Hoa Reviews
Hoa is a beautiful but brief puzzle-platform adventure that's all chilling and no killing.
A gorgeous, non-violent puzzle platformer with big Studio Ghibli vibes, Hoa is a brief but brilliant tale about the healing power of nature, and the cutest rhinoceros beetles you ever did see.
Young players still green to the simple story ideas and to platforming fundamentals will find absolute magic in Hoa. The orchestral score and hand-painted backdrops have the power to whisk imaginations away like nothing else. The tried-and-true design of a modern platform game, while unsurprising to seasoned players, will delight budding gamers getting to know the genre. Apart from its closing stage, Hoa is a paint-by-numbers platformer – and the painting is exceptional, even if everything stays carefully inside the lines.
Hoa is a sweet and light story, which systematically avoids complicating things too much to remain an adventure within everyone's reach - missing out on a few opportunities to challenge the players, while managing to maintain a good pace from start to finish.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Hoa is a peaceful experience that makes sure not to overstay its welcome. The environments are gorgeous, the gameplay is neat, and the soundtrack is captivating. More than anything, it makes me excited for what we’ll get from developer Skrollcat Studio down the road. It’s the perfect game to pick up and chill out with if you’re stressed, anxious, or just want a breath of fresh air.
Hoa is a wondrous adventure that can easily be consumed in a day. It'll make you forget about your troubles as the soundtrack lifts you up. Even its climax isn't particularly intense, but the last level is a great change of pace. Though it lacks some of the modern features we take for granted these days, perhaps part of the charm is randomly running through the whole thing again so that you can be reminded of simpler times, when games didn't ask you for more money with flashing ad banners for the latest season pass or premium skin, or fail to even start because of a service being offline. There are longer games priced at $14.99, but none are this pleasing to the senses.
Hoa is one of the best-looking games I have ever played. Each aspect has been stunningly designed, creating a luscious and captivating world. Areas are varied with new mechanics periodically introduced to ensure the game has a nice sense of progression. Unfortunately, there is a lack of challenge and some performance issues that do hamper the experience. Although Hoa is short, this relaxing, whimsical adventure is a visual landmark that will enamor fans of Studio Ghibli.
Hoa is a lovely little game that pretty much anyone of any age can enjoy. It's not trying to do something new, but rather whisk you off on a short, beautiful adventure full of positivity.
Hoa takes players on a magical puzzle adventure.
If the last levels are more daring in terms of mechanisms and staging, even if it means going beyond the framework (theoretically dedicated to youth), they still arouse a feeling of déjà vu. In just two hours, this form of playful video anime therefore gives the impression of simply reciting its score, yet passionate, for lack of carrying a truly original idea. Hoa, which means flower in Vietnamese, fades quickly, but is still a beautiful tribute to his inspirations.
Review in French | Read full review
Hoa is short and contains rather basic platforming and flawed controls. However, Hoa is also one of the most beautiful video games ever made, with preposterously strong visuals and music that will be remembered for years to come. It's up to you if the latter can make up for the former, but personally, I would recommend this game to almost anyone.
Hoa is a spirited adventure with a relaxing atmosphere. While I wish it were longer for its launch price (with optional challenges), I'm confident I'll replay it. The desirable aesthetics combined with goal-driven gameplay are too enjoyable a combination. Did this puzzle platformer go unnoticed by you this summer? It's never too late to give it the attention it deserves.
Hoa is a lavish visual feast with a lack of mechanics to match
Hoa is one of the only games I’ve recently played where my 70-year-old, non-gamer dad felt comfortable enough to play. It’s because of its simplicity and how approachable it is that makes Hoa the kind of game that anyone can enjoy and feel the calmness wash over them. The platforming can be a little clunky and the game may not challenge seasoned gamers. Although Hoa definitely brings the wholesome content we need right now – a simple story about a little fairy that just wants peace in this crazy world we live in.
Hoa is like a magic fairy tale with a great OST and splendid illustrations, but it's too easy and not suitable for every modern player.
Review in Italian | Read full review
It's safe to say that I think Hoa is an absolutely outstanding game. My childhood self would be shrieking with glee at this game as it is everything you could possibly wish for out of a nature based puzzle platformer. With adorable creatures to befriend and a story to learn, Hoa definitely has it all. Therefore I cannot recommend this game enough.
Despite a non-existent and samey plot, Hoa offers a great, beautiful experience with tiny details that engulfed me into its world.
Hoa proposes an intense experience, sensitive and full of subtleties, a fun and comfortable fairy tale. With a very short duration by today's standards, it never gets to explore all its potential in terms of gameplay, but it is touching, beautiful and a true sensory experience full of personality.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review