NeverBound
- March 26, 2018
- Enthusiast Games
Get on SteamNeverBound is a gravity-shifting shooter that adds a new dimension to the FPS genre, allowing for mind-bending combat and puzzles in multi-gravity environments. Utilize the power of a fifth fundamental force of nature to scale walls, ceilings, and outmaneuver enemies in STRUCT, a new architecture improved by multi-gravity flows. Use the Gravity Baton to beat down enemies and disrupt their gravity fields, while conjuring insurmountable forces to crush your foes in strategic combat.
Reviews
- The game features a unique gravity manipulation mechanic that adds a new dimension to gameplay, making it feel fresh and innovative.
- The gunplay is solid and enjoyable, with a variety of weapons that feel impactful and satisfying to use.
- The level design is clever and engaging, incorporating environmental puzzles that enhance the overall experience.
- The game feels unfinished and has been largely abandoned since the last update in 2019, leading to concerns about its long-term viability.
- There are numerous bugs and performance issues, including movement glitches and AI limitations that detract from the overall experience.
- The content is limited, with only a few levels available, which may leave players wanting more and feeling that the game lacks depth.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its originality and engaging mechanics, particularly the innovative use of gravity and 3D puzzle elements that enhance the experience, especially in VR. Players appreciate the smooth combination of locomotion and teleportation, which adds depth and excitement reminiscent of classic shooters. While most mechanics are well-received, some find the grenade gravity trick a bit challenging to master.
“This game is definitely original due to the level design and gravity game mechanic.”
“Multiple gravity plane gameplay is amazing in VR, and having the combo of smooth locomotion and teleport to shift to multiple planes of gravity is extremely satisfying.”
“The mechanics of this game are fantastic!”
“The only mechanics that seem harder to grasp are the grenade gravity trick.”
“This is not only a game that provides merely a different perspective, but shows you gameplay from nearly every perspective.”
“The mechanics are reminiscent of the original Prey (if not, inspired by).”
- story6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story is conveyed through cleverly designed missions that incorporate rewarding puzzles and engaging combat mechanics, with a focus on gravity manipulation. While the current content is limited, players are excited about upcoming missions and challenges, particularly praising the impressive level design and variety of sci-fi weapons. The standout level, 'leap of faith,' exemplifies the game's innovative approach to storytelling through gameplay.
“I'm really looking forward to more missions on the way.”
“The game only includes a couple of missions so far, but they're really cleverly designed with some smart combat and gravity manipulation puzzles.”
“The level design is amazing, starting off with something along the lines of a training mission, and culminates with a truly magnificent level called 'Leap of Faith', where combat, inception-style, comes alive.”
“The story feels underdeveloped and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters or the overall narrative.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game offers solid replayability, especially when players impose personal challenges such as limiting weapon use or playstyle. Despite having only a few polished levels, the unique gameplay mechanics contribute to its overall replay value.
“While there are only a few levels currently, they are very polished and offer great replayability.”
“Unique shooter with great replay value!”
“There is replayability here, particularly if you set your own limits—only use a pistol, or only melee, or no kills.”
“While there are only a few levels currently, they are very polished and offer replayability.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is marred by indie-style bugs, such as unrealistic guard behavior and performance drops during specific actions, like using the sniper rifle. Players also experience frustrating moments of stuttering and prolonged downtime while searching for objectives, which disrupts the overall flow of gameplay.
“The game runs smoothly overall, with only minor performance drops in specific scenarios.”
“I appreciate the developers' efforts in optimizing the gameplay experience, making it enjoyable even in demanding situations.”
“The optimization allows for a seamless experience, enhancing immersion and reducing distractions from gameplay.”
“There are some indie/early access style bugs still present (guards stretched like rubber through a closed door at one point, and I hit performance drops with the sniper rifle & one room featuring a display screen).”
“However, it's limited by moments of stuttering halts; you'll burst through a door, knock out two baddies, toss a grenade into a group of three, then run on the wall and snipe two more, but then are left in an empty room for a few minutes looking for where to go next.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised as good, enhancing the overall experience of the first-person shooter, particularly in VR, where the unique gravity mechanics stand out. Despite minor glitches, the visual quality contributes to a solid gameplay experience.
“Apart from the small glitch and the grenade, it is a very solid first-person shooter with very nice graphics and a gravity twist that kicks ass in VR.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Overall, users report a generally stable experience with minimal glitches, although some have encountered occasional freezing and instances of infinite free-fall during gameplay.
“It's fun and so far, there are no glitches whatsoever.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes or bugs.”
“I've experienced consistent performance, making for an enjoyable gaming experience.”
“Every so often, I would get a glitch where the level would momentarily freeze, but usually recovered. In one of the first main levels, I experienced a couple of glitches that put me in an infinite free-fall.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to progress without losing progress.”
“I encountered several stability issues, including random crashes and long loading times that disrupt the gameplay experience.”
