Review

Grounded – PS5 Version

Grounded is a survival RPG developed by Obsidian Entertainment. Initially exclusive to Xbox and PC, it is now available on PS5. Upon release, it gained popularity for its unique concept and stunning visuals. The question is, has it maintained its quality, or is it even better on PS5?

Story

Grounded is set in the backyard of the Tully family, where Dr. Wendell Tully, a quirky scientist obsessed with his shrinking project, lives with his family. Dr. Tully has perfected shrinking technology funded by the giant corporation “Ominent Practical Technologies.”

You play as one of four teenagers who mysteriously disappear from their school and wake up shrunken to the size of an ant, with no memory of how they got there. In this miniature world, you meet BURG.L, a helpful robot with memory issues, and must explore the backyard to restore its memory and uncover the mystery of your disappearance.

Your mission is to figure out how to return home by investigating the strange backyard and its secrets.

Gameplay

Grounded features a well-designed survival system where every element is interconnected. The world is full of dangers, and you’ll need to learn how to adapt and survive through experience.

Your main goal is to stay alive by maintaining your health, hunger, thirst, and energy. Collect resources from the backyard to craft tools, build shelters, and survive. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique insects that can either help or challenge you.

Time and resource management are key to your success. The game offers various ways to grow stronger, such as upgrading your tools, enhancing their power, and unlocking special abilities.

Despite your progress, the backyard always feels hostile, as if it’s trying to get rid of you. The world is alive and interactive, with each insect behaving uniquely, and the environment full of secrets waiting to be discovered.

You’ll need to plan carefully. For example, when entering a toxic area, you must wear a gas mask to avoid damage, or prepare for explosive insects that can destroy your equipment. Different areas and enemies require specific strategies and tools to succeed.

Graphics and Performance

Grounded boasts high-quality graphics that blend realism with charm. The backyard is rich with diversity, featuring detailed insects and beautiful environments that make you feel truly tiny.

On PS5, the game runs at 1600p with 60 FPS, but it occasionally drops to 45 FPS. In contrast, the Xbox Series X|S versions are more stable, offering higher graphical fidelity and smoother performance.

Final Rating

8.5/10

Grounded is a thrilling and unique adventure that stands out among RPGs. Even if you’re not into survival games, it’s a great starting point worth your time and attention. While Obsidian Entertainment did an excellent job, the PS5 version’s performance falls slightly short, keeping it from achieving an even higher rating.