Tunic Nintendo Switch Review - Is It Worth It?

[@Bondokill]

This is such a good game. My favorite in the past couple of years. I haven't felt so lost in a game in a long time either. Not knowing where to go, but not because of poor design, it's because you haven't explored enough. Plus....it's beautiful. And the music! If you're a fan of older games (Zelda in particular), do yourself this favor.

[@kiddcamel]

How long did it take you to complete? Casual wise & 100% wise?

[@toadster464]

I got lost because I didn't read the manual fully, that was my fault. The manual mechanic was awesome.

[@peterc504]

Total agreed. This is pretty much the first game that I couldnt put down...I cant really remember when that happened to me as an adult gamer lol The graphics, story, bosses, gameplay is awesome and music!

[@Coquitox]

Even though I only played it a few months ago, when I saw these clips I felt nostalgia, kind of like a Christmas day when I was a kid kind of feeling, it’s hard to explain. Idk if it’s the fact that there’s no dialogue or the cozy graphics but it felt like such a special world. It was a very beautiful, sometimes frustrating and very fun experience. I specially loved collecting the book pieces, brought me back to those SNES days where I used to read and reread the books while trying to redraw the characters because they were full of art, good times. Really hoping for a sequel!

[@MDGamestation]

When I first saw Tunic on Xbox, I thought this game would be perfect for playing on the switch. Glad it finally made its way to the platform.

[@nitras.design]

Tell this to the developers of Below too, please.

[@Gogeata4]

Guess they made the switch... Get it 😊

[@gilolaes4725]

Tunic is probably my goty. I'm honestly a little intimidated by how well designed it is.

[@RFNY315]

It looks awesome. He mentions ability cards? Is there a card mechanic? Also, is there a world map? (I listened to the audio)

[@gilolaes4725]

@@RFNY315 Tunic is one of those games where the less you know going in, the better. To answer your questions without spoiling too much, the ability cards are collectibles and aren't part of a "playing cards" mechanic like you might think, and the maps work in a Zelda style where you have to "unlock" them before they're available.

[@RFNY315]

@@gilolaes4725 ok that sounds cool. I’m not into the card and deck building type video games. I love links awakening (original and remake) and this kinda gives those vibes. It’s more difficult though right? Which sounds great. How’s the music

[@devforhire]

@@RFNY315 Oh the music is incredible, definitely recommend giving it a try!

[@RFNY315]

@@devforhire yeah I think I’m gonna pick it up at some point. Looks awesome. That and deaths door.

[@the_undecidead]

I just finished this game without a guide/walthrough and man, it is one of the most rewarding feeling ever. I even sometimes mulled over puzzles for days (or maybe I'm just stupid).

[@ersia87]

Same man, same.

[@andre.drezus]

I'm a huge Tunic fan from playing it on Game Pass, I even got a plushie! But I admit I was very letdown to know Switch couldn't do 60fps. If anything, the smoothness in animations is the most important feel for this game's style, specially when you consider you have to learn attack patterns. I wish they would instead tone down the post-processing to allow for pure 1080p 60fps on the Switch. Maybe some of the iconic visuals would be gone, but the experience would still be smooth and crisp.

[@Captain_Neckbeard]

The Switch sucks. It's crazy that anyone would only play on Switch.

[@darthmarticusLFC]

This is why I only play switch-only games on switch.

[@lapiswolf2780]

​@@Captain_Neckbeardwhat about those who can only play with the Switch?

[@buybugfables]

We’ve had a lot of good games this year, but this is still my personal goty

[@meric12131415]

really it's that good?

[@Imperial_Squid]

@@meric12131415 it's a bit spoilery to go into detail but there's a LOT of secrets hidden in plain sight that you only get into in the latter half of the game, peeling back the layers and finding those secrets is what makes this game so special! And I also fully agree, Tunic is my goty!

[@tylerlewis6813]

Tunic is my GOTY. The story itself is worth the price. The moment when you realize what’s really going on…breathless.

[@penguinreloaded7756]

I would suggest playing it on anything but Switch, though.

[@meric12131415]

@@penguinreloaded7756 why's that?

