A HIDDEN GEM We Almost MISSED!? A Space For the Unbound Review

[@SwitchUpYt]

I had to get this one out. Was going to form a part of a larger video but didn’t seem fair to the developers. Enjoy! Mark

[@jordongee2347]

How long does it take generally, with editing and stuff to put together a shorter video like this, out of curiosity.

[@Anni_ka]

Thank you for giving the game a whole review! It definitely looks/sounds like its deserving of its own video!

[@SiobhanR28]

Im so glad it scored highly. Deffo have to play this now

[@2crack_17]

Glad to see this one get its own dedicated review, you can tell the developers put a lot of heart into this game

[@hyperplayrpg]

LOvED it! Especially the beautifully poetic Donnie Darko / rain falling intro. The muse really took you, there...

[@MrJimithee]

"Otherness and familiarity" That's the perfect phrase, so rare to see a game that so confidently has it's own style Defo on my radar

[@boeta9778]

anemoia - n. nostalgia for a time you've never known

[@franciscodelico]

Man, sometimes you can just see at first glance that a game is special. I don't know if it's the art style, the dialogue, the cutscenes, or even the music... This goes straight into my list, might even bite and buy it while it's still on sale.

[@jaydig2]

Dang you took the words right from my brain. As soon as I saw the art i just felt like l had to have it

[@Ser-Smiley]

Though it's not my kind of game. But i really, really like the visuals of this game.

[@Chronicles_Of_WA]

Preach. So many indie games grab me like that, Night in the Woods, Firewatch, etc.

[@infamousincubus2888]

I'd say it's definitely the art style. I believe it's often an underrated quality of a game that has the momentum to drive every other element of the game to new heights

[@retardbutsmarter2394]

​@@Chronicles_Of_WA I'm searching for some nice games like night in the woods, unbound and others. Got any more suggestions?

[@whydty]

I love how they put so many references, easter egg, and trivia about living in 90s Indonesia and captured them in pixelated style. It makes the game visually gorgeous and fresh also feeling nostalgic at the same time. Makes me want to go back to school 😁

[@son9626]

Ada indonesia cuy

[@kevintown311]

As I've gotten older I've found myself playing a few more of these low impact games

[@SwitchUpYt]

Yeah same they seem to resonate more. Mark

[@kevintown311]

@@SwitchUpYt I put way more hours into Stardew Valley and Spiritfarer than I ever would've expected

[@redcrimson1028]

Yeah same here. These simple 90's Era games are the best. Not too complicated, now long loading scenes, pure Art, no focus on only graphics jist straight fun, story, replay value and gameplay.

[@iluminera]

Any recomendation? I played this game, finished, and now i feel so empty

[@JayVGBND]

@@iluminerawatch out for “Unitl Then” on May 2024 with similar vibes, setting on south East Asia and gameplay

[@isrankamal3880]

idk why, but when i saw this game the rush emotion of nostalgic really kicks back and set me in tears! the 90s really is special! game nowadays focused too much on graphical side but lacking in storytelling.

[@SwitchUpYt]

Yeah I agree!

[@marty922]

Love when you highlight these hidden gems. I'd have no way of knowing about them otherwise. Keep up the hard work fellas. You're killing it.

[@Westershire]

I've started to appreciate linear games much more lately. This looks like a great experience!

[@thisisstupid6524]

Me too I prefer them

[@Tom-C]

Wouldn't know this game existed without this channel! The art style is great, and that decent review score makes it a definite one to add to the list!

[@jaydig2]

This might be a real gem. The art and story are really impressive...I love the flow

[@2crack_17]

That music is excellent too!

[@erinsmith4416]

This has to be the cosiest feeling review you have done and I'm HERE for it. The game was on my wishlist but moving it up after your review.

[@druagablackhart621]

Definitely putting this on my wishlist now! It flew under my radar, but thanks to you guys I now know of it, thank you! As per usual, great review! You guys always put such effort and style into them, I appreciate it! :)

[@brownian29]

This never came across my radar (and it probably wouldn’t have if not for SwitchUp)! Thanks for taking the time and care to do a full review - this looks like a really good one, also really impressed by the art style 👍

[@micahlynx]

I was immediately drawn in by the art style of the game but wasn't sure whether or not it would be worth picking up, but i think this review has convinced me!

