No Umbrellas Allowed is a unique dystopian second-hand shop simulator created by Hoochoo Games and published by Digerati. Initially launched on Steam for PC on September 3, 2021, it received positive feedback from a niche audience. The game has now made its way to the Nintendo Switch, offering the same quirky and thought-provoking gameplay with a few minor logistical challenges that may make the PC version slightly more appealing.
No Umbrellas Allowed tells the tale of an unnamed protagonist who awakens on the beach of Ajik City in the year 2080. With no memory of his past, the protagonist is bewildered by his surroundings and only begins to understand the situation with the help of Darcy, a second-hand store owner in the city. The protagonist needs bandages to heal his face, while Darcy needs someone to run his shop, leading to a convenient partnership.
The most captivating aspect of No Umbrellas Allowed is its profound and nuanced storyline, which unfolds gradually across various gameplay sections, allowing its characters to shine. While an amnesiac protagonist may not seem like an original narrative, the game handles it well, adding to the mystery with Darcy’s request for the stranger to become his son and run his shop. The introduction to the game’s world is gradual, reflecting the protagonist’s recovery and giving Ajik City room to breathe.
Ajik City is as much a character as any other in the game, which has a runtime of around a dozen hours, depending on the pace at which players progress through the dialogue. The city’s art style gives it character, with generic NPCs depicted as blocks of color or gray outlines, emphasizing the neon signs and run-down buildings of 2080. Navigating the city through public transportation or walking and using an ancient-looking elevator also provides an education on the dystopian setting.
As the story unfolds, some of its brilliance begins to unravel, with stilted dialogue becoming more noticeable in the latter half of No Umbrellas Allowed. However, there are still plenty of twists and turns to enjoy, making multiple playthroughs worthwhile. The city’s vastness and the protagonist’s initial emptiness are the most striking elements, even by the end. The presence of Fixerrain, a chemical rain that removes people’s greed and drive, adds a compelling sci-fi element, though the focus remains on the people and their struggles.
2024-04-04 14:00:06
Original from screenrant.com