Welcome to my review of The Unliving, now available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and macOS. Developed by Rocketbrush Studios and published by Team17 (known for Dredge and Ship of Fools), this dynamic rogue-lite action RPG features strategic elements where you can raise the undead, wield various spells, and explore a mystical world, all brought to life with pixel art.
Be a Necromancer!
For this review, I played the game on PC. You can find our previous reviews linked here.
The Game
A storm is brewing in a corrupted realm, and the world order is on the brink of chaos. You are that storm—a powerful Necromancer who defies death and commands legions of the dead. The Clerics and Lords, ensconced behind their fortified walls, believe they can shield themselves from your wrath, but they are sorely mistaken. Your mission is to eliminate these foes and recruit them into your growing army.
Each enemy you vanquish can be resurrected to join your ranks, allowing you to amass an unlimited horde of the undead. Each reanimated creature possesses unique abilities, like the undead Priest, who curses your enemies instead of bestowing blessings. As you delve deeper into the game, you’ll encounter a colorful cast of characters, both allies and adversaries.
You can also interrogate members of your necromantic cult and extract answers from your enemies to uncover the Necromancer’s lost memories. With each memory revealed, you’ll learn more about your character’s unique immunity, and the Church is hiding a dark secret from its followers.
Slay Them All!
Not every living soul is defenseless; some will fiercely resist your forces to protect their homeland. They’ll form large groups and utilize powerful abilities, determined to cling to their lives. As the Necromancer, it’s your duty to unleash chaos and bring them to their knees, turning them into part of your undead army.
Each run is randomly generated, ensuring that no two experiences are the same. You’ll encounter a rich variety of artifacts, hidden rooms, deadly traps, and creatures eager to thwart your progress.
Look & Sound
The game features a blend of modern textures and retro pixel art, creating an appealing aesthetic. It runs smoothly on both PC and Steam Deck. I particularly enjoyed the music, and the sound effects were equally immersive.
Length & Replayability
Being a rogue-lite, The Unliving offers significant replay value, keeping players engaged for hours. The game includes 14 achievements to unlock, adding to the challenge for completionists.
Conclusions
I appreciate the graphic style and the concept behind The Unliving. However, I struggled to connect with the gameplay, which affected my overall enjoyment. If you’re interested in purchasing The Unliving or want to learn more, you can visit its official Steam Store page, where it’s currently available for £13.49.