Wandersong Reviews
I listened to Wandersong's soundtrack while writing this review, and I've been happily jiggling my leg throughout.
The delightful story and atmosphere just narrowly make up for the lack of compelling gameplay
Wandersong isn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Wandersong is the most emotionally satisfying game I've played in 2018. It's a rollercoaster ride through the spectrum of feelings, all wrapped up in a lovingly crafted construction paper world. I didn't even know this game existed a month ago. Now, it's one I'll never forget.
Wandersong is by no means perfect, but it is very different. Charm oozes out of every note and motion you make. Despite the technical glitches it is consistently winning and moving, with a lack of aggression and a genuine optimism that beams through like nothing else. It really will bring a smile to your face.
Wandersong is an unforgettable adventure and one of the most interesting indie game of this year. Bow down to the little bard!
Review in Italian | Read full review
Share this game with other people, if you can. Play together on a couch, passing a controller around and commenting on the story together. Wear your fluffiest pyjamas and make chamomile tea. Bring tissues as well.
Although the gameplay feels a little on the shallow side, Wandersong is a disarmingly joyful game. Singing your way through this cutesy adventure may not offer much of a challenge, but mixed in with a varied cast of characters and a sweet story, it's definitely a hard game to hate.
Wandersong is an accessible, uplifting adventure that deftly builds to a memorable crescendo. Sure, the game has a few rough edges, most of which can be attributed its humble indie origins, but it more than makes up for its shortcomings with its heartfelt characters and story. Put on your adventuring hat and cape and warm up your pipes, it's time for an emotional world rescue.
Get out your guitar and strum along to this one, because Wandersong brings a fun, meaningful story fully grounded in a colorful world that's worth saving.
If you’re after a unique experience, Wandersong completely has you covered. The singing mechanic works perfectly, and while it may feel a bit too easy at times, the combination of the visuals, writing, and various gameplay objectives across a generous seven-act structure make for an incredibly compelling platforming experience that you’d do well to check out.
Wandersong is a colorful musical platformer which do not bet everyhting on its technical part, but delivers a cheerful fable along its ten hour run. However, its non-existant challenge will reserve it to short sessions only. But thanks to its cheerful cast of well-written characters, Wandersong let the palyer enjoy nothing but good feelings, thansk to the ever so-satisfying power of music.
Review in French | Read full review
Wandersong is the video game equivalent of a pep talk. This is your virtual cheerleader. Are you having a bad day? The Bard believes in you! Are you worried about being you? The Bard is your friend and will be there to hear you out. Having trouble solving a problem? Well, I mean, singing a jaunty tune probably won't suddenly make things right, but it might improve your mindset. Wandersong is one of the most pleasant and refreshing games out there. Even when the going gets tough, the goodwill garnered here will help you push through and enjoy another day.
I think about the supposed difference between “sentiment” and “sentimentality” when comparing this game to other story-driven titles: sentiment produces real, personal, and genuine emotions, while sentimentality is often a cheap, telegraphed way to provoke reactions by spelling everything out, usually in a hamfisted and highly-charged way (*cough*David Cage*cough*). Wandersong, with all of its mysticism, with its charming simplicity in both graphics and gameplay, expresses real sentiment. I very nearly missed this game, and I certainly don't want you to miss it.
Wandersong is a modern classic that is only held back from masterpiece status by some small but significant shortcomings. Still, few games this generation have compelled me to gush like this. Each of the game's core elements — story, characters, gameplay, soundtrack, and visuals — combine with near perfect execution and the result is a game that you just have to play.
Given its focus on unity, it's not surprising that the game always returns to ideas of harmony. It's a game about music, after all, so the motif fits. And while playing Wandersong, I also felt like harmony was that much closer, that the greatest evils were defeatable if only we could rally together. And that's a powerful thing for a game about a humble lil bard.
Wandersong is a charming, heart-filled musical-adventure. For fans of the puzzle-adventure genre, there is a lot to be had here but where Wandersong really shines, lies in its spirited, charismatic characters and unique story line. Wandersong isn't afraid to make fun of the usual heroic tropes found in many games on the market, but still finds a way to make the player stay connected to what is going on. Come for the adventure, but stay for a song.
From its grin-inducing highs to its tear-jerking lows, Wandersong is a magical and captivating game. It's undoubtedly one of the best indie games out in 2018.