Underwurlde Review

Retro Review by Peter Parrish

8 October, 2007

For the sequel to Sabre Wulf, Ultimate ploughed boldly onward with their unconventional approach to spelling. They also doled out their greatest cover image - the menacing silhouette of Lucifer himself, arms aloft atop a desolate peak. This artwork was matched by some of their most evocative inlay writing, previewing Sabreman's travels through a dark palace and descent into the black void; a rich, gothic text saturating the adventure with dark ambience.

Once again, the map was mind-bogglingly large, and a slight perspective change meant that most movement was either upwards towards castle spires, or straight down into the depths of the devil's lair. Another gameplay change rendered Sabreman invulnerable to marauding gargoyles and flying squid, but contact could buffet him across the screen - less than helpful when dangling from a cavern roof, or trying to float higher on one of the many naturally occurring bubbles. Indeed, this continual battle against being nudged to a tumbling death takes up the majority of the game, with the rest being dedicated to exploration and the hunt for specific weaponry to dispatch otherwise-invincible guardians.

Although another fine technical achievement, Underwurlde, perhaps more than any other Sabreman title, is vulnerable to accusations of style over substance. The main action of the game falls victim to the overreaching creativity of the delicious back story, and despite the clear and colourful graphics, being sent spinning to yet another quick death by a randomly spawning creature soon becomes infuriating. Patience and fortitude are required in large amounts if any serious progress is to be made through the huge map, which makes this one for the devoted gamer only. Finish it, however, and you can truly consider yourself one of the gaming elite.

7/10

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WhyMeeeeee

27/10/07 @ 03:45

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finished many times, am i elite?

steellam

27/10/07 @ 07:39

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I loved this game but never finished it :(

JetSetWilly

27/10/07 @ 08:27

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This was the first game I ever beat. And the disappointment of the end game message has scarred me forever.

Pazuzu

27/10/07 @ 11:29

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Haha, "congratulations - now buy our next game."

Not being able to comprehend the levels of patience necessary to finish this, I take my hat off to those who have.

Edited 1 times, most recently on 30/10/07 @ 13:32

JetSetWilly

27/10/07 @ 11:38

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Yeah. It was literally "Congratulations on completing Underwurlde. SabreMan will return in Knight Lore".

Took me fucking ages.

Gutted.

Blerk

29/10/07 @ 09:26

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I was always rubbish at this one. You guys have my respect.

No, seriously - you have my respect! Give it back!

zootle

27/11/07 @ 13:40

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I completed both Sabre Wulf and Knight Lore without cheating, but this one... Never. I was bitterly disappointed with this when it came out, I found it too frustrating to play.

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