With tricky quests and pesky NPCs that can be downright annoying, the university game launched by TUKS can feel unbeatable. But after two playthroughs, I think I am starting to get the hang of things.
In an open world map made up of seven scenic campuses, you play as an eager first-year with a certain light in your eyes that will progressively dim as the game continues. You can decide to stick to one campus, but visiting each one to “check out” the scenery (which is not just limited to the trees and historic buildings) is the more entertaining choice.
Your mission is simple…right? Your character just needs to get their degree so that they can advance to the final boss called “Adulting”. Unfortunately, some NPCs will make this mission tricky.
The Nasty Roommate
Threat level: 50
Social awareness: 2
You will most likely encounter this threat in the “Res” game mode. This character will make your sleep and mental stats tank with lethal combos like playing loud TikTok videos early in the morning and leaving their dirty dishes by the communal sink. With enough hits, you will enter a “Crashout” state that lowers your character’s productivity.
There are many ways to neutralise this threat and manage your relationship bar with them. When you are first introduced to them, select the “Ground Rules” dialogue option so you can lay out your character’s boundaries. It is extremely important that the relationship bar remains civil during this interaction. Throughout your gameplay, make sure that this NPC sticks to these set boundaries by selecting the “Firm” dialogue options.
If your relationship bar stays low, the game will give you the option to speak to your residence manager and request a change in your room. If this fails, the game developers have not come up with a solution beyond this. Not all who play the “Res” game mode are dealt this hand. If you are, all I can say is good luck.
The Predatory Super Senior
Where my hug at: 1000
Experience: 1000000000
Surrounded by green stink fumes, these characters scattered across different campuses can be tricky to spot, making them super dangerous. You will find them at a party full of first-years, offering drinks left, right, and centre. Proceed with caution as these potions may hit your character’s awareness stats, leaving you vulnerable. To weaken this threat, avoid going out alone and toggle your character’s location settings. Right-click your mouse to hold onto your drink securely and try to avoid accepting potions or offers to drive you home alone from these characters.
The O-Week Crush
Charisma: infinite
Attractiveness levels: infinite
You cannot have a role-playing story without a little romance. This character is likely to be found while enjoying the scenery in the law library, waiting in line for chips at 10z, or having a fun night out at the strip. You will think you have found the one, but you must not fall for this trap easily. Perhaps something other than love is in the air. This character will boost your character’s morale or cause your health bar to fall.
The game allows you to take two different paths: lurking in the shadows and stalking (observing) your crush, or taking a risk that will affect your relationship bar with this character for better… or for worse. Dialogue options provide for cheesy or bold pick-up lines. A recent update also allows you to “shoot your shot” in the campus newspaper. Remember to stay true to yourself and avoid compromising your character’s traits. If you do, this action will have consequences.
In the university game, all choices, including the “bad” ones, will raise your XP. Your character’s stats can always make a comeback. If the first playthrough does not go how you planned, you can always load the game for a second time and try again.
Visual: Jemma Thomson
