Wanderstop Review – A Mostly Delightful Anxi-Tea Simulator

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In April 2019, my life disintegrated. The weeks leading up to this event were filled with what felt like continuous panic attacks. It wasn’t until I awoke in the hospital, draped in a violently purple gown I can’t remember putting on, that I fully understood the gravity of the situation. I spent several days and thousands of dollars in that hospital room, feeling both dazed and defeated primarily. However, I also recall feeling uncommonly thankful. I found myself in a place where no demands were made of me. I was detached from the world, as if I didn’t exist at all. It’s chilling to consider how much I yearned for that isolation back then.

Before stepping back into society, I was presented with a decision: I could opt for additional treatment to tackle my health issues, or simply leave without significant improvement (except being significantly lighter in wallet). The prospect of treatment meant sacrificing time and resources, both of which always seemed scarce to me. However, the psychiatrist facing me put down her clipboard and said something that has stayed with me ever since.

Neglecting self-care means your body might force you to attend to it in ways that could be unpleasant. So, it’s best to prioritize taking care of yourself regularly.

And so, I decided to make the time.

Through my life experiences during that particular time, I found many aspects of Ivy Road’s Wanderstop game remarkably relatable. This “comfortable” game serves as a poignant reminder of how strange it feels to be comfortable again when you’re not used to it. While there are numerous emotionally resonant games available, many of which I’ve enjoyed and related to deeply, Wanderstop stands out for its portrayal of the anxiety, discomfort, and anger that can accompany healing.

Although this might sound unpleasant, Wanderstop effectively integrates humor and kindness into these feelings, making them easier to handle. The game features appealing characters, thoughtful writing, and a vibrant, beautifully scored environment that enhances the overall experience. Although it could benefit from improved gameplay mechanics, better integration of its gameplay with the larger story, and more consistent voice acting, I still found Wanderstop to be a heartwarming experience that explores some less-frequently depicted aspects of mental health recovery.

In the heart of Wanderstop’s engrossing mental health narrative, there’s Alta – a formidable warrior whose self-worth and identity are deeply rooted in her fighting abilities. For a long time, this worked well for Alta as she was exceptionally skilled: she was unparalleled in combat. But after a string of losses leaves Alta disoriented, the warrior sets out on a quest to locate a secluded martial arts master who she thinks can assist her in regaining her past glory. Yet, as she ventures deeper into the woods where this master is said to reside, Alta’s strength wanes. In fact, she becomes so feeble that she can no longer walk or brandish her sword.

Luckily, the proprietor of an eccentric tea shop, named Boro, encounters Alta and chooses to escort her to his enchanting hideaway. Upon learning about her struggles, Boro kindly advises Alta to momentarily pause her fighting career to assist him in serving tea to visitors drawn to the mystical café instead. However, Alta is far from thrilled by Boro, the shop, and this offer. It’s hard to see how pouring tea could enhance her combat skills or how taking a break from her training—especially when she’s at her most vulnerable—could boost her strength. Her annoyance is relatable, even visceral, making for an intriguing setup that instantly grabbed my attention.

Although Wanderstop doesn’t strictly fall into categories like farming sims, shop-management games, or cozy titles, it blends aspects from these genres into its gameplay. In the magical tea shop where Alta resides, she is prompted to cultivate the shop’s gardens, create unique plant varieties, and concoct special teas that attract the enigmatic yet endearing characters who visit the café. The game makes these tasks simple through intuitive controls, mostly involving clicking on items to collect or use them. However, the experience can feel cumbersome at times, with me frequently clicking on the wrong item, dropping things, and becoming annoyed by its inventory management. Despite Wanderstop offering in-game books that offer Alta helpful tips and advice, these mechanical issues remain unresolved. Nevertheless, I attempted to maintain a relaxed state as Boro consistently reminded me that there are no deadlines, targets, or consequences within the game.

