Publisher PLAYISM and developer Origame Digital announced Umurangi Generation is coming to Xbox One in May 2022.
The first person photography game Umurangi Generation is coming to Xbox One on May 17th for $24.99, and will also be on Xbox Game Pass for PC and consoles.
Umurangi Generation first launched for PC (via Steam) back in 2020, followed by its new Umurangi Generation Special Edition release for Switch in June 2021. Fans can expect the Special Edition to include the main game, its post-launch DLC, and bonus modes.
Here’s a new trailer:
Here’s a rundown on the game:
Welcome to the world of the Umurangi Generation
Umurangi Generation Special Edition lets you delve into a world where disasters have painted the sky red, playing as a member of the Umurangi Generation (Te Reo Maori for last generation). You work as a courier for the Tauranga Express who is also an avid photographer. Zip around town capturing these last moments of life on earth as disaster unravels around you, each stage taking you closer to the end of the world.
Take pictures however you would like, using a variety of lenses and filters to make your photo capturing potential limitless! Use this freedom of expression to take all kinds of photos, using the objectives as a guide to progress through these war times.
An Expressive Grading System
Each level presents a set of different objectives called “Photo Bounties”. Snap away with your camera to complete the given Photo Bounties, with each photo being graded on not only its contents, but also on its color and composition.
Don’t forget your day job though! After completing all Photo Bounties, deliver the parcel to finish the level.
Focus on Creativity
Umurangi Generation Special Edition features extensive tools in the game that lets you edit and develop your photos in a multitude of different ways, allowing a strong focus on player expression and creative output.
Developer of the title Naphtali Faulkner explained that the games central focus on creativity is part of its core design philosophy. “The moment you tell players what is or isn’t a good photo this will condition players to take photos in a prescribed way. You cannot punish creativity. In this game the objectives can be completed in thousands of different ways. From looking at gameplay footage, players are finding creative ways of taking a Photo Bounty that I never could have imagined”.
Inspirations
This game was inspired by titles like Jet Set Radio and Pokemon Snap. It is also particularly made with people who enjoy photography, or retro style art from the PlayStation 2 era. This thematic title also boasts great music, letting you settle into the world and become immersed in the life of the Umurangi Generation.
The Umurangi Generation theme came from the developers’ experience of the bushfires in Australia. The roaring fires that painted the skies red were seen to him as a dystopian omen of the destruction the earth was experiencing, juxtaposed by the news and politicians brushing off the situation as the “New Normal”.
