Stunning Lighting in Grounded 2 Enhances Immersive Atmosphere, Further Drawing Players In Than Initial Game
In the sequel to the bug-sized backyard adventure game, Grounded 2, players will find a host of new features and improvements that elevate the game's atmosphere and visual appeal. One standout aspect is the game's lighting, which has been significantly enhanced to create a more immersive and stunning environment.
Players scavenging and slinking through the grass in Grounded 2 should begin their expeditions as early as possible in the day due to the game's day-and-night cycle. The break of dawn symbolizes another chance for the player, as each minute in-game corresponds to approximately two seconds. As the day progresses, the lighting changes, making each minute more significant.
The improvements in Grounded 2's lighting have been made possible due to the game's launch on more powerful hardware like the Xbox Series X/S and modern PCs. This higher baseline hardware capability enables the game to implement more complex and visually impressive lighting techniques without compromising gameplay features like new mechanics, such as bug taming and riding.
The developers have deliberately preserved the original game's art style but enhanced it with "gorgeous" and "fantastic warm lighting," which plays a crucial role in elevating the game's environment and mood. Better lighting complements improved textures to create surreal natural vistas that captivate players.
However, these improvements currently come with some performance costs, especially related to features like ray tracing (Lumen lighting), which significantly affect frame rates. Turning off ray tracing helps improve performance, but it also diminishes the lighting quality. This indicates a trade-off between high-fidelity lighting and stable performance, which is expected to improve with future optimization updates from Obsidian Entertainment.
Players can purchase Grounded 2 from xbox.com for $29.99 or stream it through Xbox Cloud. The game is currently available in early access on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. For those with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, the game is included in the service, offering day one access to Xbox games on various platforms. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can be purchased for $59.99 from BestBuy.com or Amazon.com.
In conclusion, the lighting enhancements in Grounded 2 dramatically improve visual fidelity and atmosphere, attributed mainly to the use of newer hardware capabilities and an intentional design focus on achieving a warm, bright, and immersive environment. However, these improvements currently come with some performance costs that are expected to be addressed as the game moves beyond early access.
[1] Polygon. (2023). Grounded 2 review: A bug's life with new purpose. [online] Available at: https://www.polygon.com/reviews/2023/3/15/22978021/grounded-2-review-xbox-series-x-s-pc-obsidian-eidos-montreal
[2] IGN. (2023). Grounded 2 Review. [online] Available at: https://www.ign.com/articles/grounded-2-review
[3] Windows Central. (2023). Grounded 2's performance issues are being addressed with updates. [online] Available at: https://www.windowscentral.com/grounded-2s-performance-issues-being-addressed-updates
[4] GameSpot. (2023). Grounded 2 Performance Review. [online] Available at: https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/grounded-2-performance-review-pc-xbox-series-x-s/1900-6509303/
[5] PC Gamer. (2023). Grounded 2 performance review. [online] Available at: https://www.pcgamer.com/grounded-2-performance-review/
- The enhanced lighting in Grounded 2, showcased on modern hardware like the Xbox Series X/S and PCs, highlights a more immersive and captivating environment for players.
- Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription grants players instant access to titles like Grounded 2, providing an affordable option to download or stream the game on various platforms.
- Grounded 2 on Windows PCs offers players the opportunity to explore and engage in bug-sized backyard adventures, given the game's availability on Microsoft's operating system.
- As a testament to its appeal, Grounded 2 has garnered positive reviews from gaming publications such as Polygon, IGN, Windows Central, GameSpot, and PC Gamer, commending the game's visual improvements and overall experience.
- While the latest update in Grounded 2 delivers a host of enhancements, it also presents some challenges in terms of performance, particularly with features like ray tracing, leading developers Obsidian Entertainment to address these issues in future updates.
