Wayward Strand

WellPlayed (9.5 out of 10)

With its eccentric elderly cast, intricate themes, unique agency mechanics and narrative structure, Wayward Strand is a compelling experience that reels you in and leaves you wanting to call your grandma.

But Why Tho? (9 out of 10)

Wayward Strand isn’t a perfect game, but it is darn near close. It doesn’t overwhelm players or force their hand but allows plenty of freedom within the confines of the closed-in space of the airship. I will absolutely be replaying Wayward Strand several times to explore the rest of the story options, and I cannot recommend it enough.

GBAtemp.net (8.5 out of 10)

Wayward Strand is a beautifully crafted, cosy game with a singular real-time, simultaneous narrative structure that compels multiple, unique playthroughs.

KeenGamer (8 out of 10)

Despite a few shortcomings, this game is fantastic. With several mysteries to uncover, it lends itself to multiple playthroughs. The artwork is beautiful, the characters are engaging, and the drip-feed of lore about this familiar, yet distinctly different world keeps my wanting to try another playthrough.

AusGamers (8 out of 10)

Wayward Strand is a delicate piece of work, as its title might imply. Despite the flight of fancy proposed by the very idea of an airship hospital, it's a remarkably unassuming game–not literally down-to-earth, but certainly grounded in its portrayal of lives nearing their end and one just beginning, and the common hopes, dreams and fears that connect all those lives together.

GamesCreed (4 out of 5)

Once you begin a thread in the Wayward Strand, you may want to follow. The people who you forge connections with will rely on you. If you’re genuinely looking for a good cry, it's a perfect choice for you.

NoobFeed (75 out of 100)

Wayward Strand is great for players who love talking with NPCs and hearing their thoughts and opinions. However, this is very much in the form of a journalistic interview; Casey lacks the charisma or drives to shape the outlooks of seasoned adults. Still, it can be great fun to unravel the mysteries and stories by just happenstance.

Edge (7 out of 10)

Accept those technical shortcomings and it's hard not to marvel at the way this feels like a complete, self-contained world.

ScreenRant ( )

Overall, Wayward Strand is an interesting game that explores humanity in a way that few games have, while its time limit to each day means choosing who to spend time with has an added importance. Technical issues hold the game back, alongside a lack of dialogue depth as the weekend rolls on. However, overall this is still an engaging game for players who want a more cerebral title.

Forbes Magazine N/A

It’s safe to say that you will come away from Wayward Strand a better person. Its deeply emotional storylines tap into a vast array of feelings and fears, but crucially, its tales underline the fragility of life–and how important it is to treat people individually, try not to pass judgment quickly, and simply listen. Sometimes, you don’t need to speak to have your presence appreciated–or even just felt.

Entertainium N/A

Wayward Strand is a very unique game with a lot of heart, and it tells its non-linear, intertwined narratives in a very naturalistic fashion, which you can freely jump between as you guide Casie across the decks of the airship. The game’s ending is somewhat lacklustre, but I admire that the game didn’t attempt to invent a dramatic finale simply for the sake of it. It’s certainly worth a playthrough or two to see the various stories and conversations you missed the first time around, and the heartfelt, caring atmosphere it fosters will help to raise your spirits.

Rock, Paper, Shotgun N/A

A heartfelt story about growing up and getting old with an interesting time mechanic set inside an airborne hospital.