Will I find myself satisfied after hours of exploring the mysterious space? I’m not sure if my time with the game can warrant that feeling. The issue I have with this sort of experience is the payoff. If you like these sorts of open-ended experiences, then I think Windbound does a great job offering players the freedom to move and explore. Every time you play the game, you can choose where on the islands to head next and try to learn a bit more about your situation. Overall, the game operates as an open-world experience. It’s a complete world with co-existing parts that you suddenly find to be an uncertain environment as well as your only chance at reuniting with your people. You encounter enemies and other inhabitants of the Forbidden Islands that help you stay alive. You learn to create tools using a simple crafting mechanic.

Much like roguelikes that empower you to explore and return to places again, Windbound is a seamless sandbox for discovery. It’s a setup that seems familiar, but the nature of this title from developer 5 Lives Studios is survival. Now, it’s up to you to figure out why you’re here. Your clan is nowhere to be seen on this mysterious island on which you suddenly find yourself. Hopefully, I can clarify what you can expect with this title in my Windbound review. These elements battle with the game’s sometimes lackluster potential for truly great gaming moments. There’s also a heavy bit of Moana-esque passion for hitting the sea and discovering who you truly are. There’s a strong Breath of the Wild art influence from my perspective. For Windbound, there are many things that aim to draw players in and invite them to explore the game’s world. For many, that’s a unique art style or game mechanic. To grab the attention of an audience, you need to have something different.

There are more people making games now than ever before. I feel like the aesthetics of games matter a lot nowadays for indie developers.

Windbound review switch