81
A wonderful tribute to the charming top-down action adventure legacy.
tbd
There are obviously plenty of Zelda-style indie games out there, but few manage to balance nostalgia and inventiveness the way Under The Island does. Even fewer manage to do it while being so damn charming.
82
Under the Island is a bright, character driven adventure that balances lighthearted humor with a steady sense of discovery. As you explore its layered world, each new tool opens paths that once seemed out of reach, making progression feel natural and rewarding. It is the kind of compact journey that stays focused, delivers consistent surprises, and leaves you satisfied.
9
great top down, zelda inspired game. love the feeling of adventure and exploration it gives you.
9
Best 2D Zelda-like out there. Also you can pet cats AND dogs. The overall quality is so good that I cannot believe that it was a 1.5 people job.
9
What a great surprise ****. Great deal as it’s on sale right now too! As a classic Zelda game lover this game scratches that old school Zelda itch. The newer Zelda games have gotten so massive I feel like I will never get through all the content before I pass away of old age. Give me a links awakening/a link to the past style game any day over those massive new games. And that’s exactly what this feels close to. Highly recommended! I flew through the demo in an hour or so and immediately purchased the full game. I wasn’t even that annoyed that I couldn’t copy over the save file from the demo.
Under The Island
Released On:
Feb 17, 2026
Metascore
Generally Favorable
78
User score
Generally Favorable
8.1
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
78
82% Positive
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
9% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
9% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Feb 16, 2026
100
For fans of classic adventure games, pixel art lovers, and players who appreciate world exploration over narrative complexity, I cannot recommend Under The Island highly enough. It’s a delightful journey worth taking, whether you’re solving puzzles in a strange greenhouse or feeding treats to helpful critters in snowy caverns, the experience always feels personal, inviting, and thoroughly engaging.
Feb 16, 2026
85
Under the Island does a great job of scratching that 2D Zelda itch while still feeling original and unique. The story and writing are nothing to write home about, but the world is intricate and filled with secrets, and the dungeons offer more than a few creative surprises. Simply put, it's a good time.
User score
Generally Favorable
8.1
80% Positive
16 Ratings
16 Ratings
10% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
10% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
Jul 26, 2026
9
great top down, zelda inspired game. love the feeling of adventure and exploration it gives you.
Feb 25, 2026
9
Best 2D Zelda-like out there. Also you can pet cats AND dogs. The overall quality is so good that I cannot believe that it was a 1.5 people job.
Feb 16, 2026
85
Under the Island is a charming, old-school adventure that rewards curiosity with clever puzzles, playful humor, and a beautiful island packed with secrets. Its sense of freedom and discovery shines far brighter than its modest combat, making Seashell Island a place you’ll want to fully explore.
Mar 3, 2026
75
Under The Island is a charming, puzzle-filled adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The balance between the game’s systems ensures that progress always feels meaningful, and while it would have been good to see some slightly more rounded out combat and extra polish, there’s enough substance here to make for a fun and memorable adventure.
Feb 16, 2026
75
Under the Island falters in its combat and storytelling, but more than makes up for those shortcomings with engaging world design, clever puzzles, and creative boss encounters. Link’s boots are admittedly difficult to fill, but Under the Island has enough good ideas to set itself apart from its inspiration. The journey is a short one at only eight to ten hours, but I enjoyed my time with the game. It’s no Link’s Awakening, but in its best moments, it gets close enough to scratch the old-school Zelda itch.
Mar 6, 2026
40
Under the Island isn’t charming enough in its graphics or writing, so its gameplay foibles can be forgiven, and this is ultimately a shame, as the game attempts an 11th-hour reveal musing about how easily people can be swayed by honeyed words and how that can result in utter devastation. With some patches and playtesting, this game could be at least bearable. To think, all of this could’ve been avoided by respecting an island’s culture.
Feb 22, 2026
9
What a great surprise ****. Great deal as it’s on sale right now too! As a classic Zelda game lover this game scratches that old school Zelda itch. The newer Zelda games have gotten so massive I feel like I will never get through all the content before I pass away of old age. Give me a links awakening/a link to the past style game any day over those massive new games. And that’s exactly what this feels close to. Highly recommended! I flew through the demo in an hour or so and immediately purchased the full game. I wasn’t even that annoyed that I couldn’t copy over the save file from the demo.
SummaryEmbark on an epic adventure in Under the Island! A 2D action-adventure steeped in ‘90s charm, step into the shoes of Nia, and battle fierce monsters, solve clever puzzles, and explore a world alive with mystery as you race to save your new home before it’s too late. Discover the legend of what's UNDER THE ISLAND! Uncover a Sinking ... Read More
Platforms:
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
Initial Release Date:Feb 17, 2026
Developer:
- Slime King Games
Publisher:
