We’ve checked out the We Were Here games before, and now We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip sets sail as a bite-sized standalone experience. It’s designed to test the cooperation between players through a series of engaging puzzles, with voice communication being a large part of the gameplay experience. Developed by Total Mayhem Games, this first installment offers a fresh take on a familiar concept, with support for cross-platform play.
FriendShip’s puzzles are the heart of the experience, creatively designed to challenge your reasoning skills in different ways. From deciphering symbols to navigating hexagonal grids, each puzzle demands good communication and teamwork. The finale, with one player guiding the other through an obstacle course while under the influence of hallucinogens, adds an intense twist to the cooperative dynamic. Communication is essential, with walkie-talkies used to convey crucial information, immersing players in the real-time collaboration.
With Expeditions, Total Mayhem Games takes a step forward in visual fidelity, offering higher polygon models and improved texturing over the previous We Were Here games. The pirate-themed amusement park creates a captivating backdrop, enhancing the overall sense of wonder. And with a system that encourages replays by going for higher ticket rewards, it taps into its amusement park inspirations on a gameplay level as well.
The shift from the previous Jester and King narrative to a pirate-themed amusement park injects a bit of new life into the series. The enigmatic pirate captain, voiced with a blend of joy and smugness, introduces a fresh dynamic, setting the stage for future adventures in this series as well – something we’re already looking forward to on account of The FriendShip being a relatively short experience.
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip excels in offering creative and challenging puzzles that demand teamwork and communication. The stunning visuals and detailed environments immerse players in the pirate-themed world. Engaging voice acting, with the pirate captain adding depth to the narrative, further enriches the experience while opt-out mechanics for puzzles provide flexibility and prevent frustration. And although there’s some replay value in pushing for better scores, there might be little reason to go back once puzzles are mastered.
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip breathes new life into Total Mayhem’s cooperative puzzle adventure series, offering a fresh storyline and refined gameplay mechanics. With its captivating puzzles, immersive setting, and unwavering emphasis on communication, this installment proves to be a promising start to what should be a multi-part series. If you have someone to play with, you should definitely embark on this engaging voyage through a pirate-themed wonderland – especially because they’ve launched this one for free!
Score: 8.5/10
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