Hoa Reviews
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.
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
Ah, the struggle to properly evaluate games that aren't really made for you personally as the target audience...
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 takes players on a magical puzzle adventure.
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 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 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 doesn’t want to be a challenging, head-scratching puzzle adventure, and that’s okay. What it provides a gorgeously designed experience with a brilliantly executed soundtrack. The gameplay never hinders the player’s progression through this beautiful world made even more immersive due to its beautiful sound design. It’s easy to lose yourself in moments of gameplay as everything comes together for a wholesome experience.
Hoa proves that you don’t need clever puzzles or wild boss fights to succeed as a platformer.
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 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 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 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
Hoa is a beautiful but brief puzzle-platform adventure that's all chilling and no killing.
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 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 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 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
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.