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MONSTER

Bound

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Bound
Item: Bound
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2016

GenresIndie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableAug 16, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4

DeveloperSCE Santa Monica, Plastic Studios

Overview

We might forget the words, but every page leaves an impression, plants a seed, or shines a light. Then we are changed from who we were before. Features a living tree, dead trees, and a nice breeze.

Elsewhere

6.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Bound dazzles with its poetic, abstract storytelling and emotional depth, weaving memory and metaphor into a haunting, player-driven experience—but its fragmented narrative and cryptic themes divide critics, leaving some frustrated by lack of clarity while others praise its bold, atmosphere-first approach.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Bound receives praise for its thematic depth, emotional resonance, and innovative storytelling techniques. Critics like Critical Hit highlight its exploration of trauma and loss through effective cutscenes and emotional storytelling, while IGN Denmark notes the complex interplay between dream sequences and fragmented memories, creating an abstract yet evocative narrative. The game’s use of environmental storytelling and metaphorical themes—such as the princess’s quest to save her kingdom or the protagonist’s journey through childhood memories—is frequently lauded. Polygon emphasizes its parable-like structure, likening it to a ballet, while Gameblog.fr and Everyeye.it appreciate its poetic exploration of memory, transformation, and existential themes. The non-linear narrative and player-driven interpretation are also celebrated, with PSNStores noting how the story’s emotional impact hinges on players’ ability to piece together meaning through symbolic level design and visual cues. However, several critics argue that Bound’s narrative is underdeveloped or overly abstract, leading to a lack of clarity and engagement. M3 and GameCritics criticize the story for feeling vague, disjointed, and emotionally forced, with unclear objectives and weak connections between the princess’s world and the protagonist’s backstory. Time and Gaming Age point to a disconnect between the narrative and gameplay, describing the story as “crudely tacked on” or minimalistic to the point of shallow engagement. Kill Screen and Hobby Consolas note that while the game’s themes are intriguing, they often feel unmoored from concrete storytelling, leaving players with unresolved questions. The reliance on metaphor and ambiguity, while praised by some, is seen as a drawback by others who find it frustrating or lacking in narrative cohesion, as highlighted by IGN Spain and NZGamer, who mention the fragmented structure’s potential to alienate players seeking clearer direction. Overall, critics are divided but largely acknowledge Bound’s ambition in blending abstract storytelling with emotional themes. While some, like Game Informer and Digitally Downloaded, appreciate its dual narrative structure and reflective exploration of family, memory, and identity, others, such as M3 and GameCritics, find it underdeveloped or overly cryptic. The game’s reliance on player interpretation and minimal dialogue sparks polarized reactions—some see it as a strength that fosters personal meaning (as noted by GameSpew and TheSixthAxis), while others view it as a flaw that sacrifices narrative clarity. Despite these differences, there is a consensus that Bound prioritizes atmosphere and thematic depth over traditional storytelling, making it a divisive but thought-provoking experience. Its emotional impact varies widely, with some critics (e.g., Critical Hit, IGN) praising its power to resonate deeply, while others (e.g., Gaming Age, Time) feel it falls short of delivering a compelling or cohesive narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Bound dazzles with its artistic ballet-inspired mechanics and surreal design but falters due to clunky controls, repetitive gameplay, and underdeveloped systems, leaving its ambitious vision unfulfilled.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

