Grounded

The story of Grounded is generally praised for its unique premise and immersive world-building, with many critics highlighting its creative concept of miniaturized teenagers navigating a dangerous backyard. Reviewers like Screen Rant and Push Square commend the game’s "refreshing" narrative, noting how it blends survival mechanics with a sense of mystery through environmental storytelling, audiocassettes, and fragmented dialogue. The game’s “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” inspiration is frequently cited as a strength, offering a nostalgic yet original framework for exploration. TheXboxHub and IGN Italia emphasize the narrative’s evolution from early access, praising Obsidian’s writing and Zachary Levi’s performance, while Eurogamer Italy and NME appreciate its functional, silent storytelling that prioritizes discovery over heavy exposition. The story’s integration with gameplay—such as uncovering clues about Dr. Tully or the shrinking experiment—creates a sense of organic progression, making it a compelling backdrop for survival and exploration. However, several critics argue that Grounded’s narrative is secondary to its mechanics, often feeling underdeveloped or overly minimal. The Enemy and MGG note that the story lacks emotional depth and strong character arcs, with dialogues being more whimsical than meaningful. CGMagazine and Meristation criticize plot holes and a repetitive structure, while GameSpot and Destructoid mention pacing issues and unbalanced endgame progression. The narrative’s reliance on environmental storytelling and scattered audio logs, though praised by some, is seen as a weakness by others who feel it leaves gaps in the "why" and "how" of the characters’ predicament. Worth Playing and COGconnected highlight frustrations with the lack of clear direction, suggesting that the story’s fragmented nature may alienate players seeking a more structured plot. Overall, critics agree that Grounded’s narrative is not its strongest suit but serves as a functional complement to its survival mechanics and exploration. While many acknowledge its charm and creativity—AusGamers and Hobby Consolas note the lore-driven approach and curiosity-inducing mystery—the consensus leans toward the story being an accessory rather than a core experience. INVEN and Checkpoint Gaming appreciate the optional, player-paced storytelling, which allows for discovery without overt guidance, while Vgames and Worth Playing recognize its humor and depth despite imperfections. Ultimately, Grounded’s narrative is seen as a mixed but effective element that enhances the game’s immersive world without overshadowing its focus on survival and exploration.

The gameplay of Grounded receives widespread praise for its immersive survival mechanics, creative exploration, and engaging co-op elements. Critics highlight its balanced focus on resource gathering, crafting, and base-building, with many noting the game’s emphasis on strategy over brute force. SpazioGames appreciates the careful equilibrium between survival challenges and creativity, while IGN Spain and PC Gamer laud the flexible systems that encourage experimentation and adaptability. The co-op experience is frequently praised for fostering teamwork, as seen in reviews from GameSpot and TheXboxHub, which highlight how multiplayer dynamics enhance exploration and combat. Additionally, the game’s progression systems—such as Science Points, mutations, and evolving biomes—are celebrated for adding depth, with IGN noting the blend of RPG elements that reward player choice and creativity. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the gameplay loop, particularly in combat mechanics and repetitive tasks. SpazioGames and Vandal criticize the combat as overly simplistic and punishing, with some encounters feeling unfair despite creative solutions. CD-Action and DualShockers note unbalanced combat, especially against bosses, while GamersRD and Hobby Consolas describe base-building and resource management as tedious or frustrating. Issues like unclear quest guidance (CD-Action), limited inventory space (Atomix), and repetitive resource loops (New Game Network) further detract from the experience. Additionally, some reviewers, including MeuPlayStation and Jeuxvideo.com, highlight the steep learning curve and inadequate tutorials, which can alienate newcomers. The game’s difficulty spikes and occasional design choices—such as harsh armor degradation (Shacknews) or RNG-based resource drops (Worth Playing)—also draw criticism for disrupting immersion. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics is that Grounded succeeds as a survival experience due to its inventive mechanics and creative freedom. While some systems like combat and progression feel uneven, many praise the game’s ability to blend exploration, strategy, and co-op play into a cohesive whole. IGN and PC Gamer emphasize the satisfaction of overcoming challenges through ingenuity, while TheXboxHub and SomosXbox acknowledge improvements over early access versions. However, the recurring criticisms—such as repetitive tasks, combat issues, and design flaws—suggest that Grounded remains a polarizing title. Its strengths lie in its imaginative world-building and player-driven creativity, but its execution of core mechanics often falls short of delivering a consistently smooth or fair experience.

