Hoa Reviews

Hoa is ranked in the 51st percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Liked
Apr 26, 2022

As a sidecroller platformer, Hoa offers a cheerful journey through various natural landscapes with hand-drawn graphics in the flawless Ghibili style, peppered with a spectacularly good soundtrack that fits the game's mood at all times.

Review in German | Read full review

7 / 10.0
Mar 23, 2022

Hoa may not offer much gameplay or narrative, but for those willing to savor the relaxed experience, Hoa’s beautiful art and sweeping music can whisk you away for a short, lovely jaunt through a magical world.

Read full review

7 / 10.0
Nov 22, 2021

Did I enjoy the game? I did. Do I want to play it again? Maybe; only for the settings and the soundtrack. And the question that leaves me reticent is this: Hoa would offer pretty much the same as a movie as it does as a game. The puzzles are minimal, the paths are linear, and the "game" component surrounding the narrative is basic. In practice, it is the art that saves Hoa. Still, for the beautiful journey it has to offer, I can't say I wouldn't recommend it.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

Oct 25, 2021

After playing multiple high-octane adventures, I took a step back on my adventures with Hoa. Instead of incentivizing challenging endeavours or tricky puzzles, Hoa encapsulates natural beauty and fulfilling adventures. Does this offer a breath of fresh air? Or was I looking for something more rewarding? Find out in this Rapid Review.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Oct 5, 2021

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.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Sep 24, 2021

Hoa is the perfect choice for those looking for a light, simple and great storytelling experience that holds our attention for approximately two hours. Such simplicity and lack of challenges may not appeal to non-casual gamers, but they should still give the game's graphical and sonic beauty a chance.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

6 / 10
Sep 17, 2021

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

Unscored
Sep 13, 2021

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.

Read full review

7 / 10.0
Sep 7, 2021

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

Loved
Sep 3, 2021

I love this game. I love it so much that I just finished it and I can’t wait to play it again. There is nothing about this game that I would change, and I am honoured to have been able to not only play this amazing story but also to have reviewed it. This title absolutely earned its two thumbs up.

Read full review

Sep 2, 2021

Hoa proves that you don’t need clever puzzles or wild boss fights to succeed as a platformer.

Read full review

85 / 100
Sep 2, 2021

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

8 / 10.0
Sep 1, 2021

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.

Read full review

6.9 / 10.0
Sep 1, 2021

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

7 / 10.0
Aug 31, 2021

Hoa comes and goes like a spring breeze: pleasant and comforting. But maybe you'll forget about the experience before long. If the meaning of life is the path rather than the final destination, perhaps there is a lesson here. However, as beautiful and uplifting as the journey is, in a video game, sometimes we need a little more. If you were attracted by the look of the title, it's worth giving it a try, but remember to enjoy the small moments and not expect too much at the end.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

7 / 10
Aug 30, 2021

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.

Read full review

7.2 / 10.0
Aug 30, 2021

Hoa is a lovely little game which is not trying to do something new or even slightly challenging but actually is very delightful for a nice evening on your couch that can whisk you off on a beautiful adventure full of relaxing vibes.

Review in Persian | Read full review

Buy
Aug 29, 2021

Overall, Hoa was quite the treat. The game could be finished in one sitting, which will understandably be too short for a lot of gamers, but the price tag should be easy enough on the pocket to enjoy a relaxing campaign filled with beautiful backgrounds accompanied by a fantastic musical score.

Read full review

72 / 100
Aug 27, 2021

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.

Read full review

7 / 10
Aug 26, 2021

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.

Read full review