Upin & Ipin Universe is an open-world video game based on the popular Malaysian animated series Upin & Ipin. It was released on July 17, 2025, for PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). Developed by Streamline Studios in collaboration with Les’ Copaque Production (the creators of the cartoon), the publisher is Streamline Media Group. It is an open-world adventure that brings the charm of tropical village life in Southeast Asia to the screens of players around the world. The game takes us to Kampung Durian Runtuh, a vibrant village from the cartoon, faithfully reconstructed with authentic sights, sounds, and customs of a Malaysian kampung (village).
As a player, you take on the role of the twins Upin and Ipin and embark on a heartwarming adventure: helping neighbors, discovering local legends, and immersing yourself in the rich Malaysian culture. The game is nonlinear – right from the start, the entire village world is open for exploration at your own pace, without strict guidelines or time limits. This means that children can freely wander, ride bicycles along village paths, climb trees and towers, swim in the river, or discover hidden forest trails – all through play and curiosity. Along with the main story that lasts about 12 hours, the game features numerous activities and mini-games such as gardening, fishing, cooking, racing, and even light combat. It is particularly interesting that it supports local multiplayer for two players on a split screen, so a parent and child (or friends) can play together as Upin and Ipin on the same device. There are no microtransactions or additional paid content – everything is included in the initial price of the game.
The presentation of the game is true to the spirit of the cartoon. The graphics are warm and colorful, with rich colors and a detailed depiction of the village environment that evokes a nostalgic atmosphere of childhood in the countryside. Developed in the modern Unreal Engine 5 engine, the game visually impresses – character models faithfully follow the original design, and the environment is rich in authentic details (e.g., coconut palms, markets, rice fields). It is particularly delightful how the cultural elements are conveyed: from the sounds of crickets and fireflies at dusk to traditional games like spinning tops (gasing). The characters speak in Malay and English, which will be familiar and authentic to rare fans in these areas (we checked - the voices of Upin and Ipin sound just like in the series!). The music and sounds contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, although they are somewhat restrained and functional – there is no particularly striking soundtrack, but it discreetly accompanies the events in the game.
By purpose, this title is primarily designed for children and family play. The creators stated that they wanted a “safe, fun game that we can play with our children,” emphasizing that Upin & Ipin Universe is designed for families, children, and all “young at heart.” The controls are therefore simple and tailored to younger players – the mechanics are not complex, and the challenges in the game are mild and forgiving. There is no violence except for mild “fantasy” action appropriate for children. Local cooperative play in split-screen mode further encourages parents and children to participate together in the adventure, contributing to the game's value as family entertainment.
Upin & Ipin Universe is a warm and heartfelt adventure that successfully translates the spirit of the beloved cartoon into an interactive form. Children and families, as well as those nostalgic who grew up with Upin and Ipin, will enjoy it the most – for them, exploring the vibrant Kampung Durian Runtuh and meeting familiar characters will be a special pleasure. As an educational-entertainment title, it stands out with its depiction of Malaysian culture and encouragement of stress-free free play. On the other hand, more experienced players might find the game too simple and technically underdeveloped. Looking at the objective qualities, it is clear that the project suffers from certain shortcomings in content and execution. Nevertheless, it is recommended for everyone looking for a casual, family game.
Overall, Upin & Ipin Universe offers a unique, charming experience of a children's adventure. Considering the target audience, it fulfills its purpose as a cheerful, safe game for children!
A copy of the game for review purposes was provided by the publisher Streamline Studios