[@rg03500]

I got this on Gamepass not even a week ago ad cannot recommend it enough. Its everything I'd want Nintendo to do in a new 2D Zelda and a lot more

[@greenerscenery]

Tunic is definitely my goty. 10/10 Granted, I did play it on game pass on the Series X. Just watching those makes me want to go back to it because it is such a well made game.

[@oluave2211]

Me too.

[@Zodge]

This woulda been my OST of the year by a landslide (But Sephonie really surprised me), still some amazing songs that I will be listening to for years ❤

[@Scotty515]

Currently playing this on PS5 after waiting so long since seeing it first announced, and bigged it up so much my girlfriend got it on Switch xD This is a strong contender for GOTY for me, feels like old school Legend of Zelda meshed with some loose Hollow Knight/Metroidvania vibes. The thing I love the most is that because the game doesn't give any in-your-face clues and you have to find the pages for the manual(albiet you've gotta do some guesswork on how it translates), anything you discover feels a lot more rewarding, and I haven't felt that kind of wonder from a game for a looooong time!! Soundtrack is also awesome!!

[@wizzyoflegend2947]

I 100% this game. Highly recommend! If you dont like the fox/cloths colors just look up the easter egg to customize them

[@t.fernbach602]

Gameplay and aesthetics remind me strongly of Death's Door. If it's anything like that game, I'm buying it.

[@charlestrudel8308]

they are siimilar indeed.

[@martindion4846]

That was my first impression!

[@NA-jd6wy]

Very similar.

[@Bondokill]

Wait what? This is one of my favorite games ever...and there's one similar to it? I'm already sold. I'll go buy this Death's Door with even looking at it haha. If that helps you make your decision the opposite way

[@charlestrudel8308]

@@Bondokill well, oceanhorn may also please you, little dew too in fact.

[@tdotran]

I’m definitely adding this to my wishlist.

[@milesrodger3724]

Difficulty accessibility choices? I’m buying.

[@bestsnowboarderuknow]

This game blew me away and scratched the exploration and sense of discovery itch I've been having since Outer Wilds and Elden Ring. I haven't sat there with a pen and pad trying to figure out puzzles (and the in-game language) like this since The Witness! If you loved those 3 games, 2.5D Zeldas with metroidvania elements, this is the game for you! The best tip I can give (SMALL SPOILER ALERT!) is pay VERY close attention to every. single. inch. of. every. single. page! There are secrets and hidden messages hidden everywhere in the pages you find. 9.5/10 (for an indie game)

[@jetxet1]

Waiting for a physical version with a manual on an envelope that reads "Do not open until you have completed your quest!" 📜

[@jameshasbeenjammin]

I wasnt thinking much of this game till now. Thanks guys!

[@brabdockable]

This game is one of the best ever. I was gasping every 15 minutes when I discovered the secrets and mechanics.

[@davidcbeaudoin]

I had been holding out on buying the game until if/when it came to Switch, so I was absolutely overjoyed at the announcement during the Direct. I preordered it almost immediately, and put a few hours into it last night. I've really enjoyed what I've played so far! There were a few moments of head scratching, but after looking at the game manual pages I'd found, I figured out what I was missing. I really have to hand it to the developers for employing such a clever hook. I did actually play the demo on the Xbox One so I'm aware of its original graphical quality, but the lower FPS and resolution haven't really bothered me. There is this subtle graininess to the visuals that comes across as a stylistic choice more than a workaround for fewer pixels, and I haven't felt like 30 fps has marred the gameplay at all. I haven't reached any bigger bosses yet so I can't speak to the hitches/pauses. All told, I was excited about a Switch release of the game and I'm very satisfied with what they delivered!

[@Swamprot]

This is the info I was looking for thank you

[@Thugminista777]

Where can I get the physical copy bro ?

[@ArchAngel_M81]

I played this on GamePass. I had such trouble with the first boss that I had to turn off the stamina bar. I got stuck in one area that was just incredibly hard. I personally feel this game is a little too obtuse. I know plenty of people will love that the game doesn’t hold your hand, but at the same time, I would have liked a better balance between giving players information and self discovery.

THIS!

[@anthonycarroll5892]

I have it on GP too, but haven't played it. However, speaking of obtuse games, Hyper Light Drifter. I hate that game for that very reason

[@trevorbraun2574]

Is it getting a physical release?

