A Space for the Unbound

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,139 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
A Space for the Unbound Game Cover
A Space for the Unbound is an insightfully thought-provoking adventure game.
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"A Space for the Unbound" is a cinematic, pixel-art narrative game set in a magical realist 90s Indonesian town. Players control Atma, a high school student with the power to enter others' memories, as he uncovers secrets and navigates relationships amidst a looming cosmic crisis. The game features exploration, puzzle-solving, and slice-of-life elements, promoting themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,139 reviews
story835 positive mentions
grinding28 negative mentions
  • story1,790 mentions

    The story of "A Space for the Unbound" is widely praised for its emotional depth, beautifully crafted narrative, and relatable themes, particularly regarding mental health, love, and personal growth. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, often leading to tears, especially during its poignant ending. The pixel art and soundtrack complement the storytelling, creating a nostalgic and immersive experience that resonates with many, particularly those familiar with Indonesian culture. However, some critiques mention pacing issues and repetitive fetch quests that can detract from the overall narrative flow.

    • “The story is beautifully written and comes with a very emotional ending.”
    • “The story is so emotional, it not only touched my heart but also shook it.”
    • “The story starts out simple in its presentation - even somewhat childlike - but as more threads come together it becomes something deep that really sticks with you.”
    • “The story is very linear, but the game still gives you enough freedom to explore at your own will, where the game nails the vibe of the setting and the atmosphere.”
    • “The gameplay is mainly dialogue and fetch quests running back and forth, but the story and the art, as well as the soundtrack work well to make sure this doesn't feel like a chore, and in my case, I found it extremely satisfying.”
    • “The story is simple yet enthralling and emotional, the gameplay is straightforward but fun, and the environments and characters are crafted with a lot of love.”
  • music533 mentions

    The music in this game has received widespread acclaim for its exceptional quality and emotional depth, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Players have praised the soundtrack for its ability to evoke a range of feelings, from nostalgia to heartwarming moments, and many noted that it complements the vibrant pixel art beautifully. While some found certain tracks repetitive over time, the majority agree that the music is a standout feature, making it a memorable aspect of the game.

    • “The music beautifully complements the story, while the game's visuals, depicting an Indonesian city, are visually striking.”
    • “The soundtrack deserves special mention, as it complements the emotional beats of the story flawlessly.”
    • “The music is absolutely good and touches my feelings.”
    • “My only critique is that the music rarely shuts off, as if the game doesn’t trust the player to stay engaged with the world’s natural ambience.”
    • “Combined with gameplay loops generally lacking depth and ultimately repetitive, this can lead to the middle segments feeling like an absolute slog, further punctuated by a soundtrack that's not quite varied enough for the game's length.”
    • “The original soundtracks complement the overarching melancholic tone well, but can, in some circumstances, feel a bit repetitive.”
  • gameplay426 mentions

    The gameplay in "A Space for the Unbound" is generally described as simple and often repetitive, primarily consisting of fetch quests, point-and-click mechanics, and light puzzles. While some players find the mechanics engaging and appreciate the integration of narrative elements, others criticize the gameplay for being tedious and lacking depth, often feeling like a barrier to the story. Overall, the game is more focused on delivering a rich narrative experience rather than innovative gameplay, which may appeal to those who prioritize story over mechanics.

    • “The gameplay, the narrative, and the characters all fit well together to show the story the game wanted to tell.”
    • “The gameplay is simple yet very engaging, and the story is absolutely phenomenal.”
    • “The point-and-click mechanics allow for a seamless exploration of the richly detailed environments, while the puzzles are cleverly integrated into the narrative, serving as a natural progression rather than a forced interruption.”
    • “The gameplay isn't the strongest, but you don't pick this game up for the gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay can feel a bit 'fetch questy', or text heavy at times, but was good overall - a balance of little actions and puzzles.”
    • “The gameplay is terrible and the game is plagued with tedious collectibles and minigames, but they are not essential.”
  • emotional412 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "A Space for the Unbound" is widely praised, with players describing it as a deeply touching and heartfelt experience that often leaves them in tears. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth, resonating with many players on a profound level, and is complemented by beautiful pixel art and a moving soundtrack. Overall, it is regarded as a masterpiece of emotional storytelling, making it a must-play for those who appreciate impactful narratives.

    • “The story is beautifully written and comes with a very emotional ending.”
    • “One of the most emotional stories I've ever experienced in a game.”
    • “It's a masterpiece, it's emotional and honest, exploring many themes that a lot of people can relate to, for better or for worse.”
  • graphics263 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning pixel art style, which is described as vibrant, detailed, and beautifully fitting with the narrative. Many players appreciate the nostalgic 90s Indonesian aesthetic, noting how the visuals enhance the emotional depth of the story. Overall, the combination of captivating artwork, engaging animations, and a well-matched soundtrack creates an immersive experience that resonates with players.

