Bound

The story Bound presents is simple, it’s easy to relate to, and it’s one that’s not afraid to touch on some brutal realities. Yet, at the same time the raw emotion exhibited through the princess and her dance is enough to shine a little light in situations that can almost feel helpless.

Bound is an ugly game, but it’s the most powerful, most enchanting kind of ugly. It dares to reject videogames’ obsession with “looking good” and instead focuses on using visual design to complement the core themes and emotional hook of the game.

Bound follows the path of Journey but with its own innovations. A very intimate story, entertaining platform gameplay and an outstanding graphic design make this Santa Monica game a must-buy for PlayStation 4 players.

This is a beautiful example that “experiencing” a game is more important than the sum of its mechanical parts. While challenge and basic mechanics are merely average, the exquisite animations and the stylish backdrops turn this interactive ballet into an effective projection screen for your own emotions.

A delight. [Oct 2016, p.118]

I loved my time with BOUND. These are the kind of visual and conceptual offerings I want more of from smaller studios.

Unlike any other game on the PS4. Probably the most artfully executed game you'll experience this summer.

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.

Bound brings a unique approach to the speedrunning platformer by putting the focus on a heartbreaking narrative and a beautiful dance mechanic to pull players through its world.

Bound it’s not only an unique and incredible experience, but proves once again the talent and creativity of their creators.

Bound is one of the most beautiful and magical games of the year. The mix between the art, Oleg's music, and the movement of our pretty ballerina makes Bound a unique experience, albeit it with simplistic gameplay.

Bound is such a poetic and different game. Sure its gameplay is minimalist, but the journey is quite dazzling.

Bound is a vague but undeniably powerful game. Its sweeping environments and spellbinding aesthetic invite you to look closer, appreciate its story, and find meaning through your own interpretation. The gameplay beneath is pleasant (if unremarkable) and dutifully supports the greater aim of giving the player something to reflect on.

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.

Bound is a great work from Plastic with a beautiful world and history.

Seeing Bound instantly begs the question, “What are you playing?” but its movement mechanics make it unsure if it wants to be an engaging platformer or a passive relaxing experience. It lives somewhere between the two worlds; never fully embracing either, but it sure looks pretty.

Bound takes you away on a dance trip to abstract locations with a mysterious background. It offers a unique twist to the classic 3D platform genre by focusing on the narrative and the visuals.

Bound is a visionary title, with a incredibly inspired art direction; unfortunately, the game has some gameplay flaws that prevent the player from fully enjoying the experience. It could have been something along the lines of Journey and Abzû, but it ends up being “just” a good game.

Underneath the distinctive surrealistic kingdom and its quirky inhabitants lies medicore platformer. That's quite okay for a game that takes a stage in such unique setting. You can feel the beauty of dancing in hero's every step. [Sept 2016]

Bound is a very good experiment on its visuals, audio and art direction; it's completely enjoyable. As a game could be better on the platforming challenges and introducing puzzles to the player.

Despite an underwhelming and needlessly confusing story, Bound's unique gameplay and fantastic art is er... bound to keep at least some souls enthralled.

A gorgeous platformer with an exceptionally unique protagonist and powerful narrative, Bound offers up all the elements of a compelling title that fits in with the growing list of games reaching for high art. It confusion about whether to fully commit to this is sadly to its own detriment though, sullying the underlying message and begging the question of what could’ve been.

It presents us with a thought-provoking canvas of color, movement, narrative and grace that, while imperfect in execution, is nonetheless beguiling and beautiful.