[@jonpaulojequinto4169]

Great video! And great looking game! Just wondering though, is there a Switch Physical version of it? Thanks!

[@paulonetto9652]

I played this one on my Series S. It is an amazing game but I felt that towards the endgame the difficulty becames too hardcore, I had to go through some walkthroughs to be able to properly finish the story.

[@Batman-jc5uc]

Deaths Door was the same way. I beat that game but the last third of that game was basically dark souls difficult.

[@jcorellana4568]

Agreed. Would have been a 10/10 for me, but they tried too hard with the "true ending" puzzle. Such that it's more contrived than clever. Still a 9 for me, though

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

@@Batman-jc5uc Personally, I found Death's Door to be quite doable but had to turn on No Damage Mode in Tunic really quickly.

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

The post-game puzzles are just mental.

[@WhatInTheActual]

The shadows with the sun peeking through the trees and etc really adds so much to the atmosphere of this game! Very nicely done!

[@edsta8925]

if you get stuck towards the end and feel the need to look up a walkthrough - DO NOT DO THIS, it ruins the whole experience and I highly recommend keeping yourself blind right up till the end or you'll rob yourself of something truly special

[@newm0116]

I played this on Game Pass earlier this year with a friend of mine. He and I like to play single player games with a lot of emphasis on exploration 'together' by each playing on our own, but in the same room. We tend to have very different approaches in how we each go about exploring such games, so it's fun to see what the other one found, and of course it's also a lot of fun to have someone to immediately and excitedly share you're own new and cool discoveries with. This game was incredible for the exploration isn't just the world, but also how you play the game and navigate the world, so we both had plenty of moments where one of us found something, then the other would exclaim "How'd you do that (or where'd you find that), wait, no I want to figure it out"

[@jonathanngo7452]

I'm glad it's worked its way to Switch + PS5 and even thematically I'd want it on my Switch (because old school Zelda vibes) , being able to also play on PS5 sounds like the move for me at least.

[@AlohaGamester]

Anyone heard whether or not we will see a physical release of Tunic?

[@michaelrodriguez2981]

They said right now at the moment there isn't a plan to release it physically at the moment

The beginning and the middle of this game are AMAZING, but the last few hours are kinda lacking. It gets super confusing and the dificulty skyrockets all of a sudden. But still a great game.

[@flygirlgaming6362]

I keep seeing this game everywhere this is a sign that I need to try this game already looks pretty good💕

[@dukemon6163]

It seems like it only has performance issues during the Boss Battles, I'll wait a bit until a potential patch. Also, so many games are based on Dark Souls lately. Hollow Knight, Death's Door, Ashen, Blasphemous, and now Tunic. Maybe I should just pick up and play Dark Souls Remastered first to prepare for inevitable Pikmin / Dark Souls hybrid.

[@rambo_ando]

Love the game and review, but tbh I'm a bit surprised there's no disclaimer that this is made by the partner of a Nintendo Life staff member.

[@DANBAN119]

Alright I bought the game the day before, tried playing it at midnight for a bit, didn’t work. “Ok that sometimes happens I’ll wait an hour”. 1:00AM doesn’t work. “Ok well I just hit the hay and try again tomorrow. It is now 1:00PM sept 27 and it is not letting me play it. Wth is going on?

[@Baiano29]

This is my Goty. The music and the final puzzles are amazing

[@xristosssoul8403]

It's such a good indie game... I'll definitely replay it on Switch during Christmas!!!!

[@Wolfenrath]

Such a stellar game! I'm happy to see it come to the Nintendo Switch.

[@rexxxx1984]

I finished this game 100%, and It's a very special one. You forgot to talk about the multiple Endings. Thant Hard fight is not a must to do.

[@goldmemberpb]

I am no game programmer but it is odd that tunic is not 60 fps on Switch. This is not exactly a very graphically intensive game.

[@goldmemberpb]

@Don Lobo Yeah, Ori was able to run at 60 fps on Switch but Moon Studio went through some crazy optimization for it.

[@MistahJigglah]

I know im late to the party, But I can't believe how good of a game this is. It's so simple, beautiful, and perfectly executed. It's a truly worthy spiritual successor of the original Legend of Zelda.

