Whateverland, developed by Caligari Games and published by WhisperGames, invites players into a classic hand-painted point-and-click adventure set in the peculiar realm of Whateverland. As Vincent, a skilled thief, players must navigate a magical and treacherous dimension with the assistance of a charming ghost named Nick. The narrative unfolds as Vincent attempts to escape the clutches of Beatrice, an ancient and powerful witch who banishes her adversaries to this mystical world. The premise sets the stage for an intriguing escapade, combining elements of puzzle-solving and choice-driven gameplay in a modern take on a familiar formula. We checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
Unlike most titles in the genre, the game offers players the choice between two different paths, each offering a different experience. Opting for the thieving route presents a more challenging set of puzzles, demanding creative problem-solving and keen observation. Safes and locked objects become puzzle-centric obstacles, with players wielding a toolkit to crack them open. This element injects a layer of depth and gratification into the gameplay, creating a sense of accomplishment upon successfully infiltrating secured areas.
On the other side, embracing the path of benevolence introduces a different gameplay dynamic, focusing on forging connections with the eccentric inhabitants of Whateverland. The puzzles here are more straightforward but no less enjoyable, showcasing the developer’s ability to craft engaging and diverse challenges within a singular narrative framework. These interactions also shine a light on the richly crafted cast of characters, each with their own quirks and stories. The dialogue system allows players to make choices, influencing their relationships with the Whateverlanders you run into and shaping the narrative trajectory.
Whateverland’s strength lies in its character-driven storytelling. The inhabitants of Whateverland are an interesting ensemble, ranging from a poetic crow to twin sisters with a canine butler. Their eccentricities and idiosyncrasies add a layer of charm and whimsy to the adventure, making every encounter a memorable experience. Vincent and Nick’s camaraderie is palpable, their banter infusing the journey with humor and warmth, establishing a genuine sense of friendship.
The game’s puzzles, while generally enjoyable, do have moments of inconsistency. Some puzzles, particularly those tied to the thief’s path, can be challenging and occasionally require a degree of trial and error. However, the ability to approach puzzles from different angles, whether through theft or altruism, showcases the game’s commitment to player agency, even though the puzzle path can have its frustrations in a handful of more obtuse solutions.
Visually, Whateverland captivates with its hand-drawn art style, immersing players in a vivid and imaginative world. The attention to detail in depicting the diverse environments of Whateverland is commendable, from cluttered alleyways to colorful interiors. The character designs are equally captivating, each having their own personality and charm. However, occasional technical glitches and bugs, particularly in the latter stages of the game, do mar the otherwise polished presentation – and we’re hoping these will be addressed in an upcoming patch.
Despite these minor hiccups, Whateverland is a charming addition to the point-and-click adventure genre. Its dual-path system, endearing characters, and inventive puzzles add up to an engaging gameplay experience. The game’s narrative-driven focus, coupled with its branching storyline, offers replayability for those curious to explore different outcomes. And while it may stumble in a few areas, Whateverland ultimately delivers an enchanting journey through a wonderful little fantasy world.
Score: 7.4/10
Press Play Media 