Mundaun Review: Dark Secrets And The People Who Find Them

The journey, rather than the destination, is the focus of Mundaun--the reasons you take it and the travel required to reach its conclusion. In this way, it feels like a spiritual successor to Half-Life 2's Highway 17, a mid-game chapter that finds crowbar-toting protagonist Gordon Freeman traveling by buggy along the lonely coast. It's a lengthy, melancholy section of the 2004 shooter where the driving is occasionally interrupted by combat, puzzles, and on-foot exploration. Mundaun is like Highway 17 expanded to a full 10-hour experience. In your journey to the mountaintop, you sit passively in a bus, drive a hay-baling truck along bumpy terrain, and ride a sled across quiet alpine slopes. You're guided through a series of dark, labyrinthine tunnels by a trolley car the size of a toaster. You ride a chair lift. The inclusion of vehicles might not sound noteworthy on its own, but traversing the mountain in all these different ways--on foot, by sled, by truck--has the effect of making the mountain feel like a real place; a peak that must be considered to be conquered. You don't cover dozens of virtual miles in your quest, but Mundaun feels like a journey nonetheless--personal and physical--as a result of this fixation on the vehicles we use to make our pilgrimages.

This horror adventure game's distinct point of view is obvious the moment you see it in action. Each first-person frame looks like hand-drawn pencil art, and the entire game is presented in black and white. Developer Hidden Fields uses this to terrific, eerie effect. The mountain lake where those beekeepers are doing their work is beautifully alien, a rocky landscape that's empty except for these strange beings in their protective suits accompanied by an unnerving buzzing. Night on the mountain's snowy slopes feels eerie in a different way--dark, save for the light of the moon, and quiet, save for the sound of your snowshoes or sled on the powder. With winning art and sound design, Hidden Fields brilliantly brings home the feeling that you are alone, and that this lonely journey is one you must take on your own.

Mundaun's art style is distinctive and impactful.
Mundaun's art style is distinctive and impactful.

As that journey begins, protagonist Curdin sits on a bus winding its way up narrow mountain roads to the sleepy alpine town where he often visited his grandfather growing up. The young man is returning to the village to attend his grandfather's funeral after receiving news that the old man died when his barn caught fire. But something's wrong. Despite the village priest's claims that his grandfather was already buried, Curdin finds a charred corpse in the barn. When he goes to see the priest, the chapel is locked. He goes to the graveyard--grandfather's grave is empty. As Curdin attempts to get to the bottom of these mysterious events, he begins a trek to the top of the mountain, whose towering pincer-like twin peaks can be seen from almost anywhere in the game.

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Another Square Enix Presents Announced for Summer

Square Enix wrapped up its first, Nintendo Direct-style event Square Enix Presents. But the company says another one is right around the corner and will premiere this summer. Today's Square Enix Presents featured new reveals including games like Life is Strange: True Colors by Deck Nine Games, a new roadmap for Marvel's Avengers, and a surprise Project Athia reveal, now officially titled Forspoken. You can check out all the announcements from today's Square Enix Presents in our recap. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/forspoken-project-athia-teaser-trailer"] As for what's next, Square Enix still has some games up its sleeves that we could stand to learn more about. Chief among them is Final Fantasy 16 which the company announced last year. But there is also the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade DLC that will be out in April. Square Enix helpfully announced everything that was going to be at today's show except for a "One More Thing" style surprise for Forspoken. Hopefully, we'll get a similar approach for Square Enix's summer show so we'll know exactly what to expect. In the meantime, check out our chat with Crystal Dynamics to learn more about the Avengers roadmap and the upcoming Black Panther expansion, and also why we haven't seen Spider-Man yet. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor.

Another Square Enix Presents Announced for Summer

Square Enix wrapped up its first, Nintendo Direct-style event Square Enix Presents. But the company says another one is right around the corner and will premiere this summer. Today's Square Enix Presents featured new reveals including games like Life is Strange: True Colors by Deck Nine Games, a new roadmap for Marvel's Avengers, and a surprise Project Athia reveal, now officially titled Forspoken. You can check out all the announcements from today's Square Enix Presents in our recap. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/forspoken-project-athia-teaser-trailer"] As for what's next, Square Enix still has some games up its sleeves that we could stand to learn more about. Chief among them is Final Fantasy 16 which the company announced last year. But there is also the upcoming Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade DLC that will be out in April. Square Enix helpfully announced everything that was going to be at today's show except for a "One More Thing" style surprise for Forspoken. Hopefully, we'll get a similar approach for Square Enix's summer show so we'll know exactly what to expect. In the meantime, check out our chat with Crystal Dynamics to learn more about the Avengers roadmap and the upcoming Black Panther expansion, and also why we haven't seen Spider-Man yet. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor.

