Wanderstop Reviews
Wanderstop's absolute-tea sincere introspections add some unique flavor, but certain design & writing fumbles leave a stale aftertaste.
Far from just another “cozy” game, Wanderstop invites you into a colorful world filled with quirky characters and bizarrely flavored tea at the price of some uncomfortably insightful introspection.
Warm-hearted, funny, and never less than sincere, Wanderstop is a pleasant place to while away the time, though less successful as a vehicle for mindfulness in itself.
A satisfying farming and tea-shop sim inside a well-written adventure with meaningful themes.
Ivy Road's new cozy game Wanderstop offers satisfying and simple gameplay while giving players ample time to rest and contemplate.
Wanderstop balances the discomfort brought on by seeing a game strike so true at the heart of burnout with being an absolute pleasure to play, full of delightful secrets and a healthy helping of whimsy. I’m awed at how well it’s all balanced and how, despite some occasionally schlocky dialogue, it so effectively gets its point across.
"It's bold in its exploration of relentless self-critique and pressure."
Wanderstop does not emulate the same fourth-wall breaking revelations of developer Ivy Roads’ previous work, but what’s impressive about it all is that’s sort of what Alta’s adventure is about. I admire the game for being able to use video game genre conventions to tell a pensive, funny, and surprising story set in a charming location with enjoyable characters.
Wanderstop is a comforting experience that touches on some of the less-explored aspects of overcoming mental health struggles, but would benefit from improved gameplay.
It's important not to let mild criticisms get in the way, as Wanderstop is a beautiful title with something to say about overwork and determination.
A meticulous exploration of the cozy game genre that weaves its story of burnout and trauma into every aspect, but might have just a little bit too much to do.
Wanderstop is beautiful, difficult, easy-going and complicated. It's a showcase for what games are capable of on an emotional level, and a heartfelt indie ode to finding yourself when everything looks lost.
Wanderstop offers an original blend of management and narrative, highlighted by its artistic side, and serves to convey a lesson about the importance of taking care of our well-being. It would have been more effective without emphasizing its message so much, but that doesn't detract from its merits.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
In its own way, Wanderstop is the perfect mission statement for a bright-eyed studio starting its path to self-discovery. It is a sincere celebration of our struggles and imperfections. They are not problems to run away from, but stones to sharpen our blades upon so we may win the next fight.
Wanderstop is like Spiritfarer for burnout sufferers and overachievers. The central focus is meaningful and expertly executed in its own right. However, it's the attention to detail in every other area that makes Wanderstop feel special, to the point where anything, even just planting flowers, enriches everything else. Ivy Road just gets it.
A fallen warrior trades in fighting for putting the kettle on, wandering round gardens and watering plants. Much more than cosy – it's healing
Wanderstop won't win any awards for its deliberately thin gameplay mechanics, but over its 10-15 hours you'll be reminded how a simple act of kindness can change lives and that just slowing things down and taking time for yourself away from the stresses and white noise of daily life is perhaps just what the doctor ordered.
Wanderstop is a game about espaping the characters people project on us, finding a way out to our freedom. Freedom to be who we are, to let down expectations we never wanted. Sometimes life it'is only about slowing down and making some tea.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Wanderstop perfectly executes its intention: to pull players away from the fast-paced nature of life and immerse them in simple, meditative tasks. Its story unfolds in a relatable way, leaving you pondering its themes long after the credits roll.
It's a clever mix of genre and story, because it provides a cosy space to immerse yourself in while also highlighting the reasons why people play things like this in the first place — to unwind, to take a break with something relaxing.