65
MONSTER
The Forbidden Islands are Calling, Unlock their Secrets. Shipwrecked on an island, explore, adapt and navigate the land and perilous seas to stay alive.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
63
Critics are divided on Windbound's storytelling. Some praise its unique visual narrative and immersive journey, while others criticize its lack of depth and repetitive nature. The game's minimalist approach allows for player interpretation, but some feel it lacks substance and emotional impact. Overall, opinions vary on Windbound's narrative, with some finding it engaging and others finding it underwhelming.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
63
Positive (80-100)
14%
Mixed (50-79)
76%
Negative (0-49)
10%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics are divided on Windbound's storytelling. Some praise its unique visual narrative and immersive journey, while others criticize its lack of depth and repetitive nature. The game's minimalist approach allows for player interpretation, but some feel it lacks substance and emotional impact. Overall, opinions vary on Windbound's narrative, with some finding it engaging and others finding it underwhelming.
Gameplay Mechanics
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64
Windbound's gameplay has received mixed reviews. Critics praised its engaging exploration, crafting, and sailing mechanics, with some highlighting the colorful locations and easy crafting system. However, others criticized its repetitive tasks, clunky combat, and lack of clarity in objectives. While some found the survival and sailing aspects enjoyable, others felt they were tedious. Overall, Windbound offers a unique blend of survival and exploration but falls short in execution, leading to a polarizing reception among critics.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
64
Positive (80-100)
28%
Mixed (50-79)
66%
Negative (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Windbound's gameplay has received mixed reviews. Critics praised its engaging exploration, crafting, and sailing mechanics, with some highlighting the colorful locations and easy crafting system. However, others criticized its repetitive tasks, clunky combat, and lack of clarity in objectives. While some found the survival and sailing aspects enjoyable, others felt they were tedious. Overall, Windbound offers a unique blend of survival and exploration but falls short in execution, leading to a polarizing reception among critics.
Graphics and Visual Design
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78
Critics rave about Windbound's stunning graphics and visual design, likening them to The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker with vibrant colors and captivating art style. Praise for the procedurally generated islands and water mechanics adds depth and realism to the overall experience. While some critics note concerns about lack of variety and technical issues, the majority agree that Windbound offers a visually appealing and immersive adventure with a unique artistic style that sets it apart in the survival genre.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
78
Positive (80-100)
75%
Mixed (50-79)
23%
Negative (0-49)
2%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics rave about Windbound's stunning graphics and visual design, likening them to The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker with vibrant colors and captivating art style. Praise for the procedurally generated islands and water mechanics adds depth and realism to the overall experience. While some critics note concerns about lack of variety and technical issues, the majority agree that Windbound offers a visually appealing and immersive adventure with a unique artistic style that sets it apart in the survival genre.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
72
Critics have mixed views on the sound design and music of Windbound. Many praised the soundtrack for its moving and immersive qualities, likening it to Breath of the Wild. Some critics appreciated the minimalist sound design that enhances the environmental audio. However, others raised concerns about the repetitive nature of the music, noting that it can make gameplay tedious. Despite some criticisms, most critics found the music and sound design to be positive overall, contributing to the immersive experience and emotional engagement of the game.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
72
Positive (80-100)
43%
Mixed (50-79)
53%
Negative (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics have mixed views on the sound design and music of Windbound. Many praised the soundtrack for its moving and immersive qualities, likening it to Breath of the Wild. Some critics appreciated the minimalist sound design that enhances the environmental audio. However, others raised concerns about the repetitive nature of the music, noting that it can make gameplay tedious. Despite some criticisms, most critics found the music and sound design to be positive overall, contributing to the immersive experience and emotional engagement of the game.
Voice Acting
NA
TL;DR
voice acting
Description unavailable
Technical Performance
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54
Critics had mixed feelings about Windbound's technical performance on different gaming platforms. While some praised its visuals and smooth gameplay on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, others criticized the game for bugs and glitches that hindered the experience. The PC version faced criticism for inconsistent mechanics and frequent crashes. Overall, reviewers had varying opinions, with some enjoying certain aspects while others were frustrated by technical issues.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
54
Positive (80-100)
10%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
24%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics had mixed feelings about Windbound's technical performance on different gaming platforms. While some praised its visuals and smooth gameplay on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, others criticized the game for bugs and glitches that hindered the experience. The PC version faced criticism for inconsistent mechanics and frequent crashes. Overall, reviewers had varying opinions, with some enjoying certain aspects while others were frustrated by technical issues.
Replay Value
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59
Windbound's replay value divides critics. Some praise its sandbox structure and narrative-driven survival mechanics, while others criticize repetitive gameplay and lack of customization. Despite mixed reviews, the game offers a unique blend of survival and exploration that may appeal to some players seeking fresh adventures.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
59
Positive (80-100)
25%
Mixed (50-79)
55%
Negative (0-49)
20%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Windbound's replay value divides critics. Some praise its sandbox structure and narrative-driven survival mechanics, while others criticize repetitive gameplay and lack of customization. Despite mixed reviews, the game offers a unique blend of survival and exploration that may appeal to some players seeking fresh adventures.
Overall Verdict
65
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
65
Positive (80-100)
17%
Mixed (50-79)
77%
Negative (0-49)
6%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Windbound has received praise for its beautiful visuals, engaging survival mechanics, and unique sailing experience, but critics have criticized its repetitive gameplay, lack of depth, and technical issues. While some enjoy its captivating world and exploration, others find it falls short of its potential. Overall, opinions are mixed on whether Windbound delivers a truly engaging and replayable experience.
65
MONSTER
Reviews
123 reviews found100
Impulsegamer
Aug 31, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Beautifully thought out game with amazing execution, suitable for gamers of all ages and interests. Some room for improvement but current balance is good.
85
NintendoWorldReport
Aug 28, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Windbound is a unique and special survival game that successfully balances different elements. It offers a satisfying gameplay experience with a mix of survival mechanics, exploration, and combat. The visuals and sound design contribute to the tranquil atmosphere, although there are some technical issues with the Switch port.
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80
TheXboxHub
Aug 28, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The review gives the game a score of 4 out of 5, praising the boat physics, crafting system, and art style, but mentioning issues with menus and autosave.
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80
PlayStation Country
Aug 29, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game provides a genuine survival challenge that tests, annoys, and delights in equal measure. It offers a rewarding experience when overcoming adversity.
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80
IGN Italia
Aug 28, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Windbound offers a positive gaming experience with gradual progression and player-controlled pacing, making it a pleasant and enjoyable journey for players seeking an epic adventure.
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80
Windows Central
Aug 28, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Windbound is a survival game heavily inspired by Zelda: Breath of the Wild, offering a satisfying gameplay experience with beautiful visuals and immersive sound design. While some survival aspects may feel tedious, the game's exploration and crafting elements make it enjoyable for players looking to scratch that Zelda itch.
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80
Malditos Nerds
Sep 9, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
While enjoyable and recommended, the game falls slightly short of greatness. It could have pushed boundaries further but still offers a beautiful and enjoyable experience with some limitations.
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78
Generación Xbox
Sep 19, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Windbound offers a visually appealing experience with engaging crafting mechanics but falls short in combat and narrative aspects. The reviewer recommends the survival mode over the story mode for crafting challenges and satisfaction it offers.
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75
Nintenderos
Aug 31, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Windbound offers a balanced mix of relaxed survival gameplay and intense exploration, with room for improvement in combat and other aspects.
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72
Hobby Consolas
Aug 29, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A unique and memorable journey through its oceanic setting, providing enjoyable hours despite its shortcomings
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