Just like its Nintendo Switch version, Umurangi Generation Special Edition on Xbox contains the original Umurangi Generation game released on PC, the Macro DLC, some quality-of-life improvements, as well as additional modes.
Discord Game Key Giveaway:
Join the official PLAYISM Discord here, head to the “key-giveaways” channel, and simply react to the giveaway post with the PLAYISM logo reaction by May 24 for a chance to win one of ten Xbox game codes!
In-game Photo Contest:
Get creative with your photography in-game and post your best shot in the #umurangi-generation channel on PLAYISM’s official Discord by June 5 8:00 pm PT (June 6 12:00 pm JST). The top prize up for grabs is a custom Umurangi Generation Xbox Series S console, with an instax Photo Printer and three Umurangi Generation T-shirts also to be won! Winners will be chosen by the developer of the game and announced on June 7!
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.
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.
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”.
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”.
Awards and Nominations
Since its initial release on PC, Umurangi Generation has scooped up a multiple awards and nominations, including:
- 23rd Annual IGF Awards – Seumas McNally Grand Prize
- 23rd Annual IGF Awards – Excellence in Narrative Winner
- 23rd Annual IGF Awards – Nuovo Award Nominee
- 23rd Annual IGF Awards – Excellence in Visual Art Honorable Mention
- 24th Japan Media Arts Festival – New Face Award
- 2021 Indie Play – Best Overseas Game Nominee