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