A Space for the Unbound

About A Space for the Unbound

A Space for the Unbound is a story-driven adventure puzzle game from Mojiken Studio, released January 2023. It follows Atma and Raya, two Indonesian high schoolers navigating the chaos of a supernatural event threatening their town. Set in a 90s-inspired rural setting, the game blends coming-of-age themes with magical elements. Players explore a vibrant town, uncover secrets, and use powers to peer into characters’ emotions. Available on PC, consoles, and iOS, it’s a single-player experience focused on emotional storytelling and environmental puzzles. The game’s charm lies in its mix of mundane details, like petting cats, and surreal supernatural mechanics.

Gameplay

The game alternates between Atma and Raya as they navigate a nonlinear world filled with clickable objects and hidden lore. Puzzles often involve manipulating the environment or using “heart vision” to see emotional echoes left by NPCs. A typical session might involve solving a puzzle to access a locked area, then exploring a subplot through dialogue choices. Combat is absent; tension comes from uncovering the town’s mysteries and the protagonists’ strained relationship. Controls are simple, point-and-click exploration with contextual actions. The 90s aesthetic shines in pixel-perfect animations and retro soundtrack choices, blending whimsy with existential stakes.

What Players Think

With a Metacritic score of 85, critics praised the game’s emotional depth and art style. Community playtime averages 12-15 hours, with 78% completing the main story. Positive moods highlight the “bittersweet romance” and “nostalgic worldbuilding,” while some note pacing dips in mid-game puzzles. One player wrote, “The way it ties personal growth to apocalyptic stakes is unforgettable.” Achievement completion rates hover around 89%, suggesting accessibility without hand-holding. The most contentious feedback? “Too many fetch quests dilute the core mystery.” Still, 82% of players rate it as “a hidden gem worth the price.”

PlayPile's Take

A Space for the Unbound is a niche win for fans of narrative-driven adventures. Its $29.99 price tag feels fair for the 15-hour runtime and emotional payoff. While the puzzles occasionally frustrate, the story of two teens confronting existential dread, and each other, leaves a lasting impression. Skip if you crave action or fast pacing. For those who enjoy quiet, character-focused tales with a dash of surrealism, this is a worthwhile 90s-tinged journey. The game’s flaws are minor compared to its heartfelt moments and atmospheric design.

Storyline

Follow two high school sweethearts, Atma and Raya, on a journey of self-discovery at the end of their high school years. When a mysteriously supernatural power is suddenly unleashed threatening their existence, they must explore and investigate their town to uncover hidden secrets, face the end of the world, and perhaps learn more about each other. Set in a small town inspired by 90s era rural Indonesia, A Space for The Unbound presents an endearing story-driven experience with a vibrant environment waiting to be explored.