by JustTheFacts Tue Jan 28, 2014 3:33 am
A Little Of What You Like*****
BASED ON DEMO
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Undiscovered is an undiscovered little cross-genre masterpiece. It really does have a little of everything. Don’t be put off by thinking it’s another cute little Match-3 game. It is. But it is also so much more!
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
The graphics are simple, but their less-than-state-of-the-art standards are cleverly disguised with the less than subtle use of an airbrush. The game looks soft and gentle throughout as a result. The match-3 items are simple and pleasing, as are the huts we’ll build and the hidden objects we’ll find. The whole setting is prettily portrayed, with beautiful beaches and jungles. The music varies, but in all cases is sweet.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
You are helping the survivors of a shipwreck, making good use of all you can find and salvage, exploring the island you are stranded on and setting up some basic shelter. This covers the opening chapter of the story, which I still had not completed in the 45 minutes I played.
GAMEPLAY
Well, where to start? There are 3 modes to the game. Story mode, challenge(not sure) and zen (untimed). You must complete chapter 1 of story mode to unlock the other two. But that doesn’t mean you are fighting the clock for the first chapter. You can choose casual, which allows you to continue past the clock, or expert, where you must achieve each level’s goals within a set time. I played casual, and would never even dream of trying to stick to the clock, but it was still 15 levels before I started losing the time bonus.
You have a field guide to keep track of tasks and record story elements. It’s both handy and fun.
The MATCH-3 game is pretty standard with the usual bonuses, powerups and obstacles.
The BUILD game is basic at this stage. Just a few upgradable huts requiring points to build, some other buildings that require specialised equipment you’ll find along the way.
The HOP is again simple. Nothing exceptional, but pretty, and the items are easily spotted in the uncrowded scene.
There are occasional (so far easy) PUZZLEs. Not many. I saw one.
There is even a very basic ADVENTURE component. In one level, you come across an ancient statue that is damaged, you must look around you, find the missing pieces (beat up a venus flytrap plant) and reap goodies when you fix it.
The one game type not yet represented is TIME MANAGEMENT, which is fine by me, but I am suspicious. Something gives me the feeling that even that is possible in the levels to follow. Remember, I have not even finished the first chapter.
COMBINED IMPACT
This is actually not a game I would normally play. I am strictly a HOPA fan, with the occasional “other” type when bored. Yet I enjoyed this, and only stopped for this review. For anyone who is more versatile in their playing, this will be a real light-hearted treat.
I think it is a game to delight all ages and interests, and levels of competency. Have fun!
I recommend this game!
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