Wayward Strand

A heartfelt story about growing up and getting old with an interesting time mechanic set inside an airborne hospital.

With its eccentric elderly cast, intricate themes, unique agency mechanics and narrative structure, Wayward Strand is a compelling experience that reels you in and leaves you wanting to call your grandma.

Wayward Strand isn’t a perfect game, but it is darn near close. It doesn’t overwhelm players or force their hand but allows plenty of freedom within the confines of the closed-in space of the airship. I will absolutely be replaying Wayward Strand several times to explore the rest of the story options, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Wayward Strand offers up a uniquely Australian take on the narrative adventure game with a gorgeous art direction and moving portrayal of hard-working people in a harsh system. Despite a couple of pacing issues and an unforgiven save system, Wayward Strand is an approachable and hugely enjoyable little world to explore and find some catharsis in.

When all is said and done, Wayward Strand is a great narrative experience but not a game for everybody. For those willing to give it a look, though, it's a game that offers characters who players won't be able to keep from falling in love with and the experience it offers will stick with whoever plays it long after the credits roll.

The possibilities and methods to tell innovative stories in video games are almost endless. Some titles allow you to navigate the direction of the narrative whereas others simply provide a premise where you discover the plot in a non-linear manner. Wayward Strand resides in the latter of these. With the freedom to wander the cozy premises at your own pace, is this trip to the airborne hospital one...

While this game is overflowing with charm and a unique tone, in the end, each day has a finite amount of time, and choosing whom you spend time with is much more critical in Wayward Strand than any other aspect of the game. It is a thoughtful game that tackles humanity in a way that few others have, unfortunately, the game is hampered by mechanical resistants and the pressures it puts on the playe...

Wayward Strand is great for players who love talking with NPCs and hearing their thoughts and opinions. However, this is very much in the form of a journalistic interview; Casey lacks the charisma or drives to shape the outlooks of seasoned adults. Still, it can be great fun to unravel the mysteries and stories by just happenstance.