Wanderstop Review
Disclaimer: This article contains light general thematic spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.
In today's world of video games, it's rare to find a title that genuinely surprises and moves you. Wanderstop, the first creation from studio Ivy Road set to release on March 11, 2025, does just that. As someone who is writing this fresh off rolled credits, I can confidently say it's far more than "a cozy game about making tea." It's a wildly powerful ride that explores anxiety, uncertainty, and self-discovery in ways that gets you straight in the feels.
The game begins with its protagonist, Alta, on a multi-year winning streak in battle and suddenly feeling defeated. We find her running through a forest, her prized sword becoming too heavy to carry until she ultimately passes out. This opening sequence sets the tone for a game that isn't afraid to confront the weight of our burdens and the exhaustion that comes from constantly pushing ourselves.
When Alta awakens, she finds herself in a clearing where we're introduced to Boro, the owner and operator of Wanderstop tea shop. It's with no small amount of emotion that I say this - I would die for Boro. He's not just the first friend we meet; he becomes a teacher and ultimately a friend who changes Alta's life forever. The character writing in Wanderstop is exceptional, with Boro standing out as a beacon of warmth and wisdom in a world that often feels overwhelming.
At first glance, Wanderstop's gameplay elements are immediately familiar to anyone who is a fan of the cozy game genre. There's tea boiling, farming, serving customer requests, and an idyllic cast of characters that visit the store. That's where the resemblance to games like Stardew Valley ends. Wanderstop takes the cozy game narrative we are used to and completely flips the script.
One of the most innovative aspects of Wanderstop is its approach to player agency. While tea orders and tasks are put in a quest list, the game makes it clear from the start that you don't have to do anything if you don't want to. Don't feel like cleaning up? Don't. Don't feel like farming? Great. Don't want to tend to all your customers? That's fine, too. You can brew yourself a cup of tea and relax for a few minutes if that's what you prefer.
This functionality creates an almost contained version of open-world gaming. Sure, you only have the clearing, but what you do in that clearing is very much in the hands of the player. If you're genuinely at odds and not sure what to do, there's a handy book of answers - a clever mechanic if you get stuck and want to know what tea to brew. But there are also times when there are intentionally no tasks to do, leaving the player to deal with their own boredom.
While this game functionality might rub some players the wrong way, I absolutely loved it. The narrative and metaphorical layers of Wanderstop run deep and hit way too close to home - and that's one of the biggest reasons why I adore this game. Alta, Boro, and the supporting characters are written so expertly and craftily that you can't help but feel every panic attack Alta experiences or find comfort in literally anything Boro says.
Wanderstop's treatment of hopelessness, anxiety, burnout, and other mental health issues is created in such a safe and thoughtful way that, at a certain point, I found myself comfortable with the pain and genuinely sad when it was over. While cozy in atmosphere, the game serves as a reality check and an opportunity for self-reflection that I didn't know I needed.
Every character in Wanderstop teaches us a new lesson, and the narrative lets us decide how to proceed. As Ren, another character in the game, wisely states, "We are our truest selves when we are tested." This game tells a very real and refreshing story that feels particularly relevant to this generation of game makers and players, addressing issues we face every day in our work, communities, and within ourselves.
It's worth noting that the creative force behind Wanderstop includes Davey Wreden, known for The Stanley Parable, one of my favourite narrative games. In the PlayStation release date trailer, Wreden openly discusses how this game's narrative resulted from his attempt to run away from burnout from previous games by making a fun, happy game - only to encounter a new type of emotional turmoil and burnout in the process. This meta-narrative adds another layer of depth to an already profound game.
Visually and aurally, Wanderstop creates a soothing atmosphere that is conducive to its more extreme themes. The cozy aesthetic is a comforting backdrop for players' emotional journey, which ensures you feel safe even when the game compels you to confront unpleasant emotions.
My play time on Wanderstop was around 11 hours, and I definitely took my time to explore. The game's pace allows for moments of quiet reflection as well as moments of increased emotional intensity, offering a cadence of play that never makes you feel too overwhelmed.
For people looking for a game that combines comfort with meaningful introspection, Wanderstop delivers a memorable and potentially life-changing experience. It takes the cozy game genre and redefines it to new heights, offering an escape from everyday troubles and a thoughtful exploration of how we cope with life's challenges.
In conclusion, Wanderstop is a refreshing and emotionally resonant take on the cozy game genre. It offers a deeply moving narrative, well-developed and relatable characters, unique gameplay mechanics that serve its themes, and a thoughtful exploration of mental health issues. This game artfully displays the power of interactive storytelling and its ability to foster personal growth and self-reflection.
I give Wanderstop a wholehearted 10/10. This is more than a game... It's an experience that will stay with you long after you've brewed your last cup of tea. Ivy Road has created something truly special here - a game that comforts, challenges, and ultimately helps us grow. When Wanderstop releases on March 11, 2025, do yourself a favour and step into this tea shop. You might just find the peace and understanding you've been searching for.
