Railbound

Release Date: September 6, 2022

Puzzle, trains, isometric view, Polish, indie games, singleplayer

8.3

OpenCritic

Rate It!

Puzzle game from the creators of such productions as Golf Peaks and Inbento. In Railbound, you repair and create railroad tracks to allow cars to connect to the train and set off on their journey.

Game mechanics
Technical aspects

Railbound is a puzzle game in which our task is to repair and create railroad connections. It was developed by indie Polish studio Afterburn - authors of such positions as Golf Peaks and Inbento.

Game mechanics

In Railbound we observe the action from a top-down view. In the game we have over one hundred puzzles, in which our task is to allow the wagons to reach the railroad. To do this, we place, connect and cut railroad tracks, of which we have a limited number in each puzzle.

With time, new elements appear, which slightly complicate the gameplay. We're talking about tunnels connecting different edges of the map or semaphores allowing the cars to pass at specific time intervals. As you progress, there are also more and more cars, and you have to remember that they have to reach the queue in a certain order. In addition, they are moved simultaneously, so their routes must be planned in such a way as to avoid collisions. Nevertheless, the difficulties are introduced gradually so that they do not interrupt the sense of relaxation that comes with the game.

Technical aspects

Railbound features colorful, cartoonish graphics. During the game we can listen to the peaceful soundtrack.

Videos and Screens

[0:57] Railbound launch trailer (Nintendo Switch)

[0:53] Railbound launch trailer

8.3

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 91% of Critics. There are 12 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Screen Rant: 4.5 / 5 by Jacob Zeranko

Railbound's puzzles can still be deceptively difficult, too. Some of the larger puzzles with multiple moving parts can be surprisingly simple, while the more bare-bones puzzles can provide some of the game's biggest challenges. While some puzzles may take some time to figure out, they never feel obtuse or unfair. Finding solutions to those puzzles generally means taking a small break to reset the brain and coming back with a fresh pair of eyes. With over 150 puzzles and ability to play on the go, Railbound is truly a fantastic game with a charming aesthetic and well-designed puzzles that reward and empower the player.

Full Review

Nintendo Life: 8 / 10 by Roland Ingram

However, there’s no resisting the charm of Railbound’s chirpy cel-shaded models and, although they belie some fiendish challenges, the difficulty curve is as smooth as it is steep. Perfect for handheld play, Afterburn has laid down a great addition to Switch's library of puzzlers.

Full Review

LadiesGamers.com: by Paula Moore

Railbound is just my kind of game, with challenging levels that require some thought, and it’s also relaxing as there isn’t a timer. It has all the right ingredients to make it a brilliant puzzle game with a sweet storyline. First, place the track connections so that carriages safely connect to the locomotive, then sit back and watch the little carriages chug along the track to join the engine and be amazed at your brilliance in solving the puzzle. Mind the gap!

Full Review