it is generally seen as a creative and meaningful backdrop for the gameplay, despite pacing issues. Overall, the story is enjoyable but not groundbreaking, with a mix of fun boss encounters and a commendable underlying message.
“Very solid stealth mechanics, visually appealing retro visuals, and the story is both deliberately cheesy yet wholesome.”
“The premise itself is a fine, shlocky spy thriller story that creates meaningful context for the gameplay and is something I could get invested in.”
“I really liked the message in the story too and I admire the story writer for putting it in.”
“The story is told through 2D comic book cut scenes, but I wasn't invested enough to care about it.”
“The game is a bit light on story until you reach the main building (where the camera is a bit more manageable), where you get a bit of lore and it moves the plot forward.”
“[story and pacing]: the premise is fine, but suffers heavily in terms of pacing due to length.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their visually appealing retro style that complements the gameplay, with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and music. While some reviewers noted that the graphics could use improvements, they appreciated the designers' understanding of aesthetic inspiration versus outdated textures. Overall, the presentation, including visuals and audio, is considered solid and enhances the game's experience.
“From a more mechanical standpoint, the visuals complemented gameplay and rarely interfered with it.”
“Nails the visuals, music, and story very well.”
“The designers really understand the difference between being inspired by an aesthetic and just making a game with PS1 textures.”
“Graphics could use some improvements, but the audio and cutscenes are really good.”
“The visuals could use some enhancements to match the overall experience.”
- music10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, effectively complementing the visuals and narrative. Players appreciate how the dynamic progression of the music helps distinguish between different gameplay areas, contributing to the immersive experience. Overall, the compositions are considered a standout feature that enriches the adventure.
“The music compositions are a treat to listen to and really tie together the atmosphere.”
“The progression of the music as it changes through the game adds to the adventure and also helps differentiate between sneaking areas and safe areas.”
“Nails the visuals, music, and story very well.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with users highlighting the impressive visuals and exceptional music compositions that effectively enhance the overall experience. The music, in particular, is noted for its ability to cohesively tie the atmosphere together, creating an immersive environment.
“The music compositions are a treat to listen to and really tie together the atmosphere.”
“The visuals, music, and atmosphere are great.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is generally solid, with most players reporting smooth performance; however, there are notable issues specifically in jungle areas that can affect gameplay.
“Performance: runs mostly well, some issues in the jungle.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a deliberately cheesy yet wholesome story that resonates emotionally with players, complemented by visually appealing retro graphics and solid stealth mechanics.
“The story is both deliberately cheesy yet wholesome, creating a unique emotional experience.”
“The combination of visually appealing retro visuals and a heartfelt narrative makes for an emotionally engaging journey.”
“The emotional depth of the characters adds a layer of richness to the gameplay that resonates long after finishing.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, noting that it shifts the focus away from stealth elements and leans more towards linear puzzle-solving.
“Very tedious and less of a stealth game and more of a linear puzzle.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game incorporates humor through its creative use of grenades and mines, particularly with a dancing avatar that serves as a visual distraction, which players find amusing. This blend of tactical gameplay and comedic elements adds a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.
“The game features about 9 types of grenades and mines, each with varying effects like sound distraction, concussive blasts, noise dampeners, and even a visual distraction in the form of a dancing avatar, which is quite funny.”