16%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Bound receives praise for its unique artistic vision and creative mechanics, particularly its ballet-inspired movement systems and surreal level design. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Game Rant highlight the game’s fluid, dance-driven platforming, which emphasizes graceful animations and environmental interaction, such as using protective barriers through choreographed moves. The non-linear structure, where players can tackle levels in any order, is noted for adding replayability and narrative depth (IGN Spain, Wccftech). Additionally, features like Photo Mode (COGconnected) and the Kuleshov effect (NZGamer) are seen as creative touches that enhance the experience. The game’s focus on exploration over combat and its emphasis on atmospheric storytelling also resonate with reviewers who appreciate its artistic ambition (Gameplanet, Gameblog.fr). However, the gameplay is frequently criticized for its technical shortcomings and lack of depth. Multiple critics, including The Jimquisition and Eurogamer Poland, point to inconsistent controls, awkward camera systems, and repetitive mechanics that hinder immersion. SpazioGames and PlayStation LifeStyle describe the platforming as simplistic, sluggish, and lacking meaningful challenges, with many sections feeling monotonous or overly reliant on a single button for movement. Issues like imprecise physics (Kill Screen, Stevivor), clunky protective bubble mechanics (LaPS4), and frustrating fall mechanics (Destructoid) further detract from the experience. The absence of combat, puzzles, or substantial challenges leaves many reviewers feeling the game prioritizes style over substance, with some calling it "bland" or "underwhelming" (Trusted Reviews, Digital Spy). Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Bound is a visually striking but technically flawed experience. While its artistic direction and unique mechanics are acknowledged as innovative, the gameplay’s repetitive nature, inconsistent controls, and lack of depth prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Reviewers like Multiplayer.it and GameSpew emphasize that the game’s charm lies in its creativity, but its execution falls short of expectations. The mixed reception reflects a divide between those who appreciate its artistic merits and those who find its mechanics underdeveloped. Ultimately, Bound is seen as a bold experiment that succeeds in atmosphere but struggles to deliver a compelling or engaging gameplay experience (IGN Sweden, Game Rant).

