Wildmender, developed by Muse Games and published by Kwalee, offers a fresh take on the survival adventure genre. Set in a world ravaged by wraiths, the game challenges players to not only survive but also restore life to the desolate landscape you find yourself in. With the option to team up with friends for a cooperative experience, Wildmender promised to be a blend of gardening simulation, action-adventure, and survival elements – we checked it out on a PlayStation 5.
The narrative for Wildmender is skillfully interwoven with the gameplay, immersing players in a tale of redemption and rejuvenation. The story of a once-thriving world now reduced to barrenness by wraiths adds depth to the overall experience, especially for players who aren’t naturally drawn to survival and gardening mechanics. As such, the game also strikes a balance between storytelling and allowing players the freedom to explore and engage with the environment, giving players a degree of freedom in how they want to approach things.
Wildmender’s core mechanic revolves around gardening, and the emphasis on cultivating plants and harnessing their potential for progress provides a satisfying and immersive gameplay loop. The need to forage for resources and manage vital supplies, such as food and water, adds a layer of challenge, reinforcing the survival aspect.
Exploration is another key component of Wildmender, with the game offering a diverse and engaging world to discover. The environment, which was once thriving but has fallen on harder times, is now filled with intriguing ruins, shrines, and hidden secrets. But while it’s inviting to just focus on the narrative elements and find out more about this world, the survival elements are thoughtfully interwoven with how you go about things, encouraging players to adapt and strategize in their efforts to reclaim the land.
Combat is also a part of the experience, but it may not be to everyone’s taste and we considered it to be the weakest part of Wildmender. The combat encounters with wraiths can feel less polished compared to the game’s other mechanics, but it’s an aspect that can be optionally toggled off, allowing players to focus on the gardening and exploration aspects that truly shine.
Visually, Wildmender excels in creating an atmospheric and captivating world. The transition from desolation to life is visually striking, showcasing the game’s attention to detail and giving players a visual sense that what they’re doing has a huge impact on the game world. The user interface is well-designed as well, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience.
The soundtrack is excellent complements the game’s mood, dynamically changing to provide a blend of more introverted and uplifting melodies. It contributes to the overall immersive experience, enhancing the sense of world-building and myth through the auditory experience.
In the realm of survival adventure games, Wildmender distinguishes itself through its gardening mechanics and engaging storytelling. While combat might not be its strongest suit, the option to disable it allows players to focus on the game’s strengths. With its beautifully crafted world and intuitive UI, Wildmender offers a delightful and rewarding experience for players seeking a different kind of survival adventure.
Score: 8.0/10
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