Bookbound Brigade

Capsule ComputersAdmir Brkic

8/10

A colorful and engaging Metroidvania game with a unique gameplay premise.

WayTooManyGamesAaron Price

7.5/10

Most people have fond memories of books and some of their favourite characters. Everyone reading this will have fond memories of video games and their favourite characters from those. What if, your favourite character from your favourite book was put into video game form and learned to speak modern day slang? Well, that’s something Bookbound Brigade has set out to offer. Now when we talk about books, that’s not referring to Team Edward or Team Jacob (do people still know these, or did I j...

Like I said, there are some good ideas to be found in Bookbound Brigade, and when everything clicks into place, it can be a lot of fun. But between the unreliable map, the tedious combat, the tired sense of humour, and the missed opportunity to do anything noteworthy with the “literary mash-up premise”, Bookbound Brigade’s good ideas are overshadowed by poor execution.

TheSixthAxisSteve C

5/10

I really wanted to like Bookbound Brigade, but its flaws are too great to overlook. There are moments when it all comes together and you get a real sense of achievement from navigating a tricky section of traps or figuring out a nice environmental puzzles, but these are too often overshadowed by boring combat and the chore that is getting around the world. Unlike the books and stories that Bookbound Brigade is inspired by, good writing is not enough to salvage this story.

Nintendo World ReportMelanie Zawodniak

4/10

Between it’s poor writing, sloppy controls, and lackluster exploration, Bookbound Brigade has a lot of missed potential. With how long and difficult a linear corridor in the game can be and exploration overall taking a backseat, it doesn’t succeed very often as a Metroidvania. Meanwhile the bad characterization and juvenile writing kneecaps a framing device that could’ve been interesting enough to make up for the bland gameplay. I can’t see myself ever returning to the game, and I don’t have much reason to say anyone else should bother with it either.

GameSpewKim Snaith

4/10

Needless to say, I did not enjoy my time with Bookbound Brigade, but I do say that with a heavy heart. I really wanted to like the game. It has a lot of character and some nice work has gone into its visual design. But its problems are insurmountable and ultimately you’re left with a game that’s too frustrating and filled with too many issues to ever be fun to play. At least Bookbound Brigade tries some different ideas on for size. They don’t fit, but at least the developer tries. Isn’t that what counts? “It’s not the winning, but the taking part.” Sadly, nobody’s a winner playing Bookbound Br...

Pure NintendoHeath Shusterman-Zimmerman

4/10

Bookbound Brigade is described as a new take on the established Metroidvania genre. Does a proven genre really need a fresh take? Take control of a party of

Game SkinnyJason Coles

4/10

Bookbound Brigade is a Metroidvania that simply misses the point. It builds on all of the worst aspects of the genre while enjoying none of its strengths.

GamerBravesKit

3/10

When I learnt of Bookbound Brigade, I must admit I was a little intrigued by its setting. Literary figures saving their world of print may not be the most original idea, but I was curious about the references and characters that the game would include. As for what the game actually is, it’s a 2D Metroidvania!