Jun 2023
If you ever dreamed of a world where you’re solving puzzles while being pursued by some bizarre and creepy figures all rendered in a hand-drawn style, then welcome to Mundaun. Developed by Swiss folk with a penchant for spookiness, this game is less about jump scares and more about existential dread - like when your mom asks why you aren't married yet. Grab your lantern and let’s journey up that mountain, shall we?
Mundaun puts players in the shoes of Curdin, who decides that attending his grandfather's funeral is just the icing on the awful cake of his life. After a series of quirky revelations about barn fires and empty graves – because what’s a family reunion without a few skeletons in the closet? (literally) – you embark on a trek to the top of a rather unnerving mountain. Along the way, think less running up hill and more fidgeting with lanterns and solving puzzles that feel about as straightforward as assembling IKEA furniture. You can travel by foot, truck, or sled – yes, that's right, a sled! It’s like your childhood winter dreams, minus the snowball fights and plus a dash of horror. You’ll need to collect items, which are scattered around like free snacks at a party, to help you solve environmental puzzles. For instance, you might have to hit chunks of meat (no joke) in a precise order to unlock the next section of your eerie adventure. Not the most appetizing of tasks, but hey, it’s ghost town chic. Be prepared to encounter four types of enemies, offering opportunities for stealth or heroic battling (that’s right; you could still be a heroic warrior even if the game nudges you towards peaceful non-violence). Pro tip: if you’ve ever wanted to say ‘no thanks’ to killing things, you can indeed complete the game without committing murder. A horror game that promotes floral peace instead of slaughter? Mundaun is an enigma wrapped in a parchment-drawn adventure!
The hand-penciled art style really steals the show, making every corner of Mundaun feel like a scene from a twisted children’s storybook. It’s captivating, with textures that genuinely look like they were made in an art class by a very optimistic child – one who pens their nightmares instead of pictures of puppies. Some parts might leave you squinting like you’re at a bar trying to read the fine print on a cocktail menu, though. You know the feeling: ‘Is that an enemy or just a bush? I should’ve worn my glasses!’ But when you catch the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, you might just find yourself forgetting it’s a horror game. Until, of course, you trip over what we will generously call ‘an unexpected event’.
Mundaun is a creatively crafted horror adventure that’s perfect for those aiming to play something creative, textured, and delightfully bizarre. It’s not going to give you nightmares in the way that some games do but instead invites you into a world of intrigue, puzzles, and chilly atmospheres that might just leave you questioning your own sanity at times. Plus, you get to traverse through a mountain with a sled! What’s not to love? In conclusion, whether you're into puzzle-solving or just want to explore some stunning yet freaky landscapes, Mundaun is worth making some space on your PS5 for. Just remember: if you ever find a skeleton in your family tree, it’s best to leave that story at the family dinners. Happy hunting!
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