[@jordanmkrebs]

I really liked that visual style. Especially the "cutscenes." I love it when games intersect with art (in this case in the visuals and writing). Those are the games that stick with you.

[@Ser-Smiley]

It is indeed visually stunning for a pixel art game.

[@2crack_17]

The colors really pop

[@pheonix9372]

I have been following an Indonesian Indie Gamer for years and heard about this for quite a while. Glad others have been introduced and enjoyed this game too! It's such a strange feeling to be nostalgic for a time//place I've not really experienced.

[@danberry746]

This is 100% my payday treat! I played through Gris today.. wow that’s not a game that is a work of art! It was beautiful in ever single way and has literally given me the most chill day off so Thankyou for giving chill games shout outs it’s been really appreciated today!

[@Anni_ka]

I definitely cried at the ending of Gris due to the music alone! That game is truly a piece of art as well!

[@Ser-Smiley]

Been hearing really good things about Gris. Perhaps i'll get it "someday" when i clear my backlog.

[@danberry746]

@@Ser-Smiley it really was amazing ! I got through it in about 4 hours or so

[@danberry746]

@@Anni_ka I agree the music was beautiful

[@silentapple5923]

This one’s a tear jerker man…

[@erinmmcmahon]

Good to see games coming out of Indonesia - and set in Indonesia and about Indonesians to boot. Such a rich and artistically talented people, it's only a matter of time before the rest of the world sits up and takes notice #banggabudaya #banggaberbahasa

[@elczing]

This will for sure be on my wishlist! The art style is lovely, and along with the music it gives me nostalgia.

[@dadilevs]

I just love the fact that when i receive notifications for your new upload, I'm also reminded that I'm 50mins away from clocking out of shift. So i just watch your watch the video and patiently wait. The best way to end my workday 😁😁

[@Oatmeal_Ghost]

Wow this looks right up my alley. I’ve learned that audio is really big for me in games, as is story and characters. Definitely keeping my eye on this one. Plus, I love cats.

[@Ser-Smiley]

Hehehe. I love cats too. I always make sure to feed and pet any stray cats that is willing to come to me when i call for it. 😺

[@Buzz231094]

This game looks very quirky & interesting, the setting of Indonesia is cool & different as well and 90’s references are always appreciated 👌 Will add to the continually growing wish list!

[@mona8230]

I saw an article about this game on google a few days ag, it definitely caught my attention and I'm planning on buying it next paycheck. Your review makes me feel like I'm making the right choice

[@PozemiZahhak]

I just picked up the special edition of this game on a whim , seeing it sitting on a shelf in a store. Only got a few hours in today and your phrase "otherness and familiarity" describes the feeling perfectly. I'm so glad I bought it, especially coming with the gorgeous art book and extras, and can't wait to experience this story to it's conclusion!

[@iqbalfebri4082]

Just want to give everyone more courage to buy this game. ASFTU is as beautiful as how life could be, it’s hurtful and depressing yet it helped me rise from my daily breakdown. It really show how i could overcome people expectation throught me and not losing my ownself. This game is an Indonesian game masterpiece at it’s best, totally worth the wait and the first day buy is a good choice!

[@MattTheHun]

Now you just made me want to play this game with this review, Mark. Great vid (as always)!

[@mayralex18]

i remember adding this to my wishlist after it appeared in a direct, glad that it turned out to be a pleasant experience but a little disappointed at the price- duration ratio. Definitively gonna wait for a sale on this one. Thanks guys!

[@2crack_17]

Same, a bit too steep for my liking

[@KeanLoongMak]

I've been looking at it for a long time, but your review pushed me to wishlist it and wait for a sale. It's set in Indonesia which is familiar to me in South East Asia. And the bit about the old lady just makes me want to help.

[@conkodine9795]

Well done. I caught a glimpse of this at PAX Aus last year, and the Toge team was great fun to chat with.

