by Mary Lake

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: November 13, 2011

Kivi's Underworld is reminiscent of old-school hack and slash RPG's, but with better graphics and overall performance. Game play settings range making it an RPG suitable for the novice or advanced gamer ranging in age from young adult to adult. On the surface, this game gives the illusion of being mildly interesting and easy to defeat. Don't let your first impression win; it has a lot more to offer than traditional game downloads.

At first glance Kivi's Underworld doesn't appear very entertaining or interesting, unless you are a hack and slash enthusiast. The graphics are mediocre, what you see is detailed - but the same details are repeated down each hall and around every turn. The greatest negative is the lack of being able to rotate the actual playing field, but does not take away your ability to navigate easily or complete attack strategies.

The featured sound effects are like the graphics, and are predictable and repetitive. However, any fan of hack and slash RPGs adores the clank of swords, amour, and the fall of your enemy. Eventually Kivi's Underworld will draw you into an underground world filled with monsters and enemies to defeat, with little down-time between each battle.

Level 1 is fairly easy to complete and may deter gamers from playing further. Monsters and enemies appear in limited numbers making battles easy to win. Do not let this fool you level 2 is a whole different game. Level one was designed for familiarizing the player with the game, but by level 2 strategy is required as you start to fight your way though Kivi's Underworld maze. At this point the game starts to truly engage you, and keeps you engaged throughout the entire level of play. The trial version will give a good impression, but the full version is recommended since there are missing elements that many RPG fan's would love to have.

Simplicity was the winning factor for Kivi's Underworld the sound, graphics, and game play could draw players into the quest, but it is easy to pause play without interrupting the story. Current hack and slash RPGs are increasingly dynamic, and pausing often interrupts story lines and thought process. Game play could be paused and returned too without having to review current quests, storyline, and other elements making it suitable for those who do not have significant blocks of time to devote to gaming.

Rating 4/5

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