Xbox Games Showcase: Grounded is a really novel take on survivalist co-op
It's a big game...with a small twist. No, literally.
Image: Obsidian Entertainment
As far as co-op survivalist games go, I have to say Grounded sets the bar in a really weird spot. You see, Obsidian Entertainment made several announcements during the Xbox Games Showcase, and this quirky little entry was one of them.
Nope, it's not as ominous and foreboding as Don't Starve Together, but you might want to bring along some bug spray for this. Instead of your conventional "survive in the middle of nowhere" concept, Grounded puts you and your pals in the garden, which sounds nice at first, until you realise that you play as kids who have been shrunk down to the size of ants, and as such as have to duke it out against the multitudes of creepy-crawlies that live in the vicinity. Ants, bees, roaches, you name it.
As expected, surviving involves completing tasks like creating a shelter, and being able to build (and improve) your own fort out of materials like leaves and twigs is by far the most interesting thing about the game for me. Of course, there's also the adventuring bit, where you'll have to scavenge for materials all over the "yard", sometimes venturing down into the holes where those pesky bugs live. Who knew your mum's flower garden could be so terrifying?
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.