[@jemmadavies3226]

I preordered this game, which is so rare for me to do before I have seen any reviews, but I fell in love with it!! So glad to see it’s a gem!!

[@Ravenna_Black]

It's these types of finds that keeps me coming back to your channel. I need this game.

[@SwitchUpYt]

Hey thanks! Mark

[@Ravenna_Black]

@@SwitchUpYt you are most welcome.

[@Lucretia019]

Mmm this one looks like a whole sentimental journey and sometimes that's all we want as gamers (or at least that's my case hahaha). Another one more added to the wishlist! Thanks!

[@Nedwig747]

You had me at "you make a home for stray cats"

[@adenkoniogaming5721]

Makoto shinkai must played this

[@wandering1976]

oh, i LOVED this game! My bf bought it for me as a birthday gift this year and I loved it even more than I thought I would. The story is beautiful and not at all what i was expecting it to be, and the ending made me cry my eyes out!

[@aliens4582]

I cannot wait to play this one. Been on my radar since its announcement. Thanks (again) for the review!!!

[@wisnudJat]

As an Indonesian, thank you very much to cover this game 🙏

[@ty_sylicus]

Great review. I could see myself trying something like this.

[@brendafsl]

0:40 just by this description I am already convinced

[@glove98]

You had me at Donnie Darko.

[@kevinwebb82]

I read somewhere you can pet all the cats , that's when I knew I was sold on this game. lol

[@jordongee2347]

😄😄 Did it say anywhere that they'd up and leave when they were done with your pets though? Or anything about parading their B holes in your face? Cats sure are A holes, but, do I admire their independence and utter lack of care. Jerks. 😄

[@Anni_ka]

That makes the game even more purrfect than I already thought ! (sorry)

[@2crack_17]

Can you keep the ninja chicken tho?? 🤔🤔

[@sevensyns7732]

One cat is too many cats for me.

[@wolfdewitte]

Great review! There seem to be some interesting gameplay and narrative elements here. Also, I do like cats, and there sure seem to be many of them--talking ones too, at that!

[@calbeau]

The setting seems interesting. I should check this out. Thanks for the tip, guys!

[@hassassinator8858]

The story was beautiful. I teared up near the end (and I never do that).

[@tomassoejakto]

I'm Indonesian, and I went to school in the 90s. We're not allowed to have our school uniform unbuttoned and untucked. But we all wish we could 😜

[@Caffrey90]

It caught my eye as well when I saw it on one of the recent Directs and I'm glad it indeed is great. I'll wait for sale, however, as I'm used to playing longer games and this one seems bit short by my standards 😊

[@Ser-Smiley]

I'll wait for a sale too. A big sale. It's not my kind of game but im willing to give it a try when it's a lot cheaper. That way i have time to clear some of my backlogs and it's easier on my wallet too.

[@boeta9778]

it took me 8-10 hours, longer than Resident evil 3 remake

[@TheREALHugo4]

This could be the best hidden gem of 2023.

[@FebiMaster]

This is a lovely game, as an Indonesian growing up in early 2000s, there are so many references in there that i can relate to, cultural aspects that are common, social norms, life, etc, and they captured it nicely in a pixel art retro style! The music is amazing as well. Well i always loved games from Toge Productions though, since infectonator came out, i bought this in deluxe edition so i can appreciate the artbook, OST and can support them as well.

[@nellpreston9850]

You had me at cats... Great review.

[@Katrinioni]

Even just the first few seconds of that soundtrack sound pretty special! Always enjoy reviews of games you have strong feelings about, whether positive or negative! This one was great, never would've even noticed the game otherwise. Think at that price it might be a sale pick though

[@dadayaga]

My nostalgia quota has been fully filled by the goldeneye trailer earlier but I do like the look of this. One for the wishlist I think.

[@Ser-Smiley]

Oh? Golden Eye is coming to the switch? That's great news!

[@dadayaga]

Yes @@Ser-Smiley to switch online. Online multi player too!

[@Schizm1]

This is some seriously gorgeous pixel art! Also game sounds wonderful - Thx for covering it, I just found a perfect game for upcoming weekend.

[@xelthos2051]

Gives me the To The Moon vibe. Definitely have to check it out.

