A slice of life story is the nearest fictional tale to our real-life journey. It doesn’t focus on a chaotic atmospheres, battle, or fast-paced conflict. It focuses on representing our live daily routine, dynamic, and social interaction, wrapped with fantasy elements. One of the games that came up in this topic is A Space for the Unbound, by Mojiken Studio.
This is an Indonesian game that tell the story of adolescence. A message about loss, trauma, and the process of healing oneself are all wrapped in supernatural nuances and mystery typical of magical slice of life anime. A Space for the Unbound carries a strong Indonesian identity in 90s setting, Mojiken Studio has brought a fresh air to local game by presenting a fantasy slice of life story of Indonesian high school teenagers.
Together in the Shattered World
Atma and Raya, high school classmates that have a sweet yet mysterious bond. This is not just a predictable story. A Space for the Unbound presents the story about of our reality. This is a psychological journey that touches the topics of depression, social pressure, and the bitter realities of family life.
Both of them secretly possessed unique superpowers that nobody ever thought. “Spacedive” is the ability possessed by Atma. With that power, she can dive into other people’s minds and repair their inner wounds. These wounds have their own life. They can be in a form of puzzle or worst, such as monsters and shades.
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Plot is the main core of this game. The game uplifts the dynamic and problem of adolescent, somehow relates to ours. Exploration of mental health issues, family pressure, and past trauma presented as the heart of the narration. A Space for the Unbound is a representative of adolescent issues that often overlooked. Also, it focuses on the Indonesian teenager, not globally. These uplifted topics are taboo to discuss, but A Space for the Unbound wrapped all of them well and impeccable.
Art Feels Like Home
A Space for the Unbound perpetuates the classic visualization. A visual novel like game with pixel art graphics brings the nostalgic sensations. Navigate the 2D world feels cozy and calming with beautiful scenery. This is a masterpiece for the game in this class, especially for the Indonesian local games.
Mojiken Studio pays a great attention to the detail of the world building. There are small street grocery stall that relates to Indonesian layout, mini restaurant (warung), and many more local factors. Also, we can see the events occurring in the surrounding. Children playing with their friends, mothers gossiping, or stray cats wandering around.
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A Space for the Unbound equipped with great soundtracks. BGM that controls the mood while we are playing. The feeling it brought gives as the variation of emotions. One time it feels peaceful and soothing, then others feel sad, touching, or sorrow.
Not All Those Who Wander are Lost
The game allows us walking through the 2D world and seek what is off. Take control of Atma and Raya to see what’s happening in the world. Navigate them from place to place, whether it’s school, the street, or home. Interact with the people, that is the core of the gameplay.
When it comes to the people’s internal conflicts, be prepared for puzzles solving or battle against internal issue’s representation monsters. Make a good use of Atma and Raya’s ability to overcome people’s personal matters. Remember, A Space for the Unbound is not a journey with epic combat, but a journey to understand.
Venture with the Unbound
A Space for the Unbound is available on Steam for you to feel the touching story of Atma and Raya. Right in the middle of competitive game, you can try a new sensation of a game with slower pace. It comes with souls. It will overthrow our emotions on each segment of the story.
A Space for the Unbound isn’t just a game, but also an experience. You’ll laugh, think, and maybe even shed a tear. This game invites you to explore the wounds we often harbor and perhaps realize we’re not alone.