Grounded Review – Survival in Your Backyard

• Game Name: Grounded
• Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
• Initial Release Date: July 28, 2020
• Genre: Survival, Adventure
• Platforms: Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows

Introduction

In a world where survival games are a dime a dozen, Obsidian Entertainment’s Grounded stands out as a unique gem. Released initially in 2020, the game has continued to evolve, most notably with its recent updates in 2023, including the major Make It and Break It update. Grounded is not just a game; it’s an adventure set in your backyard, where you are miniaturized to the size of an ant. Read all the details, in our Grounded review!

Gameplay Overview

Grounded offers an experience that combines the thrill of survival with the charm of a miniature world. You’re thrown into a backyard where everyday items tower over you, and insects become formidable foes. The gameplay revolves around exploring this vast, unfamiliar terrain, crafting tools and shelters, and, most importantly, surviving against the elements and creatures lurking in the grass.

The game’s recent updates have further enriched this experience. The Make It and Break It update, for example, allows players to build and customize their gameplay, adding a new layer of creativity to the survival aspect​​​​.

Unique Elements

What sets Grounded apart is its perspective. Being miniaturized in a familiar yet foreign environment creates a sense of wonder and danger. The game’s design makes ordinary backyard elements – like grass blades, pebbles, and puddles – significant obstacles or resources.

Moreover, the game’s update in April 2023, known as the Super Duper update, brought over 100 new craftable items and a unique ‘Base Coziness’ feature, enhancing the player’s ability to interact with and modify their environment​​.

Challenges and Creatures

The real stars of Grounded are the backyard inhabitants. From soldier ants to the terrifying wolf spider, each creature adds a level of depth and challenge to the gameplay. The game’s AI ensures that these creatures behave in unpredictable, often realistic ways, making each encounter a thrilling experience​​.

Graphics and Sound

Grounded impresses with its detailed graphics that bring the miniature world to life. The game’s art style is vibrant, capturing both the beauty and the peril of the backyard world. The sound design complements this by providing an immersive audio experience, where even the smallest rustle in the grass heightens the sense of adventure.

Multiplayer Experience

Grounded offers a solid multiplayer experience, allowing friends to join in the survival adventure. This collaborative aspect adds another layer of fun, as players can work together to build, explore, and fend off the backyard dangers.

Updates and Development

Obsidian Entertainment has been consistent in updating and improving Grounded. Each update, such as the ones in 2023, has brought new features, bug fixes, and enhancements to gameplay, showing a commitment to the game’s longevity and player experience​​​​.

Verdict

Rating: 8.5/10

Grounded scores an 8.5 for its unique concept, engaging gameplay, and continuous improvement through updates. The game excels in creating an immersive survival experience in a familiar yet alien environment. While there are areas for improvement, such as more varied missions and creature interactions, the game’s charm and creativity make it a standout title in the survival genre.