Wander

Release Date: June 4, 2015

Adventure, TPP, indie games, experimental/artistic, MMO, exploration games, internet

2.2

OpenCritic

35%

Steam

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An unusual MMO game, focusing completely on relaxing exploration, which you do on your own or with other players. Unlike other games in the genre, Wander features absolutely no rivalry element. The game is set on an alien planet. The protagonist wakes up in the middle of a tropical forest, unable to remember how she got there, and, to her surprise, discovers that she can shapeshift.

Wander is an unusual MMO game which focuses solely on relaxing exploration (solo or with others) and does not offer any kind of competitive gameplay. It is the debut production of the independent Australian studio, Wander.

The action takes place on an unknown planet. The protagonist wakes up in the depths of a tropical forest, not knowing how she got there. She also discovers that she can shapeshift, so she sets out on a journey through the mysterious world, trying to uncover its secrets. She runs across remarkable geologic formations, such as floating rocks, forgotten ruins, traces of an advanced civilization, friendly locals and so on.

Gameplay in Wander concentrates almost completely on exploration of a beautiful and huge island that holds many mysteries. The aforementioned shapeshifting comes in handy. We start out as a walking tree, then unlock a gryphon, underwater azertash, and others. All of these creatures come in different variants, and each has its own culture and history. Moreover, the influence they have on the other inhabitants of the planet is also unique for every one of them.

The game is powered by CryEngine. The developers put the engine’s capabilities to good use which results in beautiful graphics. Wander also has an atmospheric and relaxing soundtrack that adds a touch of mystery to the whole.

Last updated on August 14, 2015

Videos and Screens

[1:12] Wander launch trailer

[0:30] Wander trailer

2.2

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 0% of Critics. There are 6 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

The Jimquisition: 2 / 10 by James Stephanie Sterling

An incomplete, creatively bankrupt vacuum. If we're so starved for nonviolent experiences that this is what we champion, the industry's in worse shape than I thought.

Full Review

PushStartPlay: 4 / 10 by Brett Claxton

It wouldn't be the first time that a MMO has launched flawed and then been reworked at a later date. However, it doesn't seem that the fixes that are needed to make Wander a game that is fun to play are a quick fix. The world is large but bland, the way to communicate with others is clunky and characters need a lot of work so they feel more natural to play as. Hopefully they'll get there.

Full Review

GameSpot: 2 / 10 by Jefferson Geiger

Wander is a broken and hollow shell of an MMO that lacks more than just combat.

Full Review

35%