Mundaun Review for PlayStation 5

For a game that has been out for over two years, I’m pretty shocked it flew under the radar for me. Originally released back in March of 2021, Annapurna has finally released “Mundaun” on PlayStation 5. Seeing the quick trailer during this year’s Annapurna Showcase, I was immediately intrigued. Now being able to get my hands on it for a review, I must say, these developers have created quite an enchanting, yet foreboding, realm. This little horror game unveils its mysteries as you embark on a quest to uncover the truth behind your grandfather’s demise. It evokes the ambiance of an illustrated sketch-book along with creepy radio frequencies and haunting groans punctuating the overall atmosphere, emphasizing the artistic vision of the game. From the very moment you step off the bus, welcomed by the sight of desaturated landscapes and a black bleating goat, Hidden Fields Studios’ first-person adventure-puzzle game draws you into its chilling world. With its hand-drawn illustrations, steeped in Swedish folklore, “Mundaun” immersed me in a dark and hauntingly captivating experience.

The visual aesthetics are unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. The absence of colors heightens the sense of gloom, as the black and white contrasts saturate the environment. The graphics, reminiscent of earlier console generations like the PlayStation 2, make for an artistic choice that I think is really smart for the type of horror story it’s telling. It is a testament to the skill of the one-person team behind Hidden Fields Studios, Michel Ziegler, that the hand-drawn textures never take you out of the experience, but somehow draw you in more. The deliberate slowness of movement when traversing this mountain region allows for a heightened level of immersion, as the atmospheric soundtrack, the dialogue which is mostly recorded in the Romansh language, sets the tone for the gameplay. Sparse and eerie, melancholic tones intensify the suspense, constantly evoking an unsettling sense of foreboding.

Though occasionally clunky, the gameplay in “Mundaun” is simple but doesn’t always play as smoothly as I wish. The inclusion of vehicles though adds a cool new dimension to the experience, which made exploring a lot quicker in times I got impatient. Throughout the journey, upgrades become available, enhancing your character’s abilities in health, travel speed, and weapon handling. The presence of fear-inducing enemies, reminiscent of quills or hay, threatens your progress, and succumbing to their encroachment results in restarting from the last save point. It’s refreshing that this game that while guides you, doesn’t do it while holding your hand. As the protagonist, you face terrifying moments, encounter jump scares, and grapple with prevailing loneliness. Visions and hallucinations blur the line between reality and imagination, while intricate puzzles demand meticulous item collection and journal exploration to decipher their clues.

“Mundaun” stands as a testament to the innovative potential of video games. Its one-man development team has often left me picking my jaw off the ground. Blending rich folklore, atmospheric details, and a chilling mood, it really immersed me in the depths of Swiss history and was always intrigued as I continued to unravel its secrets through this interactive storytelling. For aficionados of the horror genre, I’m curious if you’ve even heard of or played this game, if you haven’t until now, do yourself a favor and put “Mundaun” in your collection. If this game wasn’t shown at this year’s Annapurna Showcase, I would have easily overlooked this little gem, which gave me a great six or so hours experience this weekend.

8.5/10

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Nick Navarro

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Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87

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