NetherWorld (SWITCH) | REVIEW | An Afterlife Adventure Into Absurdity . . .

Developed by the indie studio Hungry Pixel and published by SelectaPlay, NetherWorld arrives on the Nintendo Switch as a bold, unapologetic dive into the bizarre underbelly of gaming narratives. This title marks a daring entry for the team, blending pixel art charm with a story that's equal parts heartfelt and hilariously depraved.

At its core, the plot follows Medoo, a hapless jellyfish cursed by misfortune, who's just been dumped by his spouse and finds himself adrift in a nightmarish underworld. What starts as a simple quest to mend his broken heart spirals into a chaotic odyssey through a seedy realm of vice and villainy, where Medoo must confront his inner demons, both literally and figuratively, while scraping together the resources to climb out of his personal abyss. It's a tale of redemption wrapped in layers of absurdity, forcing the protagonist to navigate emotional turmoil amid a parade of the damned.

The Gameplay ...

Gameplay in NetherWorld is a delightful mishmash of action-adventure tropes elevated by its inventive mechanics and quirky features. You control Medoo in fluid 2D side-scrolling levels, platforming through grotesque environments that feel alive with peril and possibility. Combat is straightforward yet satisfying, letting you wield improvised weapons or rely on environmental hazards to take down hulking bosses, all while your jinx mechanic randomly sabotages your efforts. Think sudden slips, exploding props, or untimely distractions that keep every encounter on its toes. 

The real stars, though, are the mini-games peppered throughout. Chug booze in high-stakes drinking contests to loosen tongues (and wallets), engage in cheeky rhythm-based seduction sequences that double as puzzle challenges, or blast away at foes in quick-time shooter segments. One standout feature is puppeteering a parasitic tick companion through procedurally generated rogue-like tunnels beneath the surface, scavenging for upgrades and secrets in a gritty, high-risk loop. Progression ties into a light RPG system where you barter ill-gotten gains for power-ups, encouraging replayability as you experiment with different paths to "fix" your marital woes.

The game's world is populated by a rogues' gallery of NPCs that steal the show, from sleazy illusionists peddling cursed trinkets to opportunistic hustlers and pint-sized troublemakers with a penchant for anarchy. These characters aren't just set dressing; they're integral to the adult humor that permeates every interaction, laced with crude innuendos, profane banter, and satirical jabs at relationships, addiction, and societal taboos. 

The goals revolve around piecing together your shattered life, whether that's scoring quick cash for a divorce lawyer, indulging in vice-fueled distractions, or uncovering hidden lore about the underworld's hierarchy. It's all delivered with a wink, turning what could be a downer story into a cathartic romp. The humor lands best when it's self-aware, poking fun at Medoo's perpetual loser status without ever feeling mean-spirited.

The Presentation ...

Presentation-wise, NetherWorld shines through its retro-inspired graphics and art design, which capture the essence of classic pixel art while infusing it with a grimy, hand-crafted flair. Environments ooze with detail. There's slime-dripping caverns lit by flickering neon signs, bustling black-market alleys teeming with shadowy figures, and boss arenas that morph dynamically with grotesque animations. The color palette skews toward moody purples and sickly greens, evoking a sense of decay that's both visually striking and thematically on-point, with subtle animations like Medoo's wobbly gelatinous movements adding personality to every frame.

This visual style seamlessly transitions into the auditory experience, where the soundtrack pulses with a lo-fi synthwave vibe. Think hazy electronica tracks that swell during tense platforming sections and devolve into jaunty chiptune chaos for the mini-games. It's understated but effective, underscoring the game's dual tones of melancholy and mischief without overpowering the action. 

Character conversations elevate the whole package, delivered through branching dialogue trees that feel organic and reactive. Voices are sparse but memorable, with gravelly accents and exaggerated inflections that amplify the comedy; lines crackle with wit, often escalating from polite chit-chat to wildly inappropriate confessions, making each encounter a highlight.

The Verdict ...

In the end, NetherWorld delivers a plot-driven narrative that's surprisingly poignant beneath its raunchy exterior, using Medoo's journey as a metaphor for messy human (or jellyfish) connections. The adult humor is a double-edged sword, and is brilliantly subversive for those who appreciate boundary-pushing comedy, but potentially off-putting if you're not in the mood for its unfiltered edge. Gameplay-wise, it's a tight, engaging loop that rewards curiosity and quick reflexes, though the jinx system can frustrate during tougher boss fights, adding replay value at the cost of occasional irritation.

I'd recommend NetherWorld to fans of narrative adventures like Celeste or Undertale who crave something darker and more irreverent. Think gamers in their 20s and 30s with a taste for indie weirdness, adult-oriented satire, and pixel art nostalgia. If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud escape that doesn't shy away from the absurd side of life, this one's a slimy gem worth floating toward.