[@leonelmessi5285]

Hey bud, what platform r u play? It ps5 better or it good on switch

[@MistahJigglah]

@@leonelmessi5285 I have it on Switch, But I've played it on PS5 as well, because my nephew has it so why not, but I think it plays just as well on Switch. It's not the kind of game that really needs cutting edge hardware to run well. I'm sure there's a difference in frames or whatever, but it certainly wasn't anything I noticed while playing. Even on Switch it's precise enough of a game I definitely prefer a wired controller for it.

[@axelatticus2642]

Tunic is amazing. I find it a little too hard for my liking but I still love it all the same. Super charming!

[@richcastro8990]

This looks like Deaths Door with a fox. I loved deaths door.

[@jaimeduran9928]

Death's door is such a gem, I loved the soundtrack, to me one of the most beautiful OST from an indie I've heard tunic has a decent soundtrack, hope it is good 😊

[@n1nj4l1nk]

Tunic is the better game.

[@philipsparks6089]

@@n1nj4l1nk i just bought death door, SMT 5, in this latest sale, and imma have to pick this up too. RIP my backlog

[@monstermike22]

Deaths door is the better game, so original and memorable. Tunic is cool but Deaths Door is a masterpiece.

[@captainyasopp154]

I want to get this on ps5 for the beautiful graphics but I want to be able to play on the go ugh idk wich to get it on

[@MrKittyhead]

I’m so excited for this! I’ve never played a Dark Souls game, mostly because I prefer games to be less dark, but this just looks so perfect for me.

[@ryagas5369]

I was definitely waiting for the Switch version. Another one for the backlog. ;)

[@meric12131415]

I think that's pretty cool the instructions become collectables that's a new one😁

[@johnflores4913]

This needs a physical copy so bad

[@joshuarogers5563]

Well do I have some news for you!

[@johnflores4913]

@@joshuarogers5563 lol I seen that they released one I’m definitely going to get it. This game is such a hidden gem.

[@Froinlaven_2020]

I might enjoy this. At first I thought I wouldn’t have the skill nor patience… then I remembered that I beat Hollow Knight and beat White Palace sooo… I bet I could do it

[@Lock2002ful]

Yeah, I’m not paying 40 bucks for a game that shouldn’t be more than 20 with all the caveats on Switch in comparison to playing it for free on XBSX with game pass in 4K and 60 fps.

[@Ridku13]

It's actually only $30

[@Lock2002ful]

It’s 4.000¥ in Japan which to me is 40 bucks it is one of very few games that asks for a premium in the japanese eshop. It should be 3.000¥ and even then the price would be too high. 20~25 bucks would be alright, everything else simply isn’t appropriate. I’d pay 30 for a physical version as a physical collector but aside from that, nope.

[@jasonwhite6408]

Does it play better on Steamdeck? I was holding out for the Switch with the OLED screen, but doesn’t sound like it’s as good there.

[@danormisher8084]

I'd really like a demo for this. I'd like to see what the resolution is like in handheld. I can deal with 30fps but not sub 720p when I have the option of a PS5 copy.

[@kahp1072]

I don't wanna be an ass but the work done on this port seems very basic, there's way more demanding indie games that looks and runs better. Switch old hardware is not excuse.

[@danormisher8084]

@@kahp1072 yeah I thought that too, looks a bit fuzzy on the video to my eyes. I’ve decided against it, 60fps and 4k on a 65” OLED it is. There’s almost nothing to make me play a game on Switch these days, but like you say indies should be easy to port and then the handheld option can make it the preferred option.

[@tri-ify8852]

@@kahp1072the excuse is it’s done by one person

[@McKingski]

Why does this game says it has online functions on Nintendo?

[@KayWhyEllie1]

Thanks Zion it sounds amazing!

[@ThePorkchopExpress975]

i just bought this for steam deck and it looks amazing. im confused as heck what to do but it looks like it will be fun

[@cloudb.1071]

This is literally Link dreaming that he's a fox.

[@mbuledawg]

Tunic is cool but I'm lost and not sure where to go. I'll figure it out one day.