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Bound's visionary art direction—surreal, modernist-inspired environments, vibrant colors, and fluid animations create a dreamlike, poetic experience, drawing comparisons to Journey and Escher, though minor issues like repetition and technical hiccups slightly mar its cohesion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Bound have been overwhelmingly praised by critics, with many highlighting its artistic ambition and unique aesthetic. Reviewers consistently lauded the game’s surreal, dreamlike environments, which draw inspiration from modern art movements like Suprematism, Cubism, and Bauhaus. COGconnected noted the “beauty” of the visuals, while NZGamer described a deliberate “ugly” aesthetic that contrasts with the protagonist’s elegant movements to reflect themes of dissonance and healing. The game’s vibrant color palettes, dynamic geometries, and fluid animations were frequently celebrated—GameOver.gr praised “vibrant color palettes” and “exceptional” character animations, while Time called the art style a “standout feature.” Critics like IGN Sweden and Polygon highlighted its resemblance to Journey and Escher-like architecture, emphasizing how the shifting, gravity-defying environments create a sense of wonder. The integration of ballet-inspired movements and motion capture further elevated the visual storytelling, with GameSpot noting “graceful animations” that complement the abstract world. Even technical aspects like photo modes (Digitally Downloaded) and VR potential (Gameplanet) were seen as strengths, reinforcing the game’s artistic vision. Despite these accolades, some critics pointed to notable drawbacks. A few noted issues with repetition and inconsistency in visual design. IGN Sweden criticized the “disjointed feel” caused by three distinct styles across sequences, while Kill Screen argued that repetitive color schemes “reduced their impact.” InsideGamer.nl and Multiplayer.it mentioned environments occasionally feeling monotonous, and XGN highlighted depth perception challenges due to minimalistic design choices. Technical issues also arose: COGconnected cited camera clipping as a distraction, and Eurogamer Poland noted abrupt camera changes that disrupted immersion. TheSixthAxis warned of dizziness from shifting angles, and some reviewers felt the “chaotic” particle effects (Hobby Consolas) clashed with the protagonist’s elegance. While these critiques were less frequent than the praise, they underscored that Bound’s bold artistic choices occasionally came at the cost of cohesion or player comfort. Overall, the critical consensus overwhelmingly favors Bound’s visual design, with most reviewers celebrating its innovative art direction and emotional resonance. The game’s ability to blend surrealism with technical polish—whether through dynamic environments (GameInformers) or abstract geometries (Wccftech)—was seen as a triumph. While minor criticisms about repetition and technical hiccups existed, they were overshadowed by the collective admiration for its artistic vision. As IGN Spain noted, Bound “blends modernist movements” with “meticulous attention to detail,” creating a world that feels both original and deeply expressive. Critics like GameCritics called it “poetry in motion,” while Push Square praised its “groundbreaking” animation quality. Despite some flaws, the majority of reviewers agreed that Bound’s visuals are not just impressive but transformative, cementing its place as a standout example of art-driven game design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Bound's sound design is lauded for its emotional depth, atmospheric cohesion, and narrative synergy, with critics praising its piano-driven, genre-blending score as immersive and thematically resonant—though minor issues like repetition and occasional misalignment with gameplay tech slightly temper its impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of reviewers praise Bound’s sound design and music for their emotional depth, atmospheric cohesion, and adaptability to the game’s narrative. Areajugones highlights the “piano-driven soundtrack” as “deeply personal and adaptive,” enhancing immersion through its ability to mirror the game’s mood. Atomix notes that Oleg Shpudeiko’s score complements visual themes, while Critical Hit describes it as “haunting piano and synth elements” that amplify thematic depth. Eurogamer Italy emphasizes a dynamic blend of classical melodies and electronic distortions, calling it “memorable and immersive,” and GameSpew applauds the fusion of piano and electronic elements for their emotional resonance. IGN Spain praises the seamless integration of ballet and electronic music, stating it “enhances the game’s aesthetic and emotional impact.” These critiques collectively underscore a strong consensus that the soundtrack effectively elevates the game’s artistic vision and emotional tone. However, some critics point to notable shortcomings or inconsistencies. GameOver.gr delivers a stark negative assessment, calling the music “unimpressive and lacking emotional depth,” while games(TM) criticizes the minimal soundtrack for failing to sync with dancing mechanics. Vandal notes that the contemporary and electronic elements don’t achieve the same emotional synergy as other games in the genre, and TheSixthAxis mentions occasional repetition that isn’t disruptive but noticeable. Additionally, several reviews (e.g., Destructoid, IGN Denmark) acknowledge the music’s quality but note a lack of technical detail or specific examples, suggesting some critiques are more about personal preferences than inherent flaws. These criticisms, while less frequent, highlight areas where the sound design may not fully meet expectations for all players. Overall, the critical reception leans overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers celebrating Bound’s soundtrack as a key strength that enhances its immersive and emotional experience. While outliers like GameOver.gr and Vandal express dissatisfaction, their critiques are outweighed by the praise from outlets such as Areajugones, Critical Hit, and Eurogamer Italy, who emphasize the music’s adaptability, thematic relevance, and atmospheric contribution. The consensus suggests that Bound’s sound design successfully complements its artistic vision, even if minor issues like abrupt transitions or occasional repetition prevent it from being universally flawless. The majority of critics agree that the audio elements are a vital part of what makes the game memorable and impactful.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Bound delivers smooth, stable PS4 performance with consistent frame rates and no major bugs, but its clunky controls, awkward camera, and physics glitches undermine immersion, leaving a technically solid yet imperfect experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Bound on PS4 receives mixed but largely favorable remarks, with several reviewers highlighting its stability and visual polish. Gameplanet praises the non-VR version for running at a consistent 60fps, while the VR counterpart likely achieves 120fps, emphasizing "smoothness" in execution. IGN Spain notes the game runs smoothly at 60fps/1080p, and Hobby Consolas acknowledges no crashes or bugs, though it mentions occasional aesthetic clashes with particle effects. Digitally Downloaded and Vandal also commend the game’s stability, with the latter noting "adequate" performance despite its experimental nature. These positives suggest that Bound delivers a technically solid experience on PS4, particularly in terms of frame rates and overall responsiveness. However, several critics point to recurring technical flaws that detract from the gameplay. Areajugones and Atomix highlight imprecise controls, especially in speedrun mode or during fast-paced sections, while Destructoid criticizes stiff movement and frustrating fall mechanics. Camera issues are another common complaint: COGconnected mentions intentional but disruptive camera clipping, and GameSpew notes polygons vanishing to maintain visibility. Kill Screen and The Jimquisition describe unresponsive interactions, inconsistent physics, and glitches like falling through platforms, which disrupt immersion. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy and SpazioGames point to collision issues and physics glitches that occasionally hinder progression. These flaws, though often minor, collectively create a sense of uneven technical execution. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Bound’s technical shortcomings are manageable and do not overshadow its artistic or gameplay strengths. While reviewers like IGN Denmark and IGN Italia note no major bugs or crashes, they acknowledge minor polish issues such as clunky platforming mechanics and awkward camera transitions. The game’s forgiving nature—evident in features like instant respawns and Edge Guard—mitigates some frustrations, as highlighted by Slant Magazine and The Games Machine. Ultimately, Bound is seen as a technically stable title with room for refinement, particularly in control responsiveness and camera design, but its core performance on PS4 is deemed sufficient to deliver an engaging experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Bound dazzles with non-linear storytelling, speedrun potential, and artistic flair, but its 90-minute runtime, repetitive mechanics, and static narrative leave most players cold—replayability hinges on niche interests, not broad appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

