Although the city-builder genre is packed with entries, The Wandering Village manages to carve out a unique niche for itself by blending colony management with survival gameplay on the back of a giant creature. Developed and published by Stray Fawn Studio, the PlayStation 5 version of this title brings a slower, more deliberate rhythm to console players – one that’s deeply satisfying but not without its rough patches.
Set in a post-apocalyptic world plagued by poisonous spores, the game’s concept is instantly captivating. As leader of a nomadic tribe, you’re tasked with establishing a thriving village on the back of a lumbering, dinosaur-like creature named Onbu. This isn’t just a gimmick, even though a gorgeous model reproduction of Onbu used at trade shows made sure The Wandering Village has been on our radar for years now. In the game itself, he relationship with Onbu is at the heart of the experience, and whether you nurture this bond or exploit it for short-term gains adds a welcome moral layer to the strategy.
Gameplay-wise, The Wandering Village offers a familiar cycle of collecting resources, managing workers, and expanding infrastructure, but the twist of limited real estate and a moving environment changes how you plan and react. The compact build area forces clever layouts and constant optimization, especially as Onbu wanders through various biomes with changing weather patterns and hazards. Resource scarcity and environmental threats keep the stakes high, though some players may find the pacing a bit too relaxed or the early game lacking tension and high stakes.
One of the more charming aspects is the duality between caring for your villagers and the creature carrying them. While Onbu can be ignored or even harmed for gain, doing so comes with consequences, both in terms of survival and emotional resonance. Feeding it with a massive trebuchet or calming it with music feels refreshingly intimate in a genre often focused on abstract systems.
Controls on the PS5 are responsive and well-adapted, with a radial menu system that makes navigating menus feel natural, although it’s clear the game’s UI was originally designed for PC. It can be slightly fiddly when managing densely packed areas of your village, especially once things get more complex, but it’s a serviceable adaptation.
Visually, The Wandering Village is striking in its minimalist charm. The muted color palette and hand-drawn look give the world an earthy, organic vibe that suits the themes of survival and decay. The creature animations are especially noteworthy, with Onbu’s sleepy movements and reactive expressions adding a surprising layer of character. The soundtrack, too, complements the atmosphere well, with a tranquil, melancholic tone that underscores both the wonder and fragility of your situation.
Despite its originality, there are limitations. The lack of late-game variety in buildings and events means that longer sessions can become repetitive. Additionally, the game sometimes fails to clearly communicate mechanics, which can frustrate newcomers who aren’t used to survival strategy hybrids.
Still, The Wandering Village stands out for its emotional undertones and the novelty of living atop a massive, breathing landscape. It may not revolutionize the genre, but its thoughtful execution and distinct identity make it one of the more memorable builders in recent years. Whether you bond with Onbu or exploit it, the journey is one worth taking – just don’t forget to feed your giant friend from time to time.
Score: 7.7/10
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