[@thewindwaker]

Is there an easy mode

[@zacharydavis9438]

I waited too buy Tunic too come too the Nintendo Switch too play the game with my 4 year old son he is too smart and said it's like Zelda and Link I started him young lol. The handheld and accessibility comes into play when my kids that want too watch cartoons as well.

[@thepixeltavern]

Played On Xbox through gamepass. Currently my game of the year. A masterpiece in my opinion.

[@10-5playz]

Played it for a while on gamepass but since the Switch is my favorite way to play I had to buy this version. I cant wait.

[@princegroove]

Got it for PS5, and I’m fully enjoying it.

[@cmd2973]

Definitely grabbing this

[@theshadowdirector]

Huh, surprised at that performance gap given its scope as a game.

[@OfficialDropRate]

If you all liked this game. Try Death's Door. Its another Zelda like game with a great story, fun puzzles, and rewarding exploration

[@Cyberbrickmaster1986]

It's been forever since I first saw the reveal trailer for this game!

[@losingmyedge1196]

this game has one of the best soundtracks of this era

[@chrisspearline767]

How is this from 10 months ago but it's just being released now

[@effeelle91]

On of the top games of the year. I played on PC several months ago.

[@Kid_Ying]

Got it on Game Pass for PC and even after just a couple hours I'm blown away. Glad the Switch version holds up. I know what my son's Christmas gift will be.

[@Noumakara]

This game is beautiful. If you u want to experience it to the fullest, go pick it up on PC or home consoles.

[@braves4life25]

Ps+ now!! Finally get a chance to try it out

[@Yahtzee88]

Why am I never quite satisfied with an 8. Like I wish there was a decimal on some the well known review sites. I think way back to Suikoden a game I treasure, got like a 6.7 from GameSpot or a different really old site I used to go to back in dial up days.

[@evancallow4356]

"A small fox like creature wearing a green tunic like a certain other character" KINGSLEY!?!?! AS IN THE ADVENTURES OF? Oh you mean link ... damnit

[@Neko123Uchiha]

One of the best games this year! :D

[@Jesse023]

Played in game pass with my Zfold35. It's fun

[@ulengrau6357]

Good writer, this Lowell Bell.

[@Pyrish]

Looks a lot like Death’s Door. If anyone wants a Tunic-esque experience, DD is beautiful and quaint; the puzzles never stumped, but some combat areas and bosses did provide a decent challenge. 100% in just under 24 hours. And it goes on sale every now and then.

[@HyperBlueWolf]

I have always hated Zelda games, but Tunic is amazing.

[@Asf_932]

would’ve been a crime if this game wasn’t ported over to the Switch.

[@MrPotatoPoo]

tunic physical???? anyone know?

[@silentchef1874]

It’s up for preorder

[@pablovi77]

Thanks for the review. You just saved me money. This game is not for me then. I was going to buy it, because of the aesthetics, but I don’t like the dead souls games at all.

[@n1nj4l1nk]

None of the bosses are unfair, you just need to learn them and all of the available items /mechanics.

[@Imperial_Squid]

Agreed, it is a souls like after all, half the point is figuring out how to handle the bosses and being patient, even the Sc------- Bo-- (censored for spoilers) is a fair if difficult fight once you get used to her

Some of them are tbh.

[@n1nj4l1nk]

@ all of the bosses have multiple intended ways to defeat them that range from pure cheese to just making them difficult intentionally. They all have simple movesets that they telegraph so if you're really struggling you either aren't paying attention/learning or aren't using a setup that makes things easier. At least one of the bosses can be defeated without even entering the arena.

@@n1nj4l1nk Intended? Bro, I've played the game lol. I dropped that mf Scavenger Boss into the abyss with the Magic Orb before entering the arena, I know what I'm talking about. That was not intended by the devs AT ALL hahahaha.

[@andre.drezus]

Agreed, but I won't deny failing isn't extremely punishing. I remember how the Scavenger boss was easy to fight with, but demanded precise timing for minutes at a time and human error can only go so far. It's not unfair but you have to be prepared to prove yourself by playing perfectly.

[@blemski]

Played on game pass, amazing game. My personal favorite part was the complete ending requirements not even mentioned here,. Great freaking game.