[@jaime5030]

I was sold on this game the minute I heard the soundtrack. It just seems cozy and the art style's amazing. I will definitely pick this up. (Plus the cats are a bonus)

[@Ucey365]

This looks like a really good game. I literally just purchased it after this review. Thanks again guys.

[@2crack_17]

Funny how often that happens lol

[@SwitchUpYt]

Hehe I hope you enjoy it! Mark

[@eXodi4]

This seems to be right on my alley, action adventure 2d game (not rpg), this definitely looks like a gem and the art style its gorgeous, adding it to my wishlist. Thanks for the review guys

[@kaidorade1317]

This just looks neat! Plus a game taking place in my era? (I was born in 90) heck yes!

[@chasonlapointe]

Love the look of this, Definitely going on the Wishlist. Thanks for showcasing it!

[@omarhussain9864]

The artistic style actually looks quite nice

[@switchingitup_]

Just downloaded this today after hearing and reading all these glowing reviews, cannot wait to jump in.

[@minjod]

I like how it looks. Pretty unique.

[@tonitorres3952]

That opening music, damn ¡¡¡ Gives me the same chills I got from Gris

[@datsunmedia91]

HELL YEAH DUDES!! 300K and growing. Congrats boys. You deserve it 💖

[@RayaSpaceU]

_88% is Nostalgeah_ but I'll increase it to 90%. This game is very interesting, the story plot really fits my life when I was in high school in the 90s. Thank you for the good rating of this game

[@royceflores23]

Ok, this is on the list. Kind of an awesome review for a game I’ve NEVER heard of. Easy wishlist for me. Cheers guys, SEE YAAAAA

[@Ser-Smiley]

Leave it to SwitchUp to introduce to us hidden gems like this one. 😆 Seee yaaaa!

[@lucasreynolds5264]

Congrats on 300k, here's to 400!

[@theirishgoodbye]

It reminds me a little of some old point and click adventures that I devoured in the early 00s. The music sample they used during the score section has made me very curious...I might give this a whirl

[@danishbinbabjan]

Wow, thanks for the review!! Been really interested to know more about the game when you guys included it in one of your previous videos ✌️

[@mk_s1601]

This looks absolutely beautiful! Definitely deserves the spotlight!

[@2crack_17]

Right up there with shredders revenge for best pixelated artstyle imo

[@planckstudios]

72 tracks! wow. some serious love behind this one. Great find

[@JohnD131]

Was looking at this one, and this review has probably convinced me to pick it up. Thanks!

[@adamcampbell3263]

Added this one to my watchlist a few weeks back, glad to see it’s turned out well! Always on the lookout for a decent indie to play, this one seems to have a great look to it

[@qiy7138]

i don't know how to express this feeling but ITS JUST REALLY GOOD

[@ideossl7753]

Pixelated games always had special part in my heart

[@OvenFreshBread]

This looks like an interesting game I haven't heard of before. Gonna put it on my wishlist.

[@alastair9870]

Just finished chained echoes a while ago (a great game in its own right) and it has some of the best pixel graphics to date. This game appears to be on par in that aspect. That alone makes this game worth checking out.

[@FurrySpatula]

Thank you for reminding me about that one. It has to move up my list!

[@Ser-Smiley]

How many hours does it takes to finish Chained Echoes. That game is very high in my list of must buy games.

[@alastair9870]

@Mr Smiley Completed all sidequests and defeated all secret bosses at around 40 hours. Main story, I think around 30.

[@Ser-Smiley]

@@alastair9870 oh so total is 40 hours? Or is it 70 hours (main quest + extras)?

[@alastair9870]

@@Ser-Smiley 30 hours to complete the main story, additional 10 hours for everything else. So a total of 40-ish hours.

[@DanCarnellious]

It certainly looks nice and I caught a number of pop culture references through out. Kinda reminds me of Attack of the Friday Monsters on the 3DS- minus the Kaiju😅 Great review as always, cheers Mark!

[@Mezino]

Reminds me of a card based story game I had on the Wii U. Attack of the Friday Monsters! If it's anything like that this will be a definite buy for me.