28%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge that Bound offers several features that enhance its replayability, particularly its non-linear structure and speedrun mechanics. Areajugones highlights the "speedrun mode and multiple paths for exploration" as key drivers of revisiting, while Digital Spy emphasizes the game’s "non-linear sequence ordering" allowing players to discover new interpretations. IGN Spain notes that the "puzzle elements and hidden secrets encourage multiple playthroughs," and TheSixthAxis praises the 120+ level combinations and "changing color schemes" as incentives for varied experiences. Additionally, Photo Mode is frequently cited as a minor draw, with COGconnected and others noting its potential to entice players back for creative exploration. These elements suggest that Bound’s design prioritizes experimentation and narrative flexibility, appealing to those who value artistic expression over traditional gameplay loops. However, the consensus leans heavily toward criticism of the game’s short runtime and repetitive mechanics. Areajugones and EGM both point out the "short runtime" (under 90 minutes for EGM) as a major limitation, while Destructoid and Eurogamer Poland describe the "repetitive level structures" and "lack of engaging mechanics" as deterrents. Critics like IGN Italia and Kill Screen argue that the game’s abstract nature and static story fail to sustain interest beyond a single playthrough, with IGN Italia calling it a "one-time exploration." The lack of substantial content beyond speedrun modes and photo mode is another recurring complaint, as seen in reviews from Game Rant ("short campaign length") and Vandal ("lacks collectibles or other incentives"). Even the game’s narrative depth, praised by Some, is tempered by concerns that it doesn’t evolve meaningfully across playthroughs. Overall, the critics present a divided but nuanced view of Bound’s replayability. While its non-linear progression, speedrun modes, and artistic design are celebrated as unique strengths—particularly by reviewers like IGN Spain and TheSixthAxis—the game’s brevity and repetitive mechanics consistently undermine long-term appeal. Destructoid and Eurogamer Poland represent the skepticism of those who find the experience too fleeting to justify multiple playthroughs, whereas Eurogamer Italy and IGN Denmark acknowledge its niche appeal for speedrun enthusiasts and collectors. Despite these contradictions, a clear majority agree that Bound is more of a one-off experience than a title designed for sustained engagement, with its replayability hinging on specific player interests rather than broad accessibility.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Bound is overwhelmingly positive in its artistic and narrative execution, with multiple critics praising its visual beauty, emotional depth, and unique storytelling. Push Square highlights its "beautifully presented" aesthetic and thought-provoking narrative, while IGN Sweden notes its "strong creative ideas and aesthetic qualities." Multiplayer.it calls it an "artistic and visually ambitious title," and SpazioGames lauds its "visually stunning and narratively thoughtful" design. Critics like PlayStation LifeStyle and Everyeye.it emphasize its emotional resonance, comparing it to Journey in its ability to evoke introspection through environmental storytelling. The game’s emphasis on abstract themes, such as identity and healing, is frequently cited as a standout feature, with Kill Screen noting its "ambitious exploration of female identity" and NZGamer praising its "powerful, enchanting" approach to merging visual design with narrative. However, the game faces significant criticism for its gameplay mechanics, technical flaws, and lack of substance. The Jimquisition gives it a 5/10, calling it "mediocre" due to "flawed gameplay and technical issues," while Time awards it 2.5/5, labeling it "narratively and mechanically shallow." GameOver.gr criticizes its "significant flaws in storytelling, music, and integration of gameplay," and LaPS4 points to "simplistic gameplay, technical flaws, and short duration" as major drawbacks. Gaming Age and Critical Hit both note that the game prioritizes artistry over polish, with "unengaging gameplay" and "mechanical inconsistency." Additionally, several reviewers, including XGN and EGM, highlight its brevity and lack of replayability, suggesting it feels like a "one-time experience" despite its aesthetic merits. The overall consensus among critics is that Bound is an ambitious but uneven title, balancing artistic brilliance with gameplay shortcomings. While many praise its visual and narrative innovation—such as IGN’s acknowledgment of its "unique mechanics and artistic visuals"—others argue it fails to deliver a satisfying interactive experience. The game appeals most to fans of abstract art and story-driven experiences, as noted by Multiplayer.it and InsideGamer.nl, but struggles to resonate with traditional platformer enthusiasts. Despite mixed reactions, the critical reception leans toward appreciation for its creativity, with Polygon calling it "an imperfect but enchanting experience" and Eurogamer Italy hailing it as a "visionary indie design." Ultimately, Bound is seen as a memorable, if flawed, entry in the genre that prioritizes artistic expression over conventional gameplay.

