UMURANGI GENERATION
Origame Digital
US$14.99
WEBSITE http://umurangi.tapiki.io/
When developer Tali Faulkner described Umurangi Generation as a relaxed experience that “tutorialises photography”, not to mention its urban, retro-future visual style, I was excited to get my hands on it. This is a series of nine carefully crafted vignettes which would capture my imagination for the better part of eight hours.
An evocative narrative unfolds around corporations attempting to capitalise on extraordinary crises, and the ensuing political tensions between citizens and those corporations, all impressively told through environmental storytelling that is simultaneously intriguing and subtle, becoming more and more spectacular as the game reaches its climax.
The wonderfully grungy Jet Set Radio-esque visual style is suitably stylish, given the photography context. Set in New Zealand, it’s refreshing to notice that the neon, graffiti-packed aesthetic references New Zealand’s own indigenous cultures, adding greatly to the visual diversity. The soundtrack is viscerally funky and satisfying. Comprised mostly of impeccably executed electronic hip-hop instrumentals, it acts as an equally vivid companion to the visuals, together bringing a weighty sense of a greater urban culture to the game’s diegesis, a commendable feat.
The core gameplay loop and progression is built around sets of unique photo bounties which are open-ended in nature, like framing any ten solar panels, allowing players to approach this creatively. Collectable film canisters are hard to find, but are rewarded handsomely. As progression proceeds, your arsenal of interesting lenses, camera mods, and post-processing effects expands too, introducing new concepts in a way that feels natural and exciting to unlock for photography beginners and pros alike. Umurangi Generation is an easy recommendation for anyone seeking a shorter but gratuitously punchy experience.
Umurangi Generation is reviewed by Meghann’s assistant, JAMES ELLENDER, because of his interest in photography, and this game is his pick of PAX Online 2020.