Unbound: Worlds Apart Review: A Stunning, Challenging Portal-Puzzle Adventure Now 85% Off
2/08/2026
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An image showing the game Unbound: Worlds Apart and the Steam logo.
If you're a fan of puzzle-platformers that demand sharp reflexes and even sharper thinking, your next obsession might be waiting in your Steam library. Unbound: Worlds Apart, the critically acclaimed title from Alien Pixel Studios, isn't just another platformer—it's a beautiful, brain-bending journey through fractured realities. And right now, for a very limited time, you can embark on this adventure for a mere $2.99.
Released in the summer of 2021, Unbound has steadily built a passionate following, earning an impressive 84% positive rating from over 1,270 Steam reviewers. It’s a game that wears its challenge on its sleeve, masterfully blending precise platforming sequences with ingenious, portal-based puzzles.
A Universe in Peril, A Mage with a Gift
The story plunges you into a lush, hand-drawn universe threatened by a sinister force. All worlds, once connected by stable portals, have been torn asunder. You play as Soli, a young mage who possesses a rare and powerful gift: the ability to open portals and, more crucially, to control the inherent properties of each world he steps into.
This core mechanic is where Unbound truly shines. One moment you’re in a verdant forest, the next you open a portal to a dark realm where gravity reverses, or a mechanical world where time slows to a crawl. Soli himself gains the properties of these zones, allowing for mind-bending traversal and puzzle-solving. It’s a concept that constantly introduces fresh, exciting challenges across its varied environments.
An image showing a platform sequence in Unbound: Worlds Apart.
An image showing a portal in Unbound: Worlds Apart.
More Than Just Platforming: Secrets, Skills, and Quests
Each of the interconnected worlds is packed with distinct environmental puzzles, hidden secrets, and formidable enemies and bosses. Progress isn't just about reaching the end; it’s about mastering your growing suite of abilities. As you advance and defeat foes, you’ll unlock new skills essential for accessing previously unreachable areas, embracing satisfying Metroidvania-style progression.
The world feels alive with characters who offer side quests—some simple, others devilishly complex—that reward exploration with valuable upgrades. It’s a game that encourages you to look off the beaten path.
While its strengths are monumental, Unbound is a game that knows its niche. Prospective players should note a couple of points. The difficulty can feel uneven at times, with sudden spikes between levels that may test your patience. Additionally, while the world begs to be explored, the main story campaign is noted to be on the shorter side according to aggregate data from HowLongToBeat. Lastly, for the most precise control during its toughest sequences, using a controller is highly recommended by the community.
The Verdict: An Unmissable Deal for Puzzle-Platformer Fans
With its gorgeous art, ingenious portal mechanics, and a deeply rewarding learning curve, Unbound: Worlds Apart is a standout title in the genre. The occasional difficulty hiccup and shorter main narrative are small trade-offs for an experience this creative and polished.
And now, with this massive discount, there’s never been a better time to dive in. According to SteamDB, this sale slashes the price from $19.99 to just $2.99. But act fast—this portal of opportunity closes on February 11, 2026, after which the game returns to its full price. For less than the cost of a coffee, you can own one of the most inventive indie platformers of recent years.