Bound

Release Date: August 16, 2016

Arcade, TPP, 3D platformers, Polish, experimental/artistic, PlayStation VR, VR, PlayStation exclusive, PS Plus Premium, PS Plus Extra, singleplayer

7.2

OpenCritic

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An experimental, three-dimensional platformer offering an abstract, alluring game world. Bound is the third project developed by Plastic - a Polish team popular for a dark adventure game Datura and an artistic logic game Linger in Shadows. Similar to these titles, Bound was created exclusively for PlayStation 4 and it was developed in cooperation with Sony Santa Monica (the God of War series).

Mechanics
Technical aspects

Bound for PS4 is an experimental, three-dimensional platformer offering an abstract, alluring game world. The game is the third project of the Polish Plastic studio developed exclusively for the Sony's console. The team was aided by programmers and artists from Sony Santa Monica. Bound follows the path established by Linger of Shadows and Datura - both the games were created for PlayStation 3. As a result, the players are dealing with an experimental product again, which is hard to classify, because it is not characterized by all the features describing the so-called traditional games.

Mechanics

Bound for PS4 is an original 3D platformer placing a great emphasis on puzzles, the largest of which are solved mutually with other players. The game world was created on the basis of technologies developed by the creators; partially, it is generated procedurally. The developers were inspired by classic works of abstract art from the beginning of the twentieth century. As a result, the players received minimalistic visuals, making use of colors contrasting with one another, as well as simple geometric blocks.

Technical aspects

Motion-capture technology is at source of the character animations here. Maria Udod - an award-winning Russian dancer working in Netherlands on a daily basis took part in the motion-capture sessions. Optimization of the game was very important for the creators, thus Bound runs in full HD resolution at 60 frames per second.

Last updated on June 13, 2016

Videos and Screens

[1:43] Bound E3 2016 - trailer

[0:56] Bound trailer

7.2

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 51% of Critics. There are 43 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

TheSixthAxis: 8 / 10 by Aran Suddi

‘Notgame’ isn’t the right tag for Bound, as there is a game here with platforming, puzzle solving, and defending against dangers, though admittedly much of it is about the journey undertaken. Plastic stated that narrative was the focus and it is part of everything, from the way the environments are shaped to the obstacles placed in front of the ballerina. Bound is easily one of the most stunning games to release on PS4, and if you’re searching for something a little different I heartily recommend it.

Full Review

PlayStation LifeStyle: 6.5 / 10 by Keri Honea

It’s unfortunately obvious how much Bound wanted to be like Journey, but it’s even more unfortunate that they go so close and yet failed to fully capture everything amazing about Journey. A beautiful environment, unique concept (the dancing), and deep story will get you very far, but the gameplay needs to be just as entertaining. Unless you’re a Trophy Hunter and/or you enjoy speedrunning, there’s not much that will keep you bound to this title.

Full Review

Wccftech: 8 / 10 by Rosh Kelly

Beautiful, compelling and strange. There isn't a reason not to try Bound, and although its heavy emotional focus might not be for everyone, its well implemented movement and speed mechanics will surely be enough to keep even the most stone-hearted player entertained.

Full Review

5.2