Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi Review – Atmospheric Dungeon Crawler on PC

Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi

Released: October 15th, 2020 (JP), November 4th, 2021 (NA)

Developer(s): Experience

Publisher(s): Aksys Games

Completed on PC, extras and first ending.

HowLongToBeat Time: 38 hours | My Clear Time: 51 hours 43 mins.

Background

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Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi is a DRPG (Dungeon RPG) developed by Experience Inc., initially released in 2021 for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Its PS5 version came out a year later, in late 2022. Experience Inc. is well-established in the DRPG genre, known for their expertise in creating games within it. Undernauts was released between their titles Spirit Hunter: NG and Stranger of Sword City: Revisited / Saviors of Sapphire Wings. The game features key staff members from Death Mark and NG, including director Motoya Ataka, artists Kazuhiro Oya and Takeshi Nishimura, composer Naoaki Jinbo, and others.

Experience

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Prior to playing Undernauts, I knew of Stranger of Sword City which I have not started, but I have completed Experience Inc.’s Spirit Hunter Trilogy and sampled the soundtrack for Undernauts. Listening to the soundtrack with comments disabled is what made me want to look more into the game. Before playing Undernauts, I haven’t played many DRPGs and what was close to it were the older styled Shin Megami Tensei games such the original Soul Hackers and Strange Journey. I am familiar with Motoya Ataka, Takeshi Nishimura, Naoaki Jinbo and Kazuhiro Oya’s work.

Impressions

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From the painterly title screen to the muted palette of the CG, this game embraces its unique atmosphere, evoking Shin Megami Tensei IV‘s Neo-Tokyo while maintaining distinct personality.

Character customization allows full party creation, including names, classes, and backstories. Fans of Experience Inc. can select characters from other games like Spirit Hunter. Classes can be changed at any point, characters can be promoted for new skills, and stats can be reset for free.

Gameplay involves tile-based movement and manual map exploration, with an optional auto-move feature. Combat is turn-based with a first-person interface, has a row system similar to Shin Megami Tensei featuring switch-boost mechanics for strategic advantages. These abilities, like Overcharge for power increase and zero MP cost, Duracharge for status ailment immunity and reduced damage, and Neurocharge for boosted speed and additional rewards, offer tactical depth to battles. Despite it sounding insanely overpowered, one can be used per turn and must be recharged after its use to create balancing.

Verdict

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Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi offers a compelling experience for fans of dungeon-crawling RPGs. The game’s atmospheric design, reminiscent of Shin Megami Tensei IV‘s Neo-Tokyo, provides an immersive backdrop for exploration.

Character customization is a standout feature, allowing players to create diverse party compositions and select characters from other Experience Inc. titles like Spirit Hunter. This adds depth to the gameplay and enhances replayability.

In terms of gameplay mechanics, Undernauts offers a solid foundation with tile-based movement, manual map exploration, and turn-based combat. The switch-boost abilities add strategic depth to battles, providing players with meaningful choices during encounters.

Post-game content extends the longevity of the experience, offering additional challenges and rewards for dedicated players. However, some players may find the pacing uneven, and the reliance on traditional RPG tropes may feel familiar to genre veterans.

Overall, Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi delivers a polished dungeon-crawling experience with a wealth of customization options and engaging gameplay mechanics. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it offers a satisfying adventure for players seeking a classic RPG experience.

TLDR

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Pros

• Engaging Atmosphere: Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi offers an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of Shin Megami Tensei IV‘s Neo-Tokyo, enhancing the overall experience.
• Robust Character Customization: Players can create custom party compositions and select characters from other Experience Inc. titles like Spirit Hunter, adding depth and replayability.
• Engaging Gameplay Mechanics: The tile-based movement, manual map exploration, and turn-based combat offer a satisfying gameplay experience, complemented by strategic switch-boost abilities.
• Post-Game Content: The inclusion of additional content after the base game extends the longevity of the experience, providing additional challenges and rewards for dedicated players.

Cons

• Uneven Pacing: Some players may find the pacing of the game inconsistent, with certain sections feeling slower or less engaging than others.
• Familiar Tropes: The reliance on traditional RPG tropes may feel overly familiar to genre veterans, detracting from the overall novelty of the experience.

Rating: 8.5/10

In Summary: Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi delivers a refined dungeon-crawling RPG experience with an immersive horror atmosphere and engaging gameplay mechanics. While it may have pacing issues and familiar elements, it offers a satisfying adventure for fans of the genre, and would serve as a good entry point for those looking to get into the genre.