🔗 Share this article

Steam Next Fest is in full swing, and players have discovered plenty of engaging indie games. But, one is particularly notable for its unconventional concept. Called Unko Technica, this old-school styled side-scrolling game features a protagonist that is actually a turd trying to travel to a toilet. For those curious, "Unko" translates to "poop."

Player controls is simple: just use a one button to leap. Across numerous stages, battle mini-bosses and unlock a market to acquire outfits for your dung hero.

Plan your movements with caution, as a wrong move means restarting the level. Bounce on air pockets to launch yourself to new heights, traverse crumbling ledges, and touch triggers to reveal hidden paths. Collect currency and use them on more difficult game content as the action ramps up.

Graphically, the game features eye-catching level designs and catchy background music. Its minimalist visual style with morphing abstract forms evokes memories of players of old favorites like Earthbound.

While it's difficult to recall other games where you control a piece of feces, video games often featured scatological themes. For instance, in Death Stranding, you can make explosives from protagonist excrement. Examples include Palworld and Ark: Survival Evolved utilize manure as fertilizer. Unsurprisingly, this theme appears extensively in the South Park RPG The Stick of Truth.

Putting aside its humorous idea, Unko Technica has already garnered notable accolades, such as being named best at Bandai Namco's game competition in 2023. A playable preview is ready at present on Steam, with the complete version planned to debut on Steam in the fall.