Game news A new video game in “5 dimensions” where you have to play… two games at the same time
In the world of independent games, we very frequently find very unique concepts, like today with that of Screenbound.
“A game that allows you to be distracted while remaining in control”, this is the slightly crazy concept of Screenbound, a platform game that is clearly not like the others ; the principle is as you can guess from the image: you must move your character in first person view in a shimmering 3D space while playing a small 2D game on the screen. As you will have understood, this very unique experience requires excellent coordination and just as good concentration.
Also, while you play on the screen of your “Qboy”, the nickname given to the title’s virtual console, “surprising” environmental puzzles will force you to test the limits of dimensional space. And while the fight takes place in 2D, you will receive your loot in 3D. Hidden areas can also be found in the settings. Small bonus for good replayability: Screenbound has a level editor in a 2D style, which automatically generates the 3D level for you. Nice ! As for the scenario, it is explained with the following words:
So how did this happen?
Your mother invented the device and you found it in the garage.
She’s kept it a secret all this time, and other dark secrets begin to be revealed as you delve deeper into the game.
You will also find other things. But let’s not spoil the plot. – Steam sheet of the game
The game is developed by three talented indies who like to think of their game as a “5D” platformer. Naturally, the concept had a small impact on social networks and received a little boost from Jake Lucky, an influential personality in the industry. No release date to note yet, but you can already wishlist the title on its Steam page
Another suggestion: Viewfinder
If playing with perspectives is fun for you, Viewfinder is also a game for you, and it has already been available since last year. Here, the principle is quite different: you have to use the scenery and its perspectives to unlock your path through a slew of levels ; a puzzle game which borrows a lot of elements from Portal or Superliminal and which is really very clever. Over time, new mechanics are added to the game, so you never get bored. “Although as minimalist as The Witness in its proposal and its AD, Viewfinder still offers us a less mysterious and interesting story to follow,” we wrote earlier about it. With a nice average of 85 on Metacritic, it’s clearly a success.