planetbound

Planetbound is a 2021 indie adventure video game developed and published by Stage 2 Games. The game was released for PC and Nintendo Switch. Planetbound features a 2D side-scrolling perspective with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and platforming. Players control a young adventurer who crash-lands on an alien planet and must find a way to repair their spaceship and escape.

The gameplay involves navigating diverse environments, from lush forests to desolate caverns, each with its unique challenges and inhabitants. Players collect resources, craft items, and upgrade their equipment to overcome obstacles and defeat hostile creatures. A key mechanic in Planetbound is the use of a grappling hook, which allows for enhanced traversal and interaction with the environment. The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling and scattered lore fragments, revealing the history of the planet and the fate of its former inhabitants. The art style is characterized by its vibrant colors and hand-drawn aesthetics. Planetbound received generally positive reviews, with praise often directed at its engaging gameplay loop and charming presentation, though some criticism noted its occasional difficulty spikes.