Square Enix Presents Spring 2021: Everything Announced and Revealed

The first Square Enix Presents has officially arrived and begins a series of digital showcases that will help Square Enix reveal new games and give updates on existing ones. Here is every announcement from the very first Square Enix Presents, including Forspoken, Black Panther arriving in Marvel's Avengers, and Life is Strange: True Colors.

Project Athia Is Officially Called Forspoken

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/forspoken-project-athia-teaser-trailer"] Project Athia, the working title for the game by Luminous Productions for PS5 and PC, is now officially called Forspoken. We get a new look at the game, which is set to be released in 2022, and a new character named Frey Hollands, an "ordinary woman thrust into a beautiful yet cruel world."

Black Panther Arrives in Marvel's Avengers Later This Year

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/marvels-avengers-black-panther-reveal-trailer"] Marvel's Avengers will be adding Black Panther and the War for Wakanda expansion later this year.

Life Is Strange: True Colors Announced For 2021

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/24/life-is-strange-true-colors-official-trailer"] Life Is Strange: True Colors will be released on September 10, 2021, and this brand new game follows the story of Alex Chen, a young woman with the psychic power of Empathy. While there will be chapter breaks, this will not be an episodic game and the full game/story will be released at once.

Life Is Strange Remastered Collection Arrives in Fall 2021

Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm will be included in the Life is Strange Remastered Collection when it is released in September 2021. It will also be available as part of the Life is Strange: True Colors Ultimate Edition.

Marvel's Avengers Gives a New Look at Hawkeye and a Preview of the 2021 Roadmap

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/marvels-avengers-operation-hawkeye-future-imperfect-gameplay-walkthrough"] Alongside giving fans a new look at Hawkeye, Marvel's Avengers revealed its 2021 roadmap, which includes the Cloning Labs, new gear and a new level cap, the Tachyon Anomaly event, a replay for the Reassemble campaign, new villain sectors, and more.

Outriders Gets a New Gameplay Trailer and Six-Minute Deep Dive

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/outriders-6-minutes-walkthrough-trailer"] Ahead of its April 1, 2021 release date, Outriders has received a brand new gameplay trailer and a six-minute deep dive.

Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy Officially Announced

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/tomb-raider-definitive-survivor-trilogy-announcement-trailer"] Tomb Raider: Definitive Survivor Trilogy has been officially announced and bundles together Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Furthermore, The Croft Manor will arrive in Fortnite Creative Mode next week and there will also be a Tomb Raider cookbook that will help celebrate Tomb Raider's 25th anniversary.

Just Cause Mobile Trailer Revealed

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/just-cause-mobile-official-trailer"] Just Cause Mobile got a new trailer, and fans will be able to get support and intel from Rico Rodriguez, Annika Svennson, and more when it arrives later this year.

Project Hitman Sniper Assassins Announced

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/hitman-sniper-assassins-reveal-trailer"] Project Hitman Sniper Assassins is a new mobile game that is set in the Hitman universe. It will tell an original story and feature new assassins. Developed by the Hitman Sniper team, this game will arrive on iOS and Android in 2021.

AR Space Invaders Mobile Game In Development

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/space-invaders-mobile-ar-teaser-trailer"] Space Invaders returns with a new mobile collaboration between Square Enix and Taito Corp. This time, there will be a new augmented reality take on the beloved game.

Balan Wonderworld Gets a New Co-Op Trailer Before Launch

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/balan-wonderworld-co-op-gameplay-trailer"] Balan Wonderworld, the new game from the creator of Sonic the Hedgehog, received a new co-op trailer ahead of its release on March 26, 2021.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron Is Back Is Coming to Steam

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron Is Back is already on PS4 and Switch, and it is now coming to PC via Steam. play with up to 3 friends in co-op, use new power-ups, and play over 200 stages.

Darius Cozmic Revelation Flies to PS4 and Switch in Late 2021

Darius Cozmic Revelation will be released on PS4 and Switch in Late 2021 and is a collection that features G-Darius HD and Dariusburst: Another Chronicle EX+.

