This article does not contain any story spoilers for A Space for the Unbound.
As a gamer, I embrace the fact that the virtual worlds I explore may not always align with my beliefs or identity. After all, the ability to transport us to different realms and expose us to different philosophies and lifestyles is what makes gaming beautiful. Yet, as a Muslim living in a predominantly Muslim nation, I must admit that the personal connection I felt while wandering the rural streets of Indonesia's 90s in A Space for the Unbound is beyond words.
Playing this game is like taking a trip down memory lane, as I find myself surrounded by hijab-clad female NPCs, mosque landmarks dotting the landscape, and budget-friendly wedding tents set up on the side streets. The addition of stalls selling counterfeit manga–due to the limited official distribution in this part of the world–adds to how relatable all of this feels. Not that the similarities between Egypt and Indonesia are surprising, especially with Indomie Mi Goreng noodles being a beloved cultural symbol here, but it’s a refreshing change to enjoy a game that provides a glimpse into my own cultural upbringing and atmosphere.
I wouldn’t call it an exhaustive study of Indonesian culture or history, but A Space for the Unbound does offer a distinct lens through which to view the relationship dynamics in these communities, which are mostly focused on simplicity and appreciation for life’s small pleasures. The humble prologue sets the stage, with teenage lovebirds Raya and Atma jotting down a seemingly ordinary list of aspirations - like a movie night, feline companions, or video game victories, but to me, it hit home. I, too, had many young dreams in my childhood, and nothing but a pen to write them down. My personal quest back then? To speed-run Megaman X4 in one swift playthrough. And even now, the thought still brings a smile to my face.
Plus, having their bucket list of dreams double as player objectives adds a relatable, personal touch - making the couple's relationship feel uniquely their own. Want to fulfill Raya's desire to taste that delicious Black Forest cake? Good luck jumping through the craziest hoops in indie game history to gather the ingredients. And who wouldn't want to pet and name all those adorable cats around every corner? Every action in the game reflects Raya and Atma's perspectives and personal priorities, adding an intimate, meaningful connection to the story that many games which rely on generic quest templates lack.
Most of all, I fell in love with A Space for the Unbound thanks to its surreal story design. It blends present day facts with Atma’s dreams and other bizarre occurrences, creating a multi-layered web of ambiguity and depth that forces you to question your interpretation of every story beat. And the ability to explore the inner world of various NPCs and characters is just brilliant. These dreamlike narratives are where the magic happens. They reflect the inner emotions of the characters in creative ways that more grounded stories just can’t match. Best of all, when all is said and done, your mind will be racing with questions about the symbolism and deeper meaning behind everything. You might even call these stories my kryptonite.
Unraveling the mysteries of A Space for the Unbound is an exciting journey, and I feel like I'm getting closer every day to acquiring all the keys that will unlock its secrets. As an avid mystery reader, I enjoy putting the puzzle together on my own, so it’s a pleasure to encounter a game that dares to keep the mystery alive rather than spoon-feeding players with reasons to play. It's the personal connection we make with the story, the thrill of pondering its possibilities, that truly elevates the experience, and Atma and Raya’s story has a ton of that food for thought. I find myself drawn to many aspects of this game, and I'm not sure which I love more, but the combination of its structure and themes is certainly something that only it has at the moment, and all of it definitely feels like the soft carcass of my home and my identity.
A Space for the Unbound is now available for on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.