Wanderstop Reviews
Funny and enjoyable as Wanderstop may be, it suffers from its inability to juxtapose Alta’s healing process with any of the hardship that made healing so necessary in the first place.
Wanderstop is more a visual novel that uses making tea as a narrative break versus a shop management game.
There are a few blemishes that could be buffed out, but the blend that Ivy Road has brewed for us here is well worth savoring.
Wanderstop often feels like a diversion from any traditional standards a player may expect from a game, even one so cozy or hinting at purported narrative subterfuge. But in abandoning expectations, it truly thrives.
Whereas it is a worthy experiment and a cozy game deserving of a recommendation, Wanderstop ultimately struggles to live up to its creators' illustrious reputations.
Wanderstop is a fascinating exploration of letting go: if many games are exercises in overstimulation that play like Red Bull being poured down your gullet, then this one is more akin to having a calming sip of tea.
Wanderstop remains incredibly sincere and thoughtful with its biting story cooked up by Ivy Road without being overly sentimental or too delicate. Not afraid to show its teeth (including occasional gameplay obstacles), within is a stellar story about learning self-care and slowing down, a refreshing narrative departure for Davey Wreden in particular, bolstered by the co-writing of Karla Zimonja and moving performance by Kimberley Woods. Present also is a vibrant, whimsical and pragmatic take on the familiar shop-running and farming hybrid genre, told all through the lens of helping out a quaint tea shop with thoughtful and bespoke mechanics and interactivity. It's dangerous to go alone. Why don't you stay a while and have a nice cup of Earl Grey?
Wanderstop's absolute-tea sincere introspections add some unique flavor, but certain design & writing fumbles leave a stale aftertaste.
Wanderstop is a well-intentioned take on the personal weight of societal burnout and the issues typically found in the cozy genre but struggles to find much ground beyond its initial premise as surface-level commentary and frustrating, awkward gameplay spoils the brew.
Wanderstop flows by in an ordinary way and, a little bitterly, we can say that it is "only" a pleasant cozy game with an excellent story and a first-rate supporting cast.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Wanderstop is phenomenal for many reasons, including its characters, world, gameplay, and message of mental health and hygiene.
Wanderstop sets out to deliver a relaxing narrative experience – and absolutely nails it. Needless to say, it’s the barista life for us in Wanderstop.
It’s imperfect although I wish there were more things to do and details to explore in this game. It’s not for everyone. If you want a fast-paced or action-packed game, you may need to look elsewhere. This game is all about the quiet moments and the slow deliberate process of healing. It asked me to slow down and reflect, which surprisingly was effective during my play. Wanderstop dared to be different and it succeeded. It reminded me that true strength is not always by yielding a sword but by being brave enough to start over again.
Wanderstop offers a relaxing yet repetitive experience, where tea preparation becomes a metaphor for inner discovery. With well-written characters and enchanting atmosphere, the game stands out for its originality despite a slow pace that might not appeal to everyone.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Wanderstop is a lesson in stopping to smell the roses and how important it is to look inwards when faced with life's difficulties. Its mixture of lighthearted humour and tranquil themes will leave any player feeling more relaxed after each gaming session. ☕
Wanderstop is an extremely precious title that despite being created by the designer of the Stanley Parable, takes and creates something completely different but always created with great care and love, Alta's story will stay with me to pay homage to who created it and for when Wanderstop does not deal with topics for everyone it is a great Cozy PTSD title.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Wanderstop challenges conventional gaming norms, emphasizing relaxation and exploration over progression, appealing to players seeking a serene experience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
An analysis shaped by the stress of daily life and personal doubts, in a branching narrative that does not reach the inventiveness of The Stanley Parable and The Beginner’s Guide, but makes up for its shortcomings with sincerity and humanism. Unfortunately, the gameplay does not keep up with the narrative, falling into clichés that undermine the themes when it should be elevating them.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
I didn’t expect Wanderstop to get under my skin the way it did. It’s not just about making tea, it’s about learning to slow down, even when your brain doesn’t want to. It’s about change, about sitting with discomfort, about figuring out what comes next and learning to accept all of that. If you’re looking for a game that’ll give you a warm hug and a sense of control or the satisfaction of progression, this might not be it.
Wanderstop is a perfect escape for anyone looking to unwind and reflect, offering a heartwarming, emotional experience that stays with you long after you’ve finished.