Screenbound

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.