Windbound is an upcoming survival game set on an unexplored island. The game by 5 Lives Studio looks like a beautiful Breath of the Wild spiritual successor.
Windbound tasks the player to play as Kara, a warrior marooned on an uninhabited island. Unlike many survival sims, however, the game does not stop at punching trees and making homes.
The title encourages players to explore. With its impressive graphics, it’s hard not to see the potential in it.
Wind puts players on the shoes of a marooned warrior
What makes Wind unique is how it looks like a combination of all previous Zelda titles. The game has several islands to explore, encouraging players to use boats. Much like Zelda: Wind Waker, the game wants Kara to sail around and see the world.
The art is reminiscent of Breath of the Wild, with soft and superb cell shading. The world is nostalgic but paradise-like, focusing on nature and the azure tides. The focus on nautical adventures is a rare treat that many players will enjoy.
The focus of the gameplay itself is survival. The game encourages players to cook, hunt, scrounge, forage, and thrive. The islands are big and full of flora and fauna that makes it relaxing.
Much of the game will revolve around learning the “Forbidden Islands.” The mystery surrounding such locales is always a great way to find a twist.
“Shipwrecked alone on an uncharted island, explore, adapt and navigate the land and perilous seas to stay alive,” said the Steam page. “As Kara, you are a warrior, caught at sea in a fierce storm, adrift from your tribe. Thrown from your boat, at the mercy of the turbulent waters, you are tossed on to the shores of the Forbidden Islands, a mysterious paradise.”
Wind has many Zelda-esque elements in its gameplay
The trailer for Windbound does not dispel a ton of comparisons to Zelda. The game has all the hallmarks of the franchise. Players can do everything, from platforming to environmental puzzles.
The world also has combat, relying on lock-on fights like the one in Zelda games. The game even takes advantage of a hang-glider for air travel too. This feature harkens back to the Nintendo game and its love for hang-gliders.
Wind is one of those games that players would enjoy playing again and again. If the game allows robust crafting mechanics, the current islands are a wonder. The world is not only beautiful but mysterious too.
Windbound will come out for PC this year on August 28.
Images courtesy of Deep Silver/Youtube Screenshots