Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. Jan 18, 2023
    100
    Characters are memorable and well drawn, literally and figuratively, and the game ably tackles thorny issues such as the consequences of school bullying, and the terrible toll taken by anxiety, depression and domestic abuse. For the most part, the 12-hour runtime flies by as you get to know every delightful nook and cranny of the cosy neighbourhood; only the final third drags a little. It feels worthwhile after the superb ending, though, which ensures that this game will live on in your memory for a long, long time after the credits roll.
  2. Mar 6, 2023
    90
    A Space for the Unbound rotates between visual novel scenes, fetch quests, quick-time-event fights and increasingly complex puzzles. It moves along at a steady pace, but gives space for the player to breathe when things get heavy. There's always a stray cat to pet if you need a moment to recover.
  3. Feb 16, 2023
    90
    All this in service of a tale that effortlessly juggles lighthearted humour with careful traversal of serious, difficult themes like domestic violence, while building to an especially emotional conclusion. A Space for the Unbound is an enchanting, sometimes confronting dive into a slice of Indonesian history, and a journey will worth taking.
  4. Feb 13, 2023
    90
    A Space for the Unbound is an incredibly touching story that will keep you guessing until the very end. With beautiful pixel art and a fantastic soundtrack, this is a game you don’t want to miss.
  5. Feb 10, 2023
    90
    There are numerous interesting puzzles that unfold because of the game’s unusual mechanics and set up, and it would be almost unfair to ruin any of them for you here. We’d therefore recommend trying out A Space For The Unbound if you’re looking for something that’s clearly been made with love and passion – it’s hard not to be whisked away by its charms.
  6. Jan 25, 2023
    90
    A Space for the Unbound sports an amazing narrative arc, capable of projecting itself towards an ending that will linger for a long time in the minds and the hearts of the players. This adventure deserves to be lived for its colours, for the atmosphere of the city and for its original narrative arc, under the sign of two brilliantly written female characters. We suggest you without reserve to play A Space for the Unbound if you know the English language.
  7. Jan 24, 2023
    90
    While a few of the gameplay portions in the middle dragged a bit too much, A Space for the Unbound is one of the best narrative driven indie games I’ve played. Despite not having been to Indonesia which inspires the setting, the storytelling, characters, and atmosphere all felt perfect. It reminded me of how I felt playing The Kids We Were and Persona 4 Golden in that sense. If you enjoy memorable stories and great characters, A Space for the Unbound is an easy recommendation on Nintendo Switch.
  8. Feb 20, 2023
    88
    A Space for the Unbound is a little gem that no one should miss.
  9. Feb 2, 2023
    88
    A Space for the Unbound delivers its story of domestic/school violence (and overcoming it!) with its own imagination and well written characters. The tiny little details in the game that introduce Indonesian culture not only showed the developers' affection for their home country, but also made me want to know more about the country.
  10. Feb 28, 2023
    85
    At the end, A Space for the Unbound is one of the best indies of the year so far. The gaming experience is pleasant, but also emotional and capable of generating some unpleasant emotions. Definitely, it's an indie game worth giving a chance, even though its story and ending may break our hearts, and the Space Dive reminds us to take care of our mind and emotions.
  11. Feb 9, 2023
    85
    Underneath the layers of cute pixelated art and a calming lofi-like OST is a short yet memorable story. It will leave you in need of Atma to dive into your heart after it is shattered time and time again by the tales to be told of feeling fearful of one’s future.
  12. Jan 27, 2023
    85
    A Space for the Unbound tells a beautiful story with a lot of humanity and fantastic elements. Although its gameplay can get a bit tedious, it is an experience that we recommend to indie game lovers.
  13. 85
    Overall, A Space for the Unbound is a must play for those that enjoy getting an emotional experience from their games. The puzzles are generally easy to understand, and the game does a good job of making each space dive throughout the story feel different from the last in some meaningful way, helping gameplay not get stale as you go. It may take a tad longer than it should to get to the various emotional payoffs, but those moments are well done and generally worth it.
  14. Jan 18, 2023
    85
    A Space for the Unbound starts 2023 off right with one of the better narrative romps I’ve had in a long time. A slice-of-life narrative tale set in 90’s Indonesia and filled with supernatural twists finds a way to be compelling to all walks of life thanks to a well-crafted story with a lot of heart. Excellent world design and music help seal the deal. The game is moderately slowed down due to extensive foot travel and some strange point and click mechanics but the rest of the game is so interesting that you learn to roll with it.
  15. Feb 2, 2023
    80
    Quotation forthcoming.
  16. Jan 30, 2023
    80
    I especially recommend it if you’re a fan of adventure games with a lot of puzzles. You definitely won’t be disappointed given how plentiful and unique they are. Overall I am happy I got to play this gem of a game and am looking forward to more from Mojiken.
  17. Jan 27, 2023
    80
    A Space for the Unbound is an ode to teenage nonchalance, and an emotional lesson in learning to let go, all wrapped up in a story about a superpowered calamity. Its disparate parts thoughtfully work together to create a heartfelt story, full of characters you won't want to say goodbye to.
  18. Jan 18, 2023
    80
    A Space for the Unbound takes us on a wholesome and emotional adventure across an Indonesian town, following a high school couple working around mystical and unforeseen problems.
  19. Jan 18, 2023
    80
    A Space for the Unbound is a brisk 15-hour story that is full of surprises and potent emotional beats. While it doesn’t offer much in the way of replayability, it’s a hugely memorable experience nonetheless.
  20. Jan 18, 2023
    80
    Despite the runtime being padded out by some meandering requests, A Space For The Unbound is a perfect little adventure title to curl up with on a rainy day. The myriad puzzles, while never overtly challenging, switch things up often enough to keep from growing tedious. At the same time, we wholeheartedly recommend it for its bittersweet, sombre narrative alone. It never veers too far into melancholic territory yet handles some heavy topics with grace. We didn’t come away gloomy from the potentially depressing themes depicted via the wonderful inhabitants of this beautifully rendered snapshot of Indonesia. Rather, we came away genuinely touched and inspired.
  21. Feb 8, 2023
    70
    While it’s far from perfect, I can safely recommend A Space for the Unbound to anyone looking for a cosy indie title with real emotional weight imbued within.
  22. Jan 19, 2023
    70
    A Space for the Unbound tries to stand on its story, but wraps it in a gameplay that is unbearably tedious.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
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  1. Feb 1, 2023
    Disparate parts pull together to form a beautiful game that's only more potent for its awkward adolescence. [Eurogamer Recommended]
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Jan 20, 2023
    10
    Story, music, also the graphic is top-notch as narrative game! Also, the game is very nostalgic about the environment :D and the importantStory, music, also the graphic is top-notch as narrative game! Also, the game is very nostalgic about the environment :D and the important thing, YOU CAN PET A LOT OF CATS Full Review »
  2. Feb 22, 2023
    10
    I really cant forget any story contain in this game because almost every depth of its story gives a very depth of emotion , it hasI really cant forget any story contain in this game because almost every depth of its story gives a very depth of emotion , it has unforgettable story like another top notch rpg games with a top notch story Full Review »
  3. Feb 13, 2023
    10
    Schönes Indie Spiel und mitunter das beste was es gibt.
    Schöne Story,nur der Kampf kommt etwas zu kurz