New Content Is Headed to Touhou Spell Bubble

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/touhou-spell-bubble-side-story-pack-sanae-arc-trailer"] The Side Story Pack 2 Sanae Arc will be arriving in Touhou Spell Bubble on Nintendo Switch on March 25, 2021. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Project Athia Is Now Forspoken; New Glimpse of Luminous Productions’ Debut Project

After its first, fascinating tease late last year, we finally have another look at PS5-exclusive Project Athia -- and it's now got a new name: Forspoken. In a brief new trailer introduced by lead actress Ella Balinska at the Spring 2021 Square Enix Presents, we get a brief look at the main character, Frey Holland, and her predicament in suddenly being thrown into a fantastical world -- complete with dragons. We see a bit more of her running from clifftop to clifftop as well as using magic -- but that's about it for now. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/forspoken-project-athia-teaser-trailer"] Forspoken is currently planned for release in 2022, and it's possible that we'll see more of the game at an upcoming Square Enix Presents, as another one was announced for this summer. Project Athia was first revealed last year as Square Enix's endeavor to build something specifically for the PS5 and it will stay exclusive for at least two years. The initial reveal showed little beyond a woman protagonist thrown into a world she doesn't belong in, using magic to fight monsters, and leaping over cliffs. Project Athia was the game's working title, and what's now known as Forspoken is being created by Luminous Productions -- a new internal Square Enix studio. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story co-writer Gary Whitta is leading the game's writing team. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

Project Athia Is Now Forspoken; New Glimpse of Luminous Productions’ Debut Project

After its first, fascinating tease late last year, we finally have another look at PS5-exclusive Project Athia -- and it's now got a new name: Forspoken. In a brief new trailer introduced by lead actress Ella Balinska at the Spring 2021 Square Enix Presents, we get a brief look at the main character, Frey Holland, and her predicament in suddenly being thrown into a fantastical world -- complete with dragons. We see a bit more of her running from clifftop to clifftop as well as using magic -- but that's about it for now. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/forspoken-project-athia-teaser-trailer"] Forspoken is currently planned for release in 2022, and it's possible that we'll see more of the game at an upcoming Square Enix Presents, as another one was announced for this summer. Project Athia was first revealed last year as Square Enix's endeavor to build something specifically for the PS5 and it will stay exclusive for at least two years. The initial reveal showed little beyond a woman protagonist thrown into a world she doesn't belong in, using magic to fight monsters, and leaping over cliffs. Project Athia was the game's working title, and what's now known as Forspoken is being created by Luminous Productions -- a new internal Square Enix studio. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story co-writer Gary Whitta is leading the game's writing team. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.

Life Is Strange: Remastered Collection Announced

Life Is Strange: Remastered Collection is a bundle of Life Is Strange 1 and Life Is Strange: Before the Storm, with enhanced visuals and animations, and it's arriving in Fall 2021. Announced in the Spring 2021 Square Enix Presents broadcast for PC, Stadia, Xbox One, and PS4, the collection will be available as a standalone package, but will also be a part of the Ultimate Edition of the newly-announced Life Is Strange: True Colors. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/24/life-is-strange-true-colors-official-trailer"] The remastered games will include updated character and environment visuals, improved animation with facial mo-cap performances, and engine and lighting upgrades. Life Is Strange followed teenager Max Caulfield, as she navigated a high school mystery (and a possible apocalypse) using time reversal powers. In our Life Is Strange review we criticised the game's dialogue and acting, but said it finished with "a fascinating exploration of a teenager deeply affected by loss, trauma, suffering, and failure." Prequel spin-off Before the Storm told the story of Max's  troubled friend Chloe Price. Our review said that it had a "a strong single theme that’s delivered well in a story that isn’t afraid to get in a few punches." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Life Is Strange: Remastered Collection Announced

Life Is Strange: Remastered Collection is a bundle of Life Is Strange 1 and Life Is Strange: Before the Storm, with enhanced visuals and animations, and it's arriving in Fall 2021. Announced in the Spring 2021 Square Enix Presents broadcast for PC, Stadia, Xbox One, and PS4, the collection will be available as a standalone package, but will also be a part of the Ultimate Edition of the newly-announced Life Is Strange: True Colors. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/24/life-is-strange-true-colors-official-trailer"] The remastered games will include updated character and environment visuals, improved animation with facial mo-cap performances, and engine and lighting upgrades. Life Is Strange followed teenager Max Caulfield, as she navigated a high school mystery (and a possible apocalypse) using time reversal powers. In our Life Is Strange review we criticised the game's dialogue and acting, but said it finished with "a fascinating exploration of a teenager deeply affected by loss, trauma, suffering, and failure." Prequel spin-off Before the Storm told the story of Max's  troubled friend Chloe Price. Our review said that it had a "a strong single theme that’s delivered well in a story that isn’t afraid to get in a few punches." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Life Is Strange: True Colors Coming in September, No Episodic Release

