Wanderstop Review

When the gaming industry is typically dominated by high-intensity action and large open settings, Wanderstop emerges as a silent rebellion against the loudness prevalent in the industry. The studio known as Ivy Road, established by Stanley Parable author Davey Wreden and Gone Home composer Daniel Rosenfeld (better known as C418), is responsible for the development of Wanderstop. 

Wreden is no stranger to subverting players' expectations, and with the assistance of Annapurna Interactive, a publisher well-known for fostering distinctive and artistic indie games, the stage was set for something truly one-of-a-kind.

Before the game was released, it was shrouded in mystery, and there were only hints about the themes that it would explore, which included relaxation and a break from the monotony of typical gaming. Wanderstop utilizes a distinctive strategy in contrast to the power illusions that are prevalent in the media. 

It is not about protecting the earth; rather, it is about slowing people down. When it comes to preparing tea, it is not about creating a battle. The concept is intriguing on its own, but does it live up to the principle that it is based on?

The story of Wanderstop is told from the perspective of Alta, a weary traveler and former warrior who has decided to transition away from a life of never-ending battles in favor of a life of peace. She discovers that she is working at a secluded tea shop, where she is expected to lead a quiet existence by serving tea for the occasional customer and thinking about her past.

The plot is revealed not through spectacular events but rather through mundane interactions. Customers come into the shop, each with their own unique set of issues and experiences, and as Alta is serving them tea, she learns about the difficulties they are facing.

Each cup poured is a time to connect with one another, listen to one another, and gradually disentangle the emotional weight of Alta's past and the lives of individuals who pass through it. There is a sad beauty to these exchanges.

Even though it avoids providing an overwhelming amount of explanation, the story excels in atmosphere and complexity. In addition to the cerebral nature of the speech, the pace is relaxed. It is a game that, instead of pushing you to the next objective, invites you to dwell on your sentiments and give them some attention. Within the context of a world that is always moving, it investigates topics such as exhaustion, regret, and the demand for peace.

The primary objective of the gameplay in Wanderstop is to take control of the tea store and engage in slow, organized activities. Only preparing and serving tea, handling ingredients, and occasionally making modest modifications to the business itself are involved; there is no conflict or decision-making with huge stakes.

It is straightforward mechanically, but it has a tactile quality. The preparation of tea involves many intricate steps, like selecting the finest leaves and heating the water to the best possible temperature, followed by brewing the tea for the required time and serving it with utmost precision.

However, in place of becoming a procedure, it begins to transform into a meditative experience. Through the requirement that you concentrate on the particulars rather than rushing through them, the game places an emphasis on awareness.

When she is not attending to customers, Alta has the opportunity to reflect on her history, rearrange the shop, or simply sit and be in the vicinity. The game offers you moments of peaceful solitude, which enables you to experience a one-of-a-kind level of immersion. This is the kind of immersion in which the absence of action becomes its own sort of participation.

It should come as no surprise that Wanderstop does not feature any form of combat, given that Wreden has a history of developing games that challenge traditional gameplay concepts. Instead, the thing that comes closest to a "puzzle" is learning to read people, which involves evaluating the type of tea that a client needs based on their mood and the words that they use.

Failure to succeed in this game will not result in any kind of punishment. Rather, it is about developing emotional intelligence and becoming observant during this process. The worst that can happen in the event that you place an inaccurate purchase is a courteous correction or a brief moment of disappointment because of the mistake. However, when you are successful, it is a quiet thrill to watch the way in which your compassion has brightened the day of another person.

Adjusting to the slower tempo of the game is the problem, if there is such a thing. In this day and age of immediate gratification and never-ending stimulation, Wanderstop poses the question: Is it possible to find contentment in the absence of activity?

Wanderstop's hand-painted artwork has a dreamlike quality. It is not flashy, but that is not a need for it to be. A warm color scheme, gentle lighting, and gentle gestures all contribute to the creation of an atmosphere that is kind and inviting. The tea shop itself has a lovely design, and a few personal touches here and there give it the illusion of having been lived in.

The characters' designs are expressive without appearing overbearing. The feelings of the customers are communicated through subtle animations, and even Alta's smallest movements, such as the way she holds a teacup, convey a sense of care and weight. The graphic design is a perfect complement to the principles of the game, and it reinforces the feeling of withdrawing into a domain that urges you to take a deep breath and relax.

C418 is responsible for the composition of the soundtrack for Wanderstop, which has music that is an essential component. C418, who is well-known for his contributions to Minecraft, uses a style that is similarly unassuming yet incredibly evocative here.  One enjoys listening to music with soft piano melodies and ambient synths with a few gloomy strings.

It was never too dominated by it; it was always with it in the silent parts. Sound design is much the same. The bubbling of water when it's barely heard, the sound of leaves whispering in the wind, and the tinkling of tiny porcelain cups come together as some designed soothing noises. Aspects of it that are similar to ASMR are present, which serves to emphasize the game's focus on paying attention and being present.

The fact that Wanderstop is not suitable for everyone is precisely the point of the company. The fundamental concept of what a game ought to be is called into question by this game. Skill trees, bosses, and fast travel are not available in this game. An encounter that thrives on the commonplace, elevating the act of preparing tea to something profound, this is the kind of experience that you will have.

If you are willing to embrace the pace of Wanderstop, you will find that it offers an amazing level of emotional depth. A game about recuperation, about making the decision to withdraw from the constant constraints of life and simply exist, is what this game is about. In some respects, playing Wanderstop is like taking a deep breath in an environment that does not typically permit such a thing.

At the end of the day, what you bring to it will determine whether you find it deeply moving or frustratingly in slow motion. Wanderstop might be the rest stop you didn't realize you needed if you're seeking an escape that doesn't involve fiction but rather a calm introspection because it's quiet and reflective.