Crescent Moon Games showcased Screenbound at Summer Game Fest, a platformer that requires players to navigate linked 3D and 2D spaces at once using a handheld device.
The game puts players in a first-person 3D world while they also view a parallel 2D sidescroller on a Game Boy-like screen. Solutions or obstacles visible in only one dimension force constant switching between views.
Game director Josh Presseisen said the concept began with prototypes blending dimensions before the handheld idea linked the two perspectives. Co-developer Radical Forge assisted with technical work, including a custom level editor that generates terrain from 2D tiles.
Presseisen noted that completing the first section grants access to a top-down cartridge reminiscent of retro RPGs, adding weapons and tools. Screenbound is scheduled for release on PC, Xbox, and PS5 on September 10, with a demo already available on Steam.
