The action-adventure genre, often overshadowed by live-service titles and endless roguelikes, is getting a fresh contender with Usual June. This upcoming game, set to launch on October 28th, aims to be a seasonal favorite, fitting comfortably into Halloween rotations with its blend of classic action-adventure gameplay and a developing supernatural mystery. Notably, Cara Ellison, a writer who previously contributed to Rock Paper Shotgun, is involved in the game's development.
Usual June centers on June, a college student grappling with uncertainty about her future. Her quiet summer break is disrupted by the appearance of strange, crystalline crabs attacking a local cemetery, accompanied by the sudden arrival of ghosts. June, with the aid of her friends—including one of the spectral entities—must unravel the cause of these unusual events.
A recently released demo provides a look at the game's mechanics. While not directly comparable to any single title, its combat system features a snappiness and impact reminiscent of Kingdom Hearts, augmented with movement inspired by Hades. The gameplay emphasizes evasion and timely parries, as players chain combos using a customizable wrench. Blocking is absent, demanding constant environmental awareness from the player.
An interesting point of design in Usual June is the deliberate exclusion of platforming elements. While the environments are not built with jumping mechanics in mind, the inability to traverse obstacles in this manner can occasionally disrupt the player's flow, creating a sensation akin to an unreachable itch. This design choice might require player adjustment, similar to experiences in titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
The game is slated for release on October 28th, strategically positioning it for the Halloween season. Its aesthetic cultivates a cozy, autumnal feel, evoking a sense of comforting familiarity with an underlying current of unease, comparable to the atmosphere found in 'Over the Garden Wall.' Those interested can wishlist Usual June on Steam ahead of its launch.