UNDECEMBER

UNDECEMBER Review

By, Aey Igh

UNDECEMBER is a new, free-to-play hack-and-slash action-adventure game that combines engaging gameplay mechanics, intricate character progression systems, and an immersive storyline to create a unique experience. Available on PC, iOS, and Android, this game draws inspiration from genre legends like Diablo, Torchlight, and Path of Exile while introducing unique features that set it apart. The game is developed by South Korean game studio Needs Games and published by LINE. It launched globally on Oct 11, 2022.

Engaging Story and Lore

The game takes place in a universe where 12 beings emerged from the Void to create the land of Traum, which enjoyed peace and prosperity until the 13th being, the Evil God Serpens, brought chaos and death. In their efforts to stop Serpens, the original 12 gods granted humanity Runes and Essences infused with their power. However, when the descendants of Traum tried to bring the gods back, they mistakenly awakened the wrong one, unleashing a new kind of evil. The immersive story and rich lore have been highlighted as standout features of the game.

Freedom of Combat Style

One of the standout features of UNDECEMBER is the freedom it gives players to select their preferred combat style. There are no predefined classes in UNDECEMBER. Upon creating a character, players can freely change their gear and skills based on their personal playstyle. The game offers builds based on Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence, but there are no restrictions on gear or combinations. Players can cast magic with a sword or summon minions with a bow, allowing for the creation of new and unique builds.

Unique Character Progression: Zodiac Growth System

UNDECEMBER introduces the Zodiac Growth System, which allows players to develop their characters in a highly customizable way. The system is divided into two parts: the First Growth Axis and the Second Growth Axis. The first axis focuses on building core stats - Strength, Dexterity, and Intelligence - while the second axis revolves around constellations, which can be activated with trait points earned in battle to unlock passive skills. This system offers flexibility and encourages countless builds based on individual playstyles, adding depth and variety to the character-building experience.

Dynamic Skill System: Rune Cast

The game's Rune Cast system allows players to access powerful abilities and further customize their characters. Skill Runes provide access to various abilities, while Link Runes can be placed around Skill Runes to enhance or modify their properties. This combination of runes, together with the gear obtained throughout the journey, gives players the tools to save Traum and defeat the Evil God Serpens. The dynamic nature of the Rune Cast system has a significant impact on gameplay, allowing for diverse skill builds and strategies.

Legendary and Enhanced Gear

In UNDECEMBER, gear is crucial for survival. As players level up, they can equip more powerful gear and enhance their favorite pieces using materials earned from disassembling obsolete equipment. This feature provides an extra layer of depth to the gameplay, as players can choose to focus on improving their existing gear instead of constantly searching for new items.

Varied Gameplay Modes: Co-Op, Raids, Chaos Dungeons, and Markets

Beyond its extensive campaign mode, UNDECEMBER offers various gameplay modes to suit different preferences. Co-op dungeons let players team up to tackle challenges, while Chaos Dungeons provide a chance to test their skills and earn legendary gear. Raids involve fearsome bosses that require strategy and teamwork to defeat. PvP allows players to prove their mettle against others, and markets enable them to buy and sell items they find during their adventures.

Immersive Campaign with 10 Acts

UNDECEMBER's campaign consists of 10 Acts, each rich in lore, captivating environments, and challenging boss battles. As players progress, they will uncover the dark secrets of the world, further enriching their experience in the game. The campaign provides a satisfying and engaging adventure that is sure to test even the most seasoned gamers.

Seamless Crossplay and Gamepad Support

Another aspect that sets UNDECEMBER apart is the seamless crossplay feature, allowing players on different platforms (PC and mobile) to enjoy the game together. Gamepad support also adds versatility and convenience to the overall experience, catering to players who prefer using controllers over mouse and keyboard or touch controls.

Pay-to-Win Elements

Despite UNDECEMBER's unique and engaging experience with its hack-and-slash gameplay, character customization, and varied combat styles, the game has faced significant criticism due to its pay-to-win elements and confusing in-game currencies. The negative impact of these elements on the overall gaming experience has become a major concern for many.

The challenging boss fights, varied build options, and endgame content reminiscent of Path of Exile are some of the positives in the game. However, the excessive pay-to-win features overshadow these aspects. The ability to purchase rune upgrades, which are essentially the skills in the game, allows players to gain an unfair advantage over others. This can lead to players being able to "pile drive" through the game without much effort.

Gotta Pay for Convenience

Another issue is the limited inventory space, which forces players to constantly deal with a full bag. The only solution to this problem is to purchase additional storage slots at a high price, making it necessary to invest real money to enjoy the game comfortably.

The game's trading system is also problematic, as it does not allow players to trade items between one another. Instead, they must use real money to buy in-game currency for trading items in the auction house. This not only discourages fair trading among players but also contributes to an inflated in-game economy.

Moreover, the game is heavily monetized in multiple areas, such as skills, skill upgrades, and skill links/colors. As players progress, the in-game currencies become more scarce, forcing them to spend real money to continue enjoying the game. This is especially true for mechanics like Alchemy, which are heavily monetized and subject to timers that can only be bypassed by spending real money.

Additionally, the quality-of-life features in the game, such as stash space, inventory space, and crafting table slots, are gated behind real-money purchases. This makes it difficult for players who prefer not to spend money on the game to enjoy its full potential. The auction house itself is also heavily monetized with free to play users having many restrictions on its use.

Final Verdict - Fair

Despite the pay-to-win elements, UNDECEMBER still offers an immersive and captivating experience for fans of hack-and-slash action-adventure games. With its unique character progression systems, dynamic skill customization, and an engaging storyline, the game stands out in the genre and is worth trying.

UNDECEMBER Screenshots

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UNDECEMBER Videos

UNDECEMBER Links

UNDECEMBER Official Site
UNDECEMBER Steam Page
UNDECEMBER Google Play Store
UNDECEMBER App Store
UNDECEMBER Wiki
UNDECEMBER Subreddit

UNDECEMBER System Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit
CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 or AMD FX-6300
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 2GB or AMD Radeon R7 370 2GB
RAM: 8 GB RAM
Hard Disk Space: 20 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11

Recommended Requirements:

Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit
CPU: Intel Core i5-6600k or AMD Ryzen5 1600
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4GB
RAM: 16 GB RAM
Hard Disk Space: 20 GB available space
DirectX: Version 11

UNDECEMBER Music & Soundtrack

UNDECEMBER Additional Information

Developer: Needs Games
Publisher: LINE Games

Platforms: Windows PC

Engine: Unreal Engine 4

South Korea Launch Date: January 13, 2022
Official Launch Date: October 12, 2022

Development History / Background:

UNDECEMBER is a free-to-play cross-platform isometric multiplayer action RPG developed by Italian video game development studio Needs Games and published by South Korean video game developer and publisher LINE Games.

The game initially launched in South Korea in January 13, 2022 followed by a global launch on PC, Android, and iOS devices on October 12, 2022.