The majority of critics praised Grounded’s graphics and visual design for their whimsical, stylized aesthetic and immersive world-building. The game’s art direction consistently evokes a nostalgic 1980s-inspired charm, with vibrant colors, creative use of everyday objects as towering obstacles (e.g., soda cans as shelters, grass blades as trees), and a cohesive cartoonish style that enhances its miniature perspective. Reviewers like IGN France highlighted the game’s detailed textures, lighting effects, and atmospheric elements such as day/night cycles, while GameSpot noted its "vibrant, colorful, and childlike" aesthetic reminiscent of Disney films. The attention to environmental variety—ranging from koi ponds to toxic waste zones—was frequently lauded for creating a sense of wonder, with GamesRadar+ calling the backyard an "expansive, awe-inspiring environment." Critics like Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network emphasized how the art style transforms mundane settings into magical, immersive ecosystems, blending retro-inspired designs with creative scale to make the player feel truly tiny. Despite these strengths, several critics pointed out technical and aesthetic limitations. On platforms like the Nintendo Switch, Hobby Consolas noted the game’s 720p resolution cap and blurry textures, while Impulsegamer described the visuals as "stripped-back" compared to other versions. Issues like texture loading delays (Vandal), clipping, and physics glitches (Hobby Consolas) were mentioned, alongside criticisms of less polished animations and simplified enemy designs (Everyeye.it, COGconnected). Some reviewers felt that the art style, while charming, occasionally prioritized creativity over technical refinement—Multiplayer.it noted inconsistent material rendering and "less convincing" creature animations, while Checkpoint Gaming pointed to blurred background details affecting immersion. Additionally, INVEN criticized the map’s simplicity and unclear details, suggesting exploration could feel limited despite the game’s visual richness. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing that Grounded’s visuals effectively support its unique premise and whimsical tone. While technical shortcomings and platform-specific optimizations were acknowledged, the game’s art direction was celebrated for its creativity, attention to detail, and ability to make a backyard feel like an expansive, dangerous world. IGN Spain praised the "detailed, immersive microcosm" of the garden, while MondoXbox highlighted the "unique art style emphasizing scale and environmental detail." Even critics who noted flaws, such as COGconnected (PC) and Vandal (Xbox Series X), acknowledged that the visuals "hold up well" and "effectively sell the miniature world." The game’s ability to balance stylized charm with functional design—whether through Eurogamer Italy’s retro-inspired creature designs or GamesRadar+’s "cohesive artistic vision"—solidified its reputation as a visually engaging, if occasionally technically imperfect, experience.

The sound design and music of Grounded are widely praised for their immersive quality and atmospheric contributions to the game’s miniature world. Critics consistently highlight the effective use of environmental audio, such as distinct insect sounds, spider hisses, and ambient noises, which enhance immersion and tension. PlayStation Universe commends the “impeccable” audio, including background music and interactive sound effects, while COGconnected (PC) notes that environmental audio is a standout feature with subtle musical scores that amplify the game’s atmosphere. PC Gamer emphasizes the “highly praised immersive audio cues,” such as bug noises and environmental sounds, which build tension and familiarity with the world. Additionally, the soundtrack’s ability to balance whimsical and ominous tones—such as eerie music during encounters with large enemies—is frequently acknowledged, with reviewers like Atomix praising its role in heightening danger and complementing the game’s immersive quality. While most critics celebrate Grounded’s sound design, some note limitations in the musical elements. Vandal criticizes the “repetitive compositions” of the 80s-inspired soundtrack, suggesting a lack of variety that could have enriched the experience. GamersRD and PlaySense describe the ambient soundtrack as “functional but not particularly standout,” while IGN France and Hardcore Gamer mention that the audio elements support the survival atmosphere without being explicitly memorable. Additionally, some reviews, like those from AusGamers and Worth Playing, provide minimal details about specific musical components, focusing instead on broader atmospheric contributions. These critiques suggest that while the sound design excels in creating tension and immersion, the music itself may not leave a lasting impression due to its understated or repetitive nature. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Grounded’s sound design significantly enhances its immersive qualities, with environmental audio and ambient elements playing a crucial role in shaping the game’s tone. While the music is generally seen as appropriate and atmospheric—often described as “understated” or “moody”—it receives less emphasis compared to the sound effects. Reviewers like PlayStation Universe, COGconnected (PC), and Screen Rant highlight how the audio elements effectively contribute to the game’s whimsical yet dangerous atmosphere, creating a cohesive and engaging experience. Despite minor criticisms about musical repetition or lack of variety, the majority agree that the sound design is a key strength, with many praising its ability to evoke tension, vulnerability, and a deep connection to the game’s world.

The voice acting in Grounded receives generally positive feedback from multiple reviewers, with several highlighting its role in enhancing character depth and immersion. Nintendojo emphasizes that characters have unique voices and personalities, enriching interactions without delving into technical quality. GamersRD praises the English voice work, noting its effectiveness in character interactions and random dialogue, while PlaySense appreciates the distinct voice actors for each of the four main characters, likening their style to 80s teen films. Atomix and Hardcore Gamer specifically commend Zachary Levi’s performance as Dr. Wendell Tully, describing it as emotionally resonant and pivotal to balancing the game’s tone. COGconnected and MGG also note that voice acting complements the game’s atmosphere, with the protagonist’s light-hearted dialogue contributing to its whimsical charm. These critiques collectively suggest that while not a central focus, the voice work effectively supports the game’s narrative and character dynamics. However, some reviewers point out limitations in the voice acting’s scope and consistency. Attack of the Fanboy notes that performance quality varies, with players able to disable it entirely—a minor drawback for those seeking immersion. COGconnected acknowledges the limited but well-executed dialogue, implying it doesn’t overwhelm the experience, while PlaySense critiques certain lines as “cheesy,” though they fit the game’s tone. Atomix also highlights a lack of emotional depth in child protagonists compared to Levi’s performance, suggesting uneven character development. Additionally, several reviews (e.g., Hobby Consolas, Meristation, TheGamer) mention voice acting as a standard component without elaborating on its quality, indicating it may not be a standout feature for all players. These critiques suggest that while the voice work is functional and occasionally impressive, it lacks the polish or depth to fully elevate the experience. Overall, critics agree that Grounded’s voice acting is adequate and supportive rather than exceptional. The majority of reviews praise its role in shaping character identities and enhancing the game’s lighthearted, quirky tone, with standout performances like Zachary Levi’s adding significant value. However, some reviewers note inconsistencies, limited scope, or a lack of emotional depth in certain characters, particularly the younger protagonists. While not a defining strength, the voice acting is generally seen as a cohesive element that aligns with the game’s presentation and narrative goals. The mixed reception reflects its balance between being a functional, atmospheric tool and an area where further refinement could enhance the experience.