Life Is Strange: True Colors has been announced for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia with a September 10 release date - and it will be the first game in the series not to be released episodically. Announced in the Spring 2021 Square Enix Presents broadcast, True Colors is a full new installment in the series developed by Life Is Strange: Before the Storm studio Deck Nine, and tells a brand new story, with almost entirely new characters, in a new location. It follows Alex Chen who, after a troubled childhood in foster care, reuinites with her brother Greg. Alex is played by Erika Mori, with a singing voice provided by singer-songwriter Mxmtoon (who performs Radiohead's 'Creep' in the game). After a mysterious accident sees Greg killed, Alex investigates what happened, using her power of psychic empathy to physically see how others are feeling around her – at the cost of potentially becoming 'infected' by their emotions. Along the way, Alex will meet many citizens of the pitcturesque mountain town of Haven Springs, including two potential love interests, Ryan and Steph (the latter of which previously appeared in Life Is Strange: Before the Storm). [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/24/life-is-strange-true-colors-official-trailer"] While left somewhat vague by the presentation, Deck Nine says players will be able to use Alex's powers from the very beginning of the game, and teases that you'll be able to move "freely" around Haven Springs. That could point to a less linear narrative, or a more open world, but it's not totally clear at this point. Unlike every other Life Is Strange game, True Colors will be released in its entirety on September 10 – although it will still be split into 5 chapters, so those who prefer to take a break between sections can step away. While retaining the look of previous games, Deck Nine says True Colors is a "next-generation" take on Life Is Strange, employing full performance capture for the first time and becoming the most visually advanced entry in the series. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=life-is-strange-true-colors-13-screenshots&captions=true"] Life Is Strange series creator Dontnod is currently working on a new franchise, and it appears Deck Nine has been picked by publisher Square Enix to continue the series instead. Square Enix also announced a Life Is Strange: Remastered collection today, which will be included as part of True Colors' ultimate edition. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Life Is Strange: True Colors Coming in September, No Episodic Release

Life Is Strange: True Colors has been announced for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC, and Stadia with a September 10 release date - and it will be the first game in the series not to be released episodically. Announced in the Spring 2021 Square Enix Presents broadcast, True Colors is a full new installment in the series developed by Life Is Strange: Before the Storm studio Deck Nine, and tells a brand new story, with almost entirely new characters, in a new location. It follows Alex Chen who, after a troubled childhood in foster care, reuinites with her brother Greg. Alex is played by Erika Mori, with a singing voice provided by singer-songwriter Mxmtoon (who performs Radiohead's 'Creep' in the game). After a mysterious accident sees Greg killed, Alex investigates what happened, using her power of psychic empathy to physically see how others are feeling around her – at the cost of potentially becoming 'infected' by their emotions. Along the way, Alex will meet many citizens of the pitcturesque mountain town of Haven Springs, including two potential love interests, Ryan and Steph (the latter of which previously appeared in Life Is Strange: Before the Storm). [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/24/life-is-strange-true-colors-official-trailer"] While left somewhat vague by the presentation, Deck Nine says players will be able to use Alex's powers from the very beginning of the game, and teases that you'll be able to move "freely" around Haven Springs. That could point to a less linear narrative, or a more open world, but it's not totally clear at this point. Unlike every other Life Is Strange game, True Colors will be released in its entirety on September 10 – although it will still be split into 5 chapters, so those who prefer to take a break between sections can step away. While retaining the look of previous games, Deck Nine says True Colors is a "next-generation" take on Life Is Strange, employing full performance capture for the first time and becoming the most visually advanced entry in the series. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=life-is-strange-true-colors-13-screenshots&captions=true"] Life Is Strange series creator Dontnod is currently working on a new franchise, and it appears Deck Nine has been picked by publisher Square Enix to continue the series instead. Square Enix also announced a Life Is Strange: Remastered collection today, which will be included as part of True Colors' ultimate edition. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.