Step into the bizarre and captivating world of Cardboard Ground, a side-scrolling adventure game developed and published by Matt Close. This indie title plunges players into Offbay, a reality where a god has been physically inserted into a computer, leading to a world that defies logic and physics.
You awaken naked in a backyard, with clothes being a distant memory and the very fabric of location proving nonsensical. Everyone you encounter has been reborn with unique, often absurd, issues and motivations, creating a rich tapestry of characters to interact with.
The core gameplay revolves around exploring this constantly opening world, solving a variety of puzzles, engaging in unique activities and minigames, and utilizing a diverse array of items. These items are crucial for navigating the environment, overcoming obstacles, and assisting the myriad of entities that populate Offbay.
The game promises a singular experience, with no two puzzles or activities being alike, ensuring a fresh challenge at every turn.
Cardboard Ground features a distinct pixel art style, contributing to its surreal and darkly humorous atmosphere. The narrative, while abstract, hints at a deeper commentary on civilization and its operating systems.
With its single-player focus and inclusion of Steam Achievements and Steam Cloud, the game offers a self-contained and engaging experience for those who enjoy unconventional narratives and puzzle-solving.
Overview
Cardboard Ground is a 2D side-scrolling adventure game where players explore a surreal, logic-defying world. The narrative kicks off with a bizarre premise: a god has been forced into a computer, leading to a reality where physics and location are nonsensical. Players must navigate this strange new world, interacting with uniquely motivated characters, solving diverse puzzles, and using a variety of items to progress.
Highlights
- Unique Premise: Experience a world where a god is literally put into a computer, creating a surreal and illogical environment.
- Diverse Gameplay: Engage with a wide array of characters, each with their own absurd issues, and tackle a variety of one-of-a-kind puzzles, activities, and minigames.
- Exploration and Item Usage: Traverse a constantly opening world, using collected items to overcome obstacles and aid the inhabitants.
Who It's For
This game is ideal for players who appreciate surreal narratives, dark humor, and unconventional adventure games. If you enjoy unique puzzle mechanics and exploring bizarre, character-driven worlds, Cardboard Ground offers a distinct experience.
Game Info
- Developer: Matt Close
- Publisher: Matt Close
- Genre: Adventure, Indie
- Release Date: January 27, 2020
- Platform: Single-player