TL;DR

Bound dazzles with breathtaking artistry and emotionally resonant storytelling, evoking comparisons to Journey, but falters under clumsy gameplay, technical glitches, and a fleeting experience—prioritizing aesthetics over substance in a divisive, imperfect masterpiece.

MONSTER

Reviews

75 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review is overwhelmingly positive, calling *Bound* a masterpiece for its artistic depth, emotional resonance, and unique storytelling. It’s compared to *Journey* and positioned as a standout example of games prioritizing artistry over traditional entertainment.

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NZGamer

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bound is praised as a powerful, enchanting game that challenges industry norms by embracing ugliness as a thematic and artistic choice. It is described as a unique, emotionally impactful experience that successfully merges visual design, gameplay, and narrative to explore themes of brokenness and beauty.

Areajugones

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bound is a critically acclaimed, artistic title that balances minimalistic storytelling with innovative platforming mechanics. Despite minor technical issues, its emotional depth, visual artistry, and unique narrative approach make it a must-play for fans of indie games.

PSNStores

PlayStation 4

Aug 16, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bound is a visually and emotionally striking experience with innovative storytelling and art direction, but its gameplay mechanics and replayability face some criticism. The game succeeds in creating an immersive, ballet-like journey, though it may not fully satisfy all players due to minor flaws.

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Eurogamer Italy

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes positively, calling Bound an excellent example of visionary indie design. It recommends the game to fans of experimental titles but advises caution for others due to its niche appeal and price point.

Gameblog.fr

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bound is praised as a unique, poetic experience that blends artistry and emotion. It draws comparisons to games like *Journey* and is recommended for its introspective narrative and visual design, despite technical limitations.

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IGN Spain

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bound is described as a unique, artistic experience that transcends traditional gaming, blending narrative depth, visual beauty, and innovative gameplay. While it has minor flaws in gameplay complexity and technical aspects, it is celebrated as a standout indie title.

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Wccftech

PlayStation 4

Aug 16, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bound is a unique, emotionally impactful game that successfully merges abstract storytelling with platforming mechanics. While its heavy emotional focus and occasional confusion may not appeal to all, its artistic vision and innovative design make it a worthwhile experience.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bound is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant indie game that prioritizes metaphorical storytelling over traditional gameplay. While its abrupt ending and minor technical issues prevent it from being flawless, its unique artistry and emotional impact make it a standout experience for players willing to engage with its abstract narrative.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Aug 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bound is a visually stunning, emotionally engaging experience with unique mechanics and strong narrative focus. While not perfect, it is recommended for its artistry and innovation.

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