Unto The End | PS4 Review

Unapologetically challenging, wholly atmospheric, and realistically difficult is "Unto The End". It demands skill, patience, and endurance to see it through to it's mystery finish. As the designated player of the untold tale you take on the role of an unnamed red bearded viking who is seen off by his wife, and son. From their company you take with you, but three items. A sword, a dagger, and a torch. Initially a spear as well. From your departure forward you brave the Winter's snowy cold, and dark cavernous regions as you not only try to survive the untamed wilds thereof, but also fend off creatures, and avoid other hazardous things. Making your way from the beginning Oak tree to an unknown destination. It is all about discovery, and overcoming seemingly impossible odds. At least at base level. That, and finding out why it is you are on this journey in the first place. One thing about "Unto The End" is that there is no narrative. There is no story being told. Not in the traditional sense. The story is instead the adventure that plays out as you make your way to the end, and finishing that story is up to you.

Gameplay in "Unto The End" is centered mostly around Metroidvania style platforming, combat, and exploration. As the unnamed protagonist you will try to find your way to the end through various environmentally themed regions without dying. It's all about survival, and survival in this instance means keeping your weapons on hand, not bleeding to death, and not falling victim to any of the death dealing obstacles that you will encounter. Danger, of course, comes in many forms including pitfalls, traps, and various enemies. As the warrior you are you will use your staple combat, and exploration abilities to beat the odds that are stacked against you. This includes a high and low parry, a shoulder bash, a dagger throw/retrieve, a low and high sword swing, an evasive roll, a fake out, and riposte. These mechanics are explained away partly through the initial phases of progression, and through tutorials at campfires that act as a hub for mending wounds, strengthening armor, and brewing tonic. 

Along your adventure you will face orc-like creatures that can also attack using weapons. Some are boss-like in nature, and others basic grunts. Make no mistake though. A couple of strikes from any of them can send you back repeating the instance until you have made it past it. Oddly there seems to be no perma-death in "Unto The End", but there is a restart penalty, and sometimes it will restart you a good ways back. As you make your way, and defeat enemies you'll be able to loot their dead bodies for materials.Things like herbs, leather, and sticks that can be used to mend wounds, upgrade armor, or make tonics for healing at base campfires. You'll even find key items that play into puzzles. Such as keys for unlocking blocked doors or passageways. While the orcs are a threat themselves other hazards like traps, or pitfalls can spell instant doom supposing you approach them the wrong way. Sometimes it's best to roll out of the way, or use the transitioning trap/environment to create a way forward. 

About the presentation ...

Visually "Unto The End" is a cell shaded work of art made up of background layers, and special effects making it seem as alive as it can be. That, and paper puppet-like animations for the creatures, and the protagonist. The game itself is presented in a light 2.5D way adding some slight 3D elements, and effects, but maintaining a platforming experience inline with the Metroidvania genre. It's nothing as detailed as a Castlevania title, but for what it is it is visually pleasing to look at. Audibly, "Unto The End" is purely atmospheric. There is little to no music involved, and only sound effects like blowing wind, burning fires, and the sounds that come from the creatures as well as the clashing in combat scenarios are made known. It makes for an 'in the instance feeling', and makes it feel as if you are living out this adventure in real time within a pseudo realistic fantasy world.

The Verdict ...

As much as this game is pleasing to behold in it's mystery, and vision it suffers from some mechanic systems that make it brutally more difficult than it has to be. A sort of artificial difficulty, if you will. I gave up on the game fairly early on due to what seems to be an unfair situation against a boss orc. It's not at all like a situation in a Soulsborne title where you want to push forward even though you've died numerous times, but more cheap and aggravating in that it's two hits and you are done. Rinse and repeat. I think the main character's super quick deaths, and a parry system that is one step too complicated makes the game as frustrating as it is. Had the developer designed a one button parry system with block stun upon parry I think it would have been much better. Here you have to figure out if the enemy is going to strike high or low without hesitation, and follow up immediately. Attacks come with little warning at all, and it makes for following up with a counter almost impossible due to the AI's superiority in combat. Even with the dodge roll, fake out, and throwing dagger on hand fights with enemies often times are just too punishing in their complex focus. As it is I cannot recommend "Unto The End" unless you want something more difficult, and trying than a Soulsborne experience. That is my verdict.