    • “The artwork is so relaxing and refreshing to the eye.”
    • “The view of the bridge covering the horizon as the meteor hit the town was one of the many amazing scenes brought to life by the stunning art style.”
    • “The graphics were gorgeous and the gameplay was smooth and enjoyable.”
    • “I hope we can see this game remade in the future with AAA graphic quality.”
    • “The gameplay itself isn't particularly difficult, but I don't think it needs to be as the story, visuals, and music are the main driving force of this game in my opinion; that is not to say, at all, that the gameplay is bad or not enjoyable, quite the opposite in fact.”
    • “The graphics were top-notch and added a lot to my enjoyment of the game.”
  • atmosphere56 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its nostalgic and immersive qualities, effectively capturing the essence of 90s Indonesia through its beautiful pixel art, evocative music, and emotional storytelling. Players appreciate the blend of relaxing and tense moments, with many noting how the atmosphere enhances their emotional connection to the characters and narrative. Overall, the game is celebrated for creating a cozy, engaging environment that invites exploration and reflection.

    • “The music, composed by Masdito 'Ittou' Bachtiar, is a melodic journey that enhances the atmosphere, evoking a wide range of emotions.”
    • “The atmosphere, story, music, everything is incredible!!”
    • “The game features beautiful pixel art and a mesmerizing soundtrack that perfectly captures the dreamy atmosphere of the game.”
    • “The puzzles are a bit too easy at times, the pacing is off at various points, and the backtracking didn't really settle me in the atmosphere like it seems to for others.”
    • “I cried (a lot, goddammit), I have mixed feelings, I'm not really comfortable with the atmosphere yet I feel so relieved and happy.”
    • “The atmosphere of this game is really butterfly in the stomach, is relaxing and really enjoying it, the story is really depressing at the end, tears were coming everywhere in my eyes, really worth for a pixelated game if you're into puzzle-solving games.”
  • grinding29 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience, often describing it as tedious and repetitive, particularly due to excessive backtracking and simple mechanics. While some appreciate the story and emotional depth that make the grind feel worthwhile, many express frustration with the numerous mundane tasks and puzzles that detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these criticisms, the narrative elements are frequently highlighted as a redeeming factor that keeps players engaged.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “While I wouldn't call these quests hard, they can be tedious by demanding a lot of running around and a lot of backtracking, sometimes for contrived reasons that at times can feel like unneeded filler.”
    • “The gameplay is terrible and the game is plagued with tedious collectibles and minigames, but they are not essential.”
    • “While on paper this is an interesting idea, it is rather tedious to go from screen to screen as an errand boy.”
  • character development21 mentions

    The character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and relatability, with players appreciating how well the characters' emotions and growth are conveyed throughout the storyline. The detailed character designs and expressive elements, such as emoji comic bubbles, enhance the overall experience, making the characters feel authentic and engaging. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to intertwine character development with themes of friendship and personal struggles, contributing to a rich, immersive narrative.

    • “Very interesting storyline, good character development, and the story is well told.”
    • “What I really love is the character development of the characters and that you can understand how and why they feel that way.”
    • “A unique telling of a story that emphasizes the importance of friendship, love, and character development.”
    • “You'll get 30-40 minutes of some focused character development and tantalizing crumbs to future prospects of current actions, the chapter will end, and then you'll do the fetch-quest loop for another 2 hours before you can get back into it.”
    • “Some fetch quests and puzzles can certainly be removed, as they do not add any meaningful value to the storyline or main character development.”
    • “The main character here has traits and character development that are quite different and somewhat contrasting.”
  • humor16 mentions

    The game's humor is characterized by a blend of absurdity and relatability, featuring engaging characters and witty dialogue that often includes cat jokes and pop culture references. Players appreciate the balance of lighthearted moments with deeper themes, making for a feel-good experience that is both touching and entertaining. Overall, the humor is a standout aspect, enhancing the game's narrative and player engagement.

    • “It has cat jokes😸 and a good amount of non-feline humor.”
    • “The dialogue is a masterclass in realistic conversation, while not losing some goofy and downright hilarious beats of writing (a standout is a quiz-obsessed trio of fellow students).”
    • “Delicate, touching, funny, lovable adventure about overcoming depression, anxiety, and being your best self.”
  • replayability7 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players appreciate the presence of achievements and the opportunity to discover missed elements, many feel that the experience is too short and lacks significant replay value. Critics note a desire for more options to backtrack and explore, suggesting that while enjoyable, the game may not warrant multiple playthroughs.

    • “Untuk replayability, game ini memiliki beberapa achievements yang bisa didapatkan.”
    • “It has replayable values to figure out what things you are missing from the last playthrough.”
    • “Gameplay is a decent adaptation of classic point-and-click adventure game format to a style more playable on a traditional controller.”
    • “I do have one criticism about the game's replayability; I wish there was a way to backtrack and collect the things I missed along the way. Maybe not as Atma, but as Raya. That's all the criticism I have for the game.”
    • “- no replayability value”
    • “It has replayable value to figure out what things you are missing from the last playthrough.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users report that the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, indicating strong stability throughout the approximately ten-hour gameplay experience.

    • “The story is about ten hours, and it runs great on the deck.”
    • “The game maintains a steady frame rate throughout, ensuring a smooth experience.”
    • “I haven't encountered any crashes or bugs, which makes for a very stable gameplay experience.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    While the game is praised for its overall quality, it is noted that the absence of voice acting detracts from the experience, suggesting that this could have elevated the game's performance significantly.

  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is not directly addressed in the provided text, but it suggests that the game's attention to detail, such as cigarette ads and cultural elements like Javanese blangkon, enhances the overall experience, potentially indicating a focus on immersive content rather than aggressive monetization strategies.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

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Play time

8hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
4-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 14 analyzed playthroughs

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