AWAY Journey to the Unexpected 1.0.2

AWAY: Journey to the Unexpected is a work that pays homage to Japanese animation, created by a dedicated two-person team. It offers an unconventional exploration through a charming yet eccentric three-dimensional environment inhabited by two-dimensional characters.

The game presents a brief, engaging narrative that blends humor, action, and rogue-lite mechanics, as players navigate a whimsical world filled with adorable creatures. Its lighthearted tone is complemented by playful discussions and strategic combat, requiring players to defeat foes to progress.

Spanning approximately three to five hours of gameplay, AWAY immerses players in a vibrant and visually distinctive universe where 2D characters coexist within a 3D setting. The storyline is humorous and accessible, seamlessly integrating rogue-lite features that add variability to each playthrough.

Players can assemble up to eight quirky characters, each possessing unique abilities that influence gameplay strategies. The game's soundtrack, composed by Kazuhiko Naruse and performed vocally by Aya Majiro, reinforces its anime-inspired aesthetic.

Throughout the game, humorous notices such as “Dear Villagers, we may have released some evil forces while working. Sorry, be safe” add a touch of meta-awareness to the narrative environment, set against a backdrop of an ambience that suggests urgent monster cleanup in the neighborhood.

Initially, one might expect AWAY to resemble a violent FPS; however, the player takes on the role of a harmless child armed merely with a wooden stick. As players investigate mysterious events and disappearances within their community, they are compelled to seek out allies among numerous eccentric yet formidable characters.

The protagonist’s ability to befriend rather than destroy is emphasized through interactions with diverse allies—from an angry mine-throwing tree to a missile-launching robot or a short-sighted sorcerer capable of fire spells. Each companion adds a layer of depth and strategy to the experience.

One notable feature is the ability to view the world through an ally's perspective in first-person mode when called upon, offering a visually striking and immersive experience. Care must be taken not to deplete their resources too quickly, emphasizing strategic management.

AWAY: Journey to the Unexpected was developed by Aurelien Regard—an independent game creator—and Jim Gennisson, showcasing their collaborative effort in crafting this imaginative adventure.