Wavetale Review (spineye)
I really don't want to say "No" to this game. The world and art are incredibly charming, and everything worked as intended. But then I have to ask the question: "Do I feel like this game was worth my time," and I have to sadly say: "No." Charm can get you so far, but substance takes you the rest of the way. When I first looked out at the game's open ocean, I got this giddy feeling like I was back playing Windwaker; this desire to jump in and explore. But when I dove into what I expected to be a pool of adventure, I found the water -- and the game -- to be too shallow.
I want to say again: writing these comments is physically hurting me, as I really did think this game had potential. But I feel like I need to get these thoughts off my chest.
And credit where credit is due: the swimming and wave ridding mechanics were fun for a bit, then then they got tedious as I realized I would be spending the majority of the game grappling up things and following an established path rather then taking to the seas myself. I even started skipping over the combat because nothing about it was challenging and the rewards -- consisting of only cosmetics -- never seemed all that worth while. I then started skipping side quests and before I knew it, I found I was rushing to the exit.
I know that is harsh to say for an Indy game, and again, for what they made, its a hell of an achievement. But there is so much that could have been added: Why couldn't there have been an underwater level? Why could't we have maintained our momentum more on land? Why couldn't we have had some upgrades we could buy? Why wasn't there more then just 4 enemy types? Why couldn't the combat have been more fleshed out if we are expected to do so much of it? Questions after questions, I feel like I'm critiquing a final project from a gifted student I expected so much from.
Yes, this is rambling, so I will stop with this: Do I recommend this game:
No.
Do I want you go buy the game?
Yes.
I want you to get this game because I want to support these Dev's and give them the funding to make something better then what's on display. I want this to the a first stumble so that they can make something better. Ok. I've said my bit. Back to the cave with me.