Screenbound
Release Date: July 2025
Arcade, FPP, platformers, 3D platformers, indie games, side-scroll, experimental/artistic, perspective-bending, singleplayer
A unique hybrid of a 2D and 3D platformer. Screenbound allows us to explore 3D levels from the FPP view and at the same time see their 2D versions on the screen of the Qboy inspired by the Game Boy. This leads to many fresh puzzles and the game also has a level editor.
Screenbound is an original 2D platformer, and at the same time a full-fledged 3D platformer. The game, which is based on a unique idea combining both of these perspectives, is the result of a collaboration between independent teams Crescent Moon Games and Those Dang Games.
Plot
In Screenbound we play the role of a boy. He receives a device invented by his mother and called a Qboy (Quantum Boy). This Game Boy-like gadget presents a three-dimensional world surrounding the user in two dimensional form. This is how the adventure begins, during which we have to face numerous challenges and uncover various dark secrets.
Mechanics
In Screenbound we watch the action from a first-person perspective (FPP). During the game, Qboy is constantly in front of our eyes, presenting us with a two-dimensional version of our immediate surroundings, just like in a classic sidescrolling platformer.
As our actions in both worlds influence each other, we have to face particular challenges in two places at the same time, observing the surroundings through the eyes of the hero and looking at the device screen. This helps us jumping on platforms, as well as avoiding traps and other dangers.
It's worth remembering that our character on the Qboy screen can only move forward or backward, so moving sideways in a three-dimensional world will not cause any movement in two dimensions. Moreover, while the loot is waiting to be acquired only in three-dimensional locations, the enemies, which we have to jump on their heads like Mario, are waiting for us exclusively in the two-dimensional world.
The game offers an editor in which we can create two-dimensional levels. Based on them the game will then generate their three-dimensional reflections.
Technical aspects
While the three-dimensional world of Screenbound is cartoonish, the image on Qboy's screen looks like a classic platformer from the 8-bit era.
Videos and Screens
[1:19] Screenbound Screenbound Gameplay Trailer - Future Games Show Summer Showcase 2024
[1:19] Screenbound Screenbound - Gameplay Trailer
Screenbound Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
Developer: Crescent Moon Games / Those Dang Games (PC)
Publisher: Crescent Moon Games
Age restrictions: none
Screenbound System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i3, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GT 720, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 960, 4 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit