AWAY: Journey to the Unexpected

I just started this on PC hence the low game time. I've completed it 100% on Switch a couple of times and love the game. It's simple, cute, and super fun. It was made almost entirely by one guy. No one should be hating on this thing. It's awesome. It is oozing with care and attention to detail.

I really enjoyed this cute little roguelite. It's very simple but very enjoyable. I wish there was more to it.

AWAY: Journey to the Unexpected is an indie action-adventure game developed by Aurélien Regard Games and published by Dear Villagers. The game presents a unique mix of first-person combat, dungeon exploration, and roguelike mechanics, all wrapped in a bright, anime-inspired visual style. From the outset, it positions itself as a whimsical and humorous adventure, featuring a colorful world filled with quirky characters and surreal situations, giving it a distinct identity among indie titles.
The story follows a young boy who sets out on a quest to rescue his missing parents, encountering a variety of unusual characters and challenges along the way. Players can recruit up to eight different companions, each with their own special abilities, who can temporarily take over in combat or provide strategic advantages. Dialogue and choice play a significant role in recruitment, adding an element of player agency to interactions with the game’s eccentric cast. The narrative tone leans heavily on humor and absurdity, reminiscent of lighthearted anime storytelling, which makes the characters and world engaging, even when the plot takes unexpected turns.
Gameplay is largely centered on first-person dungeon crawling, with procedurally generated levels offering some degree of replayability. Players engage in melee combat using simple attacks, while certain recruited characters may contribute with ranged abilities. While this setup introduces variety, the combat system has been noted for lacking precision and depth, leaving some encounters feeling repetitive or unsatisfying. Despite this, the inclusion of different companions and their unique skills adds occasional strategic considerations, encouraging experimentation with party composition.
A notable feature of AWAY is its recruitment system, which relies on selecting the right dialogue options to convince characters to join the protagonist’s team. While this adds a layer of interactivity to the narrative, the system can sometimes feel opaque and arbitrary, with success depending on trial and error rather than clear in-game cues. This design choice has drawn criticism for interrupting the flow of the game, as players may need multiple attempts to unlock all potential allies, slowing the pace of progression.
Visually, the game is a standout. The character sprites are expressive and full of personality, and the combination of 2D characters within vibrant 3D environments creates a whimsical and appealing aesthetic. Every area is filled with color and charm, contributing to the game’s overall sense of fun and lightheartedness. The soundtrack complements this visual style perfectly, featuring upbeat and catchy compositions that enhance the atmosphere and reinforce the anime-inspired tone of the adventure.
Despite its strong presentation and unique charm, the game is not without flaws. Combat can feel imprecise, level design occasionally becomes repetitive due to procedural generation, and the recruitment system’s trial-and-error nature can frustrate players. These elements sometimes detract from the otherwise engaging world and narrative, preventing the game from fully realizing its potential as a polished action-adventure experience.
Overall, AWAY: Journey to the Unexpected delivers a colorful, humorous, and imaginative adventure. Its combination of quirky characters, anime-inspired visuals, and lighthearted storytelling makes it a memorable experience, particularly for players seeking something unconventional and charming. While the gameplay mechanics have their shortcomings, the game’s aesthetic, narrative humor, and unique world-building offer an entertaining journey for those willing to embrace its quirks. It’s an experience defined more by personality and charm than mechanical depth, appealing to fans of whimsical indie games and narrative-driven adventures.
Rating: 5/10

Many ppl call this a short game but it is not so short.. you can make a run completed in 3 hours at first but that is not the end of the game.. I needed 10 hours to get all the stars for the Final Boss fight. You need multipple runs to finish it and the recruited characters are giving this game real variety. With them you can make a run much more faster. I really enjoyed the visuals, atmosphere and fighting system of the game. I purchased it on a 90% off price, I can only recommend it for that. My only problem was the weapon of the main character.. It is only a stick and it will always be.. I could imagine a sword too maybe with higher damage and bigger range to hit enemies.
9/10

What a silly game, it was worth the few hours of play for sure. If you are looking for something deep or time consuming you are not in the right spot. This game is here for a good quick play. There are some flaws sure, but I enjoyed it from start to 100%
Maybe wait for a sale if you aren't sure on this game

Fun game with very minor flaws that in no way take away from the seemingly intended experience. Controls are smooth and the game mechanics are fun.

I received a key as part of the Yogscast Jingle Jam 2020 collection to support a number of deserving charities. Thank you for working with a great group and helping those in need.