Undivine (PS5) | REVIEW | Minimalist Metroidvania With A Killer Soundtrack

Enter the abyss in this pint sized pixel built metroidvania by Brainium Games. A metroidvania known only as Undivine. Simple yet challenging this roleplaying adventure about a town plagued by an open pit that has let loose monsters upon the kingdom has you as the brave hero scouring the depths therein, and fighting your way to source of problem. 

Along the way you'll traverse labyrinthine pathways that require backtracking after the discovery of key relics that add game mechanics to the mix. Through talent tree upgrades you'll strengthen your hero, and open up bonus perks beneficial to making it through the more harsh biomes. Equipment, of course, is the means with which you'll fight and survive. Tools, and remedies that add healing, buffs, and resistance to inflicted ailments. Whether or not you come back alive with all the answers the townsfolk seek is up to you.

Undivine is a basic, and barebones metroidvania that does not stray too far from the base genre formula. It has you as a weapon wielding hero braving a maze-like map of an abyss that has opened up in the midst of your home town. As you go deeper into the narrow passageways, and pockets of the variously themed biomes you'll face off against increasingly harder to defeat enemies and bosses that require better equipment, healing supplies, and core mechanics opened up through relics. Finding out which way to go is half the battle as the game does have a linear objective that cannot be bypassed do to relic requirements. Thankfully there are save statues that at as placeholders along the way should you die an untimely death. That and statues that offer fast travel between similar statues will eliminate the need for lengthy backtracking.

In addition to combat and survival you'll also find NPCs and secrets along the way. Some of which offer tasks or side quests to complete for rewards. Each building upon the game's lore, and objectives. You'll also find mementos that have their own mysterious role in the game. Outside of the lore building and task completion, combat and exploration is the key focus. Killing enemies nets you a currency that can be spent on a talent tree that buffs the hero's stats, and equipment slots among other things. This in tandem with armor, accessories, and equipment found through chests will add bonus attributes to the hero enhancing survivability. The longer you survive, the more likely you are to make it to the end of this adventure.

The Presentation ...

Undivine has a minimalist pixel design done in a simple yet effective 2D format. The hero, and characters are all lightly animated breathing life into them. The backgrounds themselves harbor more details, and enhance the world around you. The soundtrack, on the other hand, is surprisingly orchestral and symphonic with a hint of Gregorian chant adding a musical score that is on par with metroidvanias like Castlevania: SotN. With the text reading like old English the package deal definitely shows an effort beyond indie tier.

The Verdict ...

Though it may be simple by design, and a reflection of the genre basics Undivine is a nice little metroidvania that offers a proper challenge. It is a budget priced indie that offers what genre fans expect without breaking the bank. The soundtrack, and scripted conversations done up in old English add a prestigious flair that breaks the mold of the usual indie effort. Two things that make this game shine well above it's simplicity. If you fancy a new metroidvania experience this might just be worth a look and a play!!!