Perth, July 6: Long before Upin & Ipin Universe became a video game, I had the opportunity to interview Les’ Copaque Production founder Haji Burhanuddin Md Radzi and later featured him in one of my books. Seeing the beloved twins make the leap from television to an open-world adventure game feels surprisingly surreal. After years of watching the franchise grow into a global phenomenon, stepping into Kampung Durian Runtuh as an interactive world feels less like playing a licensed game and more like revisiting a place many Malaysians grew up imagining.
Unlike many licensed titles that rely heavily on familiar characters, Upin & Ipin Universe focuses on recreating the feeling of childhood. There are no constant objectives urging players forward or countdown timers demanding attention. Instead, the game encourages exploration at your own pace, whether that’s cycling through banana plantations, crossing bamboo bridges, climbing rooftops or discovering hidden trails tucked away throughout the kampung.
What impressed me most during my hands-on time was the atmosphere. The developers have recreated the sights and sounds of a traditional Malaysian village with remarkable care. From the warung and village houses to jungle paths and rivers, the environment feels authentic rather than stereotypical. It’s a world built from lived experience, something that becomes immediately apparent as you wander through it.
Although I didn’t have enough time to experience every activity the game offers, what I played left a positive impression. The seamless open world encourages curiosity instead of competition, making it particularly suitable for younger players and families. Cooperative play also adds another layer of enjoyment, allowing parents and children or siblings to explore together.
Visually, the game stays faithful to the colourful style of the animated series while taking advantage of modern hardware to create a vibrant and inviting world. Fans of the television series will instantly recognise familiar locations, while newcomers can simply enjoy it as a relaxing open-world adventure inspired by Southeast Asian culture.
Perhaps the greatest achievement of Upin & Ipin Universe is that it doesn’t feel like a commercial tie-in. Instead, it serves as an interactive celebration of Malaysian culture and childhood, offering players around the world a chance to experience village life through the eyes of two of Southeast Asia’s most recognisable animated characters.
Verdict: Upin & Ipin Universe succeeds because it captures something many games overlook — the simple joy of exploration. Even from my limited hands-on experience, it’s easy to see the care and authenticity that went into recreating Kampung Durian Runtuh. For longtime fans, families and anyone curious about Malaysian culture, it’s a charming adventure well worth discovering.
Rating: 4.5/5
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