Bound City
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About Bound City
Problem Machine’s Bound City is a narrative-driven RPG set in a decaying metropolis frozen under perpetual darkness. Released on December 31 2028 for PC it tasks players with exploring crumbling neighborhoods and figuring out the city’s secrets to reach a mysterious tower basically. The game leans into atmospheric storytelling and cryptic worldbuilding where every shadow hides a clue. With a focus on environmental puzzles and dialogue choices it crafts a bittersweet tale about loss and resilience. Ideal for fans of slow-burn mysteries but not a game for anyone craving straightforward action.
Gameplay
You navigate on foot or via a glitchy teleport system solving environmental puzzles to unlock new areas. Combat is real-time but minimalist: dodge incoming attacks with a quick tap of the mouse and counter with a basic melee weapon or throwables. The twist is permadeath, every death resets your inventory and progress forcing you to approach challenges differently. Sessions often involve backtracking through shifting environments with new tools unlocked after deaths. The story unfolds through fragmented conversations with NPCs and environmental details like graffiti and abandoned objects. Exploration is key but the controls feel clunky at times especially during tight platforming sections.
What Players Think
Community ratings average 4.3/5 with 82% completing the base story. Average playtime is 19 hours but 23% of players hit 30+ hours chasing 100% completion. Moods are split between “atmospheric” (68%) and “frustrating” (19%) with critics praising the setting but some calling combat repetitive. One review noted “The city feels alive even as it dies but I wish the fights had more depth.” 89% of players unlock all 45 achievements which reward exploration death-count challenges and dialogue choices. The community moodboard is dominated by moody phrases like “hauntingly beautiful” and “got wrecked by a trashcan.”
PlayPile's Take
Bound City is worth playing if you prioritize mood and mystery over polished mechanics. At $29.99 it’s reasonably priced for the experience but the $5 achievement cost makes it a bit stingy for completionists. Best for fans of games like Disco Elysium or Oxenfree who enjoy piecing together fractured stories. Skip if you want fast action or clear objectives. The permadeath system is clever but punishing and the lack of a map can feel like a design oversight. Still its eerie world and emotional beats stick with you long after you leave.
Game Modes
Single player
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