[@apryasmaraandika]

Game ini hampir perfect, hanya perlu di perbaikin genre fighting ala street fighter saat main arcade dengan menggunakan kombinasi tombol yg bikin makin seru

[@durona]

Really love the visuals on this one! Might check this one out before Cereza & the Lost Demon comes out!

[@Anni_ka]

Speaking of gorgeous games! At least there's enough time till March, I'm pretty excited for Bayonetta Origins as well!

[@durona]

@@Anni_ka Totally wasn't on my radar until I played the demo in Bayonetta 3 and now I can't wait!

[@Anni_ka]

@@durona ​ The fact that there's a demo in Bayo 3 has been really tempting me to just get that game as well, even though I wanted to wait for a bit of a sale 😅

[@durona]

@@Anni_ka I would honestly wait for a sale. I bought it off the high of finally playing 2, and I've tapered off of it. More slower-paced than 2 IMO. Still fun, but I wish I had paid less haha!

[@durona]

@@Anni_ka Also the demo is VERY short

[@Mr.Vetkoek]

Wow, this is not my type of game but now i consider buying it. Great Review 👌🏻

[@kellyakeisha]

I don't think it's 90's. It's more like early 2000s. Like the internet cafe, many films, the kid's game, so many references that not 90s but 2000s!!!! :0

[@ben2rex]

Love the awkward cinema scene.. hahaha been there ;) really like the general feel of this game, thanks for this review Mark, hadn't heard of it at all before!

[@cell20711]

Was on the fence about this one but the review definitely helped me decide to wishlist it

[@jonk4255]

Stuck in the ‘90’s. These days I haven’t got the time or patience to invest in a narrative laden game, which is a shame as it does look so good

[@meertjedebest]

Yes!! This one was on my list already. I picked this one up from one of you guys earlier vids. Was instantly attracted to the mental health element. Now adding cats as another reason to buy 🤣

[@jeremycraig6376]

I liked all the words you used in this review. “Even if the chicken is a ninja.” Now you are going to have to let me in on how you bend time and space so I can play all of these awesome games. Please?

[@Ser-Smiley]

Ah. I was wondering when you guys are going to review this one. As i suspected, not my kind of game this one. Thanks for the review Mark! 🤗

[@jordongee2347]

Might be worth a sale pickup.

[@Ser-Smiley]

@@jordongee2347 yep. Miiiight give it a go if it's a deep sale. Then again im always about that deep sale. 😅

[@Anni_ka]

I'm usually more of a gameplay over story kinda gamer, but occasionally a more story-focused game like this does get my attention...usually it's an indie!xD

[@jordongee2347]

@@Ser-Smiley Oh I'm all about that life, I'm like oooooh, 5 bucks...but...will it go more? Do I NEEEEEEEED to play this right now? Then I just kick myself for letting it go, ahhhh the one that got away, I had a friend like that once, every girl he dated, "I think this is the one", I'm like, EVERY girls the one Marty...🙄🙄

[@jordongee2347]

@@Anni_ka indies are just so good these days, most of the time better than the biggies me thinks.

[@lewa3910]

It looks truly special!

[@chokedbybacklog5433]

Thank you for reviewing this one. It looks like my backlog will grow a title larger. 😬

[@goncalooliveira9857]

I was a bit skeptical about this one and I didn't know if I really wanted to try it out or not, but after this review... Oh boy... There are so many cats!!! I must have it!

[@hindsightdocumentary8351]

Gotta add this one to the collection soon. Glad it turned out well!

[@yis8fire]

The beauty in inde games is that any game can be a hidden gem- a game that is so good its way better then an AAA game

[@FitzKnows23]

Thanks for revealing all these hidden gyms. You guys are awesome

[@bagz4715]

I honestly was about to grab this once I was done with fire emblem. Appreciate the review now I know it’s worth a grab

[@SiobhanR28]

I really wanted this. Let's find out if its any good! I fully trust you guys

[@BillBill_86]

This definitely looks like a quality game. I'm glad you did this review. Cheers.

[@lambrettaking472]

I'm on the fence about this one just can't make my mind up. Great video as usual guys