Wanderstop

Far from just another “cozy” game, Wanderstop invites you into a colorful world filled with quirky characters and bizarrely flavored tea at the price of some uncomfortably insightful introspection.

Wanderstop is a comforting experience that touches on some of the less-explored aspects of overcoming mental health struggles, but would benefit from improved gameplay.

Warm-hearted, funny, and never less than sincere, Wanderstop is a pleasant place to while away the time, though less successful as a vehicle for mindfulness in itself.

A satisfying farming and tea-shop sim inside a well-written adventure with meaningful themes.

"It's bold in its exploration of relentless self-critique and pressure."

Wanderstop does not emulate the same fourth-wall breaking revelations of developer Ivy Roads’ previous work, but what’s impressive about it all is that’s sort of what Alta’s adventure is about. I admire the game for being able to use video game genre conventions to tell a pensive, funny, and surprising story set in a charming location with enjoyable characters.

A fallen warrior trades in fighting for putting the kettle on, wandering round gardens and watering plants. Much more than cosy – it's healing

A meticulous exploration of the cozy game genre that weaves its story of burnout and trauma into every aspect, but might have just a little bit too much to do.

It's a clever mix of genre and story, because it provides a cosy space to immerse yourself in while also highlighting the reasons why people play things like this in the first place — to unwind, to take a break with something relaxing.

Wanderstop follows Alta on a journey where little journeying takes place. In fact, this game is all about slowing down, taking your time, and resting, cup of tea in hand. In 12-ish hours, you drink up a story of heroism's dark side and the need to take breaks. Its response to hustle culture is emotional, yet never sickly sweet.The beautiful art style may not be at its most potent on Switch 2, but if you're a Nintendo-only household, don't pass on Wanderstop, especially if you're a cosy fan. Ironically, if your personality is anything like Alta's, you might be too impatient to play this. Then again, you might absolutely need to. Now, who fancies a cuppa?