Underrail! A Deep Dive into Styx's Underground Labyrinth

Prepare to descend into darkness, intrepid adventurers. Today, we delve into the depths of Underrail, a post-apocalyptic isometric RPG developed by the independent studio Unfair Works. Released in 2015 for PC, this meticulously crafted game blends classic RPG mechanics with a dystopian setting that harkens back to Fallout’s early days, while carving its own unique path through intricate gameplay and captivating lore.

Storytelling Beneath the Surface: A World Fractured

Underrail’s narrative thrusts players into a world ravaged by a cataclysmic event known as “the Disaster.” This apocalyptic upheaval forced humanity underground, seeking refuge within elaborate subterranean networks. You awaken in Core City, one such haven built around an ancient metro system, with no memory of your past. Thrust into this gritty underbelly, you must uncover the mysteries surrounding your identity while navigating complex political factions, ruthless scavengers, and mutated horrors lurking in the shadows.

Choosing Your Path: Character Customization and Progression

Underrail’s character customization system offers a staggering degree of freedom, allowing players to sculpt their avatars from the ground up. Six distinct starting origins provide unique backgrounds and initial skill sets:

• The Duelist: A master swordsman with a penchant for close combat.
• The Adept: Skilled in mental manipulation and psychic abilities.
• The Bioengineer: An expert in genetic modification, wielding the power of biology.
• The Mechanic: Adept at crafting and utilizing intricate machinery.
• The Renegade: A survivalist with a knack for improvisation and subterfuge.
• The Technomancer: Wielding advanced technology to manipulate energy and control machines.

Further customization extends to the extensive skill tree, encompassing a vast array of combat techniques, technological disciplines, social interactions, stealth tactics, and more. This granularity allows players to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyles, creating truly unique heroes for Underrail’s unforgiving world.

Combat Encounters: Tactical Turn-Based Warfare

Underrail eschews the real-time combat commonly found in many RPGs. Instead, it embraces a turn-based system that demands careful planning and strategic thinking. Every action, from attacking to moving, requires an Action Point (AP) expenditure. This encourages thoughtful decision-making and emphasizes tactical positioning, utilizing cover and exploiting enemy weaknesses for maximum effect.

Combat encounters often involve diverse foes, each possessing unique strengths and vulnerabilities. From heavily armored robots to mutated creatures with unpredictable attacks, players must adapt their strategies on the fly, leveraging environmental hazards, traps, and even psi powers to secure victory.

Exploration and Discovery: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Depths

Underrail’s world is a tapestry of interconnected underground locations, ranging from bustling trading hubs like Core City to abandoned bunkers teeming with hostile creatures. As you explore these labyrinthine environments, you’ll encounter hidden passages, treacherous traps, and intriguing NPCs who offer quests, insights into the game’s lore, or even opportunities for trade and companionship.

The map system, presented in a classic isometric style, allows for seamless navigation while encouraging exploration and discovery. Each location boasts its own distinct visual design and atmosphere, reflecting the diverse factions and challenges that await within.

Crafting and Customization: Forging Your Arsenal and Enhancing Abilities

Underrail empowers players to become self-sufficient through a robust crafting system. You can dismantle scavenged items to extract valuable components and then utilize them to craft new weapons, armor, ammunition, and even potent concoctions. This element allows for deep customization, enabling you to tailor your equipment and abilities to your chosen playstyle.

The Impact of Choices: A Multifaceted Narrative Experience

Underrail presents players with numerous choices that directly impact the unfolding narrative and the world around them. Faction allegiances, moral dilemmas, and even seemingly minor decisions can have far-reaching consequences, shaping the game’s outcome and unlocking unique storylines. This intricate web of possibilities fosters a sense of agency and encourages multiple playthroughs to explore different paths and uncover the full scope of Underrail’s rich lore.

A Retrospective Gem: Why Underrail Stands Out

Underrail stands out not only for its captivating narrative and immersive gameplay but also for its unwavering commitment to the classic isometric RPG experience. Its pixel art aesthetic, reminiscent of legendary titles like Fallout and Diablo, evokes a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a distinct visual identity. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Alistair Lindsay, further enhances the atmosphere with its haunting melodies and atmospheric soundscapes.

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge

Underrail is a testament to the enduring power of classic RPG design, seamlessly blending challenging combat with intricate storytelling and meaningful choices. If you crave an adventure that demands strategic thinking, rewards exploration, and encourages deep customization, then descend into Underrail’s depths and prepare for a truly unforgettable experience.