[@tschugglfreier]

I ❤ this game! And your review is great, too ❤thank you

[@YuniorGamboa]

I heard good things about this game being one of the top indies you must play(so I did since it was on gamepass) and after experiencing it for myself I can see why. The music is beautiful and calming. Now the combat can be a bit frustrating since you need to press LB (in Xbox)to change weapons or use consumables. I wish there was a better way to implement inputs while in combat without going into the menu and switching your shortcuts constantly. I also experienced getting stuck in the environment quite a few times and sometimes the path wasn't very clear when going under hidden areas. The blue gem took me the longest to uncover and the last boss was brutal LOL. Other than that exploration is amazing in this game and the manual has everything you need to figure out your journey Absolutely a gem.

[@meric12131415]

I'm getting links awakening vibes here🤔

[@EverythingWasGreat]

Its one of the best games i have ever played. Worth 29$? Yes.

[@joshoshea3194]

I felt a bit like this over the Tourist a few years back. I gave up after not being able to beat the second boss. He was crazy frustrating (the rock-style snake thing where you had to drop small boulders over about 5 holes in the ground to stop water from shooting up. But by the time you'd get to the 5th hole he'd have already started knocking the 1st & 2nd ones off & you'd have to start the process over. I'm just getting too old to keep wanting to torture myself like that. Which is a shame really since it was a great fun little adventure game. Pity it got so difficult 30 minutes in.

[@randomsom1]

I got stuck on that boss too and ended up playing something else. It's a shame cuz the game looked really nice and I wanted to explore that world more

[@joshoshea3194]

@@smpiano6605 it was just him knocking them off though, much quicker than you could place them.

[@acidfruitloops]

The touryst is crazy easy dude only a few hours long lol c'mon you're better than that.

[@joshoshea3194]

@@randomsom1 Me to, likewise. Even just that short animation of him sitting down in a chair just seemed hilarious to me lol. I loved that 3D pixel art style. Yeah I started playing other stuff and have been ever since. I keep promising myself I'll go back one day. I think I started with Ori and the blind forest. That's an amazing Metroidvainia style game. That starts to get very difficult to and haven't finished it yet either. Next I went on to the remastered Abes Odyssey. Even though I've completed both original games on the PS1 I got stuck about 20 minutes in. I think maybe I used to be better a games when I was younger but back then you saved up for a game, you picked it out, you paid for it - YOU COMMITTED TO IT! Where as now there's so many good titles readily available for download right infront of you, really affordable too, that if you get really stuck or struggling, it's on to the next one & fantastic titles come out every other week now it seems. I've got so many good games now waiting to play I don't have to buy anymore for atleast 2 years. But that won't happen lol. Sorry for that long arse reply.

[@randomsom1]

@@smpiano6605 thanks for the tips. I'll keep that in mind next time I try

[@dariocarere3598]

Am I the only one who thought about Kingsley's Adventure?...

[@wallacerigby4393]

Wow! Looks like the beautiful light was sucked out of the game.

[@I_was_a_Bullfrog]

How so?

[@wallacerigby4393]

@@I_was_a_Bullfrog looks way less vibrant. Definitely of course it’s because of the less powerful platform.

[@DroneCorpse]

@@I_was_a_Bullfrog Take a look at footage on other platforms.

[@Thirteen13551355]

This game will stick around with my mind forever. Amazing.

[@Jonathan-nk4tc]

This review is easily selling me on buying it

[@EverythingWasGreat]

Switch oled was perfect for this game.

[@FunnyAnimatorJimTV]

Fox Link

[@Jrome4life]

The 30fps really is a downer ill get it on steam

[@michaelrodriguez2981]

I hope the makers release it physically but I heard at the moment that they have no plans release it physically. I just hope they do it

[@TraitorPotater]

Nows your chance homie. Preorders just went up on FanGamer.

[@RealmsofPixelation]

Great game! A little short though. My GOTY is still Pokémon Legends Arceus.

[@ianmitchell5979]

I honestly can't tell what it is about this game that is too demanding for a sharper look and/or higher framerate.

[@thanhclips]

I hated the death mechanics in Hollow Knight. Is it that bad here as well? Man, not sure if souls genre is my type of game.