Grounded 2: Honey, I Shrunk the Frame Rate
A backyard adventure with bugs, battles, and a bit of a bumpy ride
Launch Day Larry
Welcome to “Grounded 2,” where the world is your backyard, and the bugs are both your neighbors and your nemeses. This sequel to the beloved “Grounded” promises to shrink you down to size once more, offering a mix of survival horror and sandbox exploration. But does it live up to its predecessor, or does it get squashed under the weight of its own ambitions? Let’s dive in and find out.
Gameplay: A Familiar Yet Flawed Foray
“Grounded 2” builds on the solid foundation of its predecessor, retaining the core mechanics that fans loved. The combat system has seen some improvements, with smarter AI and a rewarding perfect block mechanic that adds a layer of strategy. The addition of a dodge feature is a welcome change, though the lack of a proper parry system leaves some players feeling like they’re swinging at shadows. The Omnitool, while a novel idea, feels like it was designed by someone who thinks a Rubik’s Cube is a stress reliever.
Performance, however, is where “Grounded 2” stumbles. Even high-end systems struggle with stuttering and frame rate drops, making it feel like you’re playing in a slideshow at times. The lack of detailed graphics settings is a sore point, leaving players with only broad presets to choose from. It’s like being handed a Swiss Army knife with only two functions: “cut” and “poke.”
Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Lag
Visually, “Grounded 2” is a treat. The graphics are stunning, with impressive detail that brings the miniature world to life. Even on lower settings, the game maintains a remarkable level of visual fidelity, which is a testament to its design. However, the performance issues cast a shadow over this beauty, with frame rate dips that can turn a tense bug battle into a frustrating slideshow.
The absence of advanced graphics options like DLSS and FSR is a missed opportunity, leaving players hoping for future updates to smooth out the experience. Until then, you’ll need a rig that could power a small spaceship to enjoy the game at its best.
Story: A Small Tale with Big Ambitions
The narrative of “Grounded 2” is as engaging as ever, drawing players into a world where survival is both a challenge and an adventure. The story continues the series’ tradition of blending whimsy with tension, offering plot twists that keep players on their toes. However, the character development leaves something to be desired, with returning characters like Willow feeling less expressive than before.
The expansive game world offers plenty of exploration opportunities, though some players feel the story could have been an expansion rather than a full sequel. Despite these concerns, the narrative holds promise, with a quirky sense of humor that adds a unique flavor to the experience.
Final Verdict
“Grounded 2” is a game with immense potential, offering a captivating blend of survival, exploration, and storytelling. However, it’s currently held back by performance issues and some design choices that may not appeal to everyone. If you’re a fan of the original, there’s plenty to love here, but be prepared for a few bumps along the way. With future updates, “Grounded 2” could become a standout title in the survival crafting genre.
Score: 6.5/10