Grounded Review: A Big Adventure in a Tiny World
Shrinking down to ant size doesn't mean the fun gets smaller!
last updated Nov 14, 2023
Grounded takes 'small-scale' to a whole new level, both literally and metaphorically!
A Bug's Life, but Make It Hardcore
If you ever wondered what it would be like to navigate your backyard as an ant, Grounded is your dream come true - with a side of nightmare. It blends survival and adventure in a familiar yet alien world right under our feet. You're not just building and surviving; you're doing it while dodging spiders the size of cars. It’s a survival game that actually makes you feel like you're surviving, rather than just hoarding resources. Sure, you might need to fight off a horde of insects here and there, but hey, at least you're not at the office!
Symphony of the Grass Blades
The audio in Grounded is like an overture of backyard life. From the rustling of grass to the ominous skittering of spiders, the sound design is on point, immersing you in this tiny world. The music? It's like someone put a heroic score into a shrink ray – fitting perfectly with the game’s theme. It’s the kind of soundtrack that makes you feel brave, even when you’re just building a lean-to out of grass. However, a few players have mentioned some issues with sound setups, but it's like finding a worm in an otherwise perfect apple.
Honey, I Shrunk the Pixels
Graphically, Grounded is a stunner. It's like someone took your childhood memories of playing in the yard and gave them a next-gen polish. The environment is vibrant and teeming with life, making you feel both nostalgic and awestruck. Performance-wise, it's smooth like butter on a hot skillet for the most part, although some have reported crashes and bugs (ironic, right?). But let's be real, what game doesn’t have a few bugs to squash after launch?
Playing Nice with Others
Grounded shines in multiplayer, transforming backyard survival into a party. Whether it’s strategizing against a spider or building the ultimate base, doing it with friends adds another layer of fun. However, there's a catch – some players have reported issues with multiplayer connectivity, especially on the Xbox Network. It’s like planning the perfect picnic and then realizing you forgot the sandwiches. Hopefully, these are just growing pains that will be smoothed out with future updates.
The Little Things That Count
The game's true charm lies in its attention to detail. Obsidian has taken a concept that could have been just a gimmick and turned it into a fully fleshed-out world. The crafting system, the enemy AI, the environmental puzzles – they all add up to an experience that’s both challenging and rewarding. The story might be a bit light-hearted, but it's a welcome change of pace from the usual doom-and-gloom of survival games. Plus, the game’s constant updates show that the developers really care about this pint-sized world.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release Date
September 27, 2022
Final Verdict
Grounded is a delightful twist on the survival genre, offering a fresh perspective with its miniaturized world. Its combination of solid gameplay, enchanting graphics, and immersive sound makes it more than just a novelty. While there are some technical hiccups, especially in multiplayer, they don't detract significantly from the overall experience. Grounded is a game that’s easy to get into but hard to put down – a must-play for both survival enthusiasts and those looking for something a bit different. It’s a giant leap for miniature gaming!