Initially, Alta and I both felt uneasy due to stretches where there wasn’t much work or activity. During slow business periods, I would frequently click on the button to view visitors, hoping for some information or new tasks. When no such opportunities arose, I ensured that all the hybrid plants had grown, removed weeds, raked leaves, and returned any enigmatic packages to their rightful owners. However, there were times when the only remaining task was making tea (or managing the extensive collection of funnels and flasks occupying most of the store’s area, if you will), sitting back, and savoring a cup of tea.

As a gamer, I couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance between my own traits and Alta’s perfectionism. It felt like this compulsion to excel was almost controlling us. On the other hand, Wanderstop’s straightforward gameplay, its emphasis on the fleeting, and its laid-back vibe seemed to weave a profound narrative. This narrative subtly suggested that taking breaks and doing nothing are vital for self-care. Frankly, it sparked an internal debate within me: was Wanderstop’s gameplay underwhelming or was I just too high-strung? But then again, could this be exactly the introspective dialogue Ivy Road intended for me to have with myself?

Despite some uncertainty about various aspects, it’s clear that I was hoping for a deeper connection between Wanderstop’s gameplay and its captivating story. As of now, the daily activities in the game seem more like fillers between chapters or meditations, often highlighting the game’s strong narrative component even more. However, I found myself longing to bypass the awkward controls and empty feel that dominated most of the game, so I could delve deeper into its engaging plot with its twists, tender moments, and profound commentary. To clarify, I was genuinely captivated by Wanderstop’s story, but my desire to escape the clumsy controls and void-like experience became stronger as the game progressed.

It was disappointing to note that, despite being delightful, the shop’s visitors didn’t significantly influence Alta or Wanderstop’s overall narrative. Although each character had their personal challenges, they seemed somewhat detached from the main game, as Boro pointed out. The lack of voice acting for these characters may have been a factor in this disconnection. If they had been voiced, I believe they would have felt more relatable and endearing, making Alta’s inconsistent voice-acting less strange. In the end, I didn’t feel that everything was properly resolved for Alta and her companions, and “well, that’s just another allegory in itself!” doesn’t quite explain it satisfactorily.

Wanderstop truly excels in its stunning visuals and captivating music. The enchanting glade where the mythical tea shop resides is breathtakingly beautiful. I found myself delighted while strolling among the trees that resemble cotton candy, gathering mushrooms, marveling at the night sky filled with stars, and eagerly anticipating the vibrant crops that would sprout from the seeds I planted. The ever-changing landscapes, with their new color palettes, kept things feeling fresh and delightful.

The tea shop’s interior is a unique blend of the bizarre and the charming, featuring roaring fireplaces, towering bookshelves, a dishwasher resembling a waterfall, and numerous whimsical gadgets that move on their own along with self-propelling ladders.

The game’s characters offer an intriguing contrast, appearing contemporary at times but also holding titles such as “demon slayer” and donning fantasy attire. I was always curious to see who would appear next, whether it be a fellow combatant or a spectral entity.

As someone who’s spent countless hours gaming, I can confidently say that the music in Wanderstop is nothing short of amazing. After all, it’s crafted by none other than C418, the genius behind Minecraft’s iconic tunes. In a way, his work on Wanderstop echoes Minecraft, with its relaxing yet melancholic undertones. But there’s also this enchanting Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away-like vibe that perfectly matches the game’s ambiance. Admittedly, I may not have been overly fond of the gameplay, but just being in Wanderstop’s world was a delightful experience.

Wanderstop, fundamentally, appears to be the kind of game that might resonate deeply with a player at a specific stage in their life. As I progressed through its story and came to understand Alta better, I found myself reflecting on my own challenges, considering how soothing it could have been during those difficult times. However, regardless of when one plays it, I’m glad this game exists and I believe it will provide solace for many others. It’s visually and auditorily pleasing, its narrative and characters are impactful, and I appreciate its exploration of burnout and the dangers of overwork – a topic that seems particularly relevant given the current emphasis on hustle culture and life optimization by most influencers. That being said, Wanderstop may not appeal to everyone due to its gameplay mechanics and certain rough edges which can make fully appreciating its strengths challenging.

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2025-04-04 19:10