Umurangi Generation

Umurangi Generation is a photographic indie game set in a cyberpunk future. The work of the Origame Digital studio first hit PC and gained critical acclaim, including winning the top prize at the Independent Games Festival (IGF) 2021 gala.

Plot

Umurangi Generation is a game essentially without dialogue. We learn about the history of the world mainly by observing the environment, which here is the New Zealand city of Tauranga. We take on the role of a photographer employed by the Tauranga Express company, and we learn about the plot (or rather the plot background) mainly by observing skaters, punks and others, which gives us an unusual perspective on the huge crisis that plagues the cyberpunk metropolis.

Mechanics

The basic premise of Umurangi Generation is not too different from, for example, the Pokemon Snap series. We get a virtual camera and take pictures in the tasks assigned by the game. However, while in the game with Pokemons we are dealing with a de facto rail shooter, in the work of Origame Digital studio we can freely explore the environment as in FPS games.

We won't also find here a point system of evaluating photographs. Yes, each of the orders has specific requirements, and the game analyses our photos in terms of their composition, colour and content. However, there is no compulsion to focus on all three categories. Moreover, Umurangi Generation gives a lot of options to modify the player's works in post-production. For example, we can change contrast, exposure, white balance and much more. Many of these additions require finding film containers for the camera, recreating postcards and completing all assignments within the 10 available levels.

Game modes

Umurangi Generation doesn't offer anything beyond a single-player campaign, although each of the 10 levels can be played through multiple times, either to complete all the quests or as part of a casual sandbox experience.

Technical aspects

Umurangi Generation 3D graphics is noticeably far from today's standards in terms of technology. Character models and other objects in the game are maintained in the low-poly style, which may bring to mind games from the first PlayStation. However, the whole thing is much more detailed, and the presence or absence of colour additionally highlights the game's narrative. The gameplay is accompanied by an electrofunk soundtrack.