Under the Island, a 2D adventure developed by Slime King Games and published by Top Hat Studios, launched on Feb. 17 and has garnered a 90% positive rating from early user reviews on Steam.
The $19.99 title draws inspiration from 1990s handheld-era design and follows Nia, a newcomer to Seashell Island who discovers the landmass is gradually sinking. The game features a non-linear structure in which environmental layouts shift depending on player progression and chosen difficulty, reshaping biomes and encouraging varied navigation paths.
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Gameplay emphasizes ecosystem interaction and puzzle-solving rather than traditional stat progression. Players rely on a collection of artifacts, including a fire-breathing plant and a bird companion used to activate switches, alongside a hockey stick that serves as the main weapon. Classic block-pushing challenges and light-reflection riddles are complemented by logic-based puzzles reminiscent of Picross-style mechanics.
Combat reception has been mixed, with boss encounters praised for their theatrical design and mechanical creativity. Some players have noted that common enemies appear to have relatively large health pools in early stages, which can affect pacing until upgrades are obtained. Visually, the game adopts high-saturation pixel art with a light, cartoon-inspired tone.
The title launched with full compatibility for the Steam Deck, maintaining a stable 60 frames per second. While it does not support the device’s 16:10 aspect ratio and displays black bars as a result, overall performance has been described as smooth. An introductory 15% discount reduces the price to $16.99 through March 3, and bundle options are available offering higher cumulative savings.