The technical performance of Grounded varies across platforms, with notable positives highlighted by several critics. On the Nintendo Switch, CGMagazine praised its stable 30fps in handheld mode despite reduced resolution and draw distance, while Hobby Consolas noted smooth portable play. For PS5, GamersRD and MeuPlayStation observed minimal performance issues, emphasizing stability and fluidity. The PC version received praise for its polish, with GameSpot highlighting smooth combat and controls, and PlaySense noting high frame rates (up to 180 FPS) on mid-to-high-end hardware. On the Xbox Series X, Meristation lauded consistent 60fps performance, while TheXboxHub called it Obsidian’s most polished title, and Windows Central noted good optimization with minor hiccups. These platforms generally showcased strong technical foundations, though some trade-offs were inevitable. However, technical challenges plagued several platforms. On the Switch, critics like Nintendo Life and TouchArcade criticized frame rate drops, stuttering, and unstable online co-op, while Nintendojo highlighted frustrating load times. The PC version faced visual glitches (e.g., items vanishing, flickering textures) per Checkpoint Gaming and The Enemy, though these were often minor. On the Xbox Series X, IGN described persistent issues like crashes and camera glitches, while Hardcore Gamer noted distractions from bugs in co-op mode. Xbox One reviews, such as Jeuxvideo.com’s mention of collision bugs, pointed to console-specific instability compared to PC. While some platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X showed stronger performance, all systems had their share of technical hiccups, particularly in multiplayer or complex scenarios. Overall, the consensus among critics was that Grounded is technically sound but not without flaws. The Xbox Series X and PC versions received the most praise for stability and polish, with Xbox Series X’s Meristation and TheXboxHub emphasizing smooth performance, while PC reviewers like GameSpot and PlaySense highlighted its responsiveness. The Switch version, though playable, faced more significant trade-offs in visuals and online reliability, as noted by Hobby Consolas and Nintendo Life. Meanwhile, the PS5 and Xbox One versions balanced stability with minor bugs, reflecting the game’s iterative refinement over its two-year Early Access period. While technical issues varied by platform, most critics agreed that Grounded’s core mechanics and accessibility features mitigated many of these challenges, making it a generally enjoyable experience despite its imperfections.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding Grounded’s replay value is largely positive, with many praising its open-ended design, creative modes, and multiplayer flexibility. Reviewers like Hobby Consolas and IGN highlight the game’s high replayability through features such as Creative Mode (Park), user-generated content, New Game Plus, and diverse co-op options. Nintendojo and COGconnected emphasize post-game progression, including additional quests, difficulty customization, and evolving challenges, which encourage players to revisit the world. The game’s emphasis on exploration, base-building, and hidden secrets—noted by Destructoid, Eurogamer Italy, and IGN France—creates a sense of discovery that keeps players engaged long after the main story is completed. Additionally, PlayStation Universe and Vgames commend the “Fully Yoked Edition” and dynamic environments for sustaining interest through repeated playthroughs. However, several critics point to limitations that could hinder replayability. Attack of the Fanboy and MGG note that the non-randomized world map and fixed terrain may reduce long-term appeal for some players, though they acknowledge benefits for speedrunners. GamersRD and PlaySense criticize repetitive daily routines and a short main campaign (around 12 hours), which could make the loop feel monotonous over time. Technical issues like online instability (Nintendo Life) and unbalanced New Game Plus mechanics (TheGamer) also detract from sustained engagement. Additionally, Everyeye.it and MGG mention that the lack of procedural generation and limited customization options in certain areas may dampen replay value for players seeking endless variety. Despite these critiques, the majority of critics agree that Grounded offers strong replayability, particularly for fans of survival and sandbox games. While some concerns about repetition and technical flaws exist, the game’s emphasis on exploration, co-op play, and creative freedom—highlighted by Nintendo Life, IGN, and Generación Xbox—creates a compelling long-term experience. Reviewers like Hobby Consolas and IGN Spain stress that the game’s flexibility in playstyles, from survival-focused builds to story-driven exploration, ensures varied experiences across multiple playthroughs. Though not without its flaws, Grounded is widely seen as a title that rewards patience and creativity, with many critics expressing a desire to return to its world repeatedly.