There's beauty to be found here, for sure, but don't expect it to be the next big indie title everyone is raving about. As a beginner's introduction to open world games it works, but if you have played the titans of the genre it's severely lacking. Yonder is charming and visually beautiful, but it lacks the fundamental building blocks of any half decent game. We so often play games to feel an accomplishment of sorts, and that's just not present in Yonder. For all its many quests, there's no sense of progress or challenge. I consider myself someone who enjoys the inclusion of a farming or gardening sim in a game - never check my Runescape clocked hours - but I couldn't connect to Yonder. You have the opportunity to take part in farming, gardening and fishing but after a while it seems pointless as you aren't levelling up or achieving much of anything. Its decision to ditch combat is bold, but all that's left afterwards is an average RPG with its heart beating limply. Yonder's main issue is its mindless repetition. ![]() These 'critters' can only go so far in making the game interesting however. If this seems like too much pressure, hire a farm hand who also is persuaded by food. As you progress, you can build farms where you can keep these animals and care for them, but the options are limited- give them some love or take them on a journey. All impossibly adorable and, as in real life, if you feed them they will love and follow you. They look like they've fallen off the anime plushie stall at comic-con. The wildlife in Gemea is the stuff of LSD dreams: shrubbery pigs (sprig pig), fabbits and squombles are among the island's resident animals. In a game that's all about immersing you in its sense of wonder, stuff like this all too easily - and all too often - ruins the illusion.įor the sake of the animals, I wanted Yonder to be better. The incredible realness of the thunder and lightning paired with a simple piano symphony had me enthralled - until the music cut dead. As I searched for a Groffle which had lost its top hat (yup, that's a thing), I was caught in a storm. At one point I was feeling engulfed by Gemea. It makes an otherwise relaxing game intermittently stressful. I found I would be adventuring for around five real-time minutes before night hit and I was left fumbling in the dark with my lamp. The day/night cycle, while welcome, can be thoroughly frustrating. In winter, you run through flurries of snow and in summertime the sun beats down on your sprite-seeking skin. As time passes, the seasons change accordingly as does the weather. The island of Gemea is made up of eight distinct environments ranging from tropical beaches to snow-kissed mountains, all of which are lush with their own wildlife. Your main sprite is Lumie, an adorable moth-like creature that remains by your side to offer advice and generally make you smile. Each Murk 'cloud' has a certain number of sprites it requires to be defeated, and you find these sprites hidden around the world on your journey. These banish the Murk, but only if you have enough of them. Throughout the game you collect sprites, adorable little creatures with different personalities and names. You are going to fight the Murk with your helpfulness, optimism and good spirit. But here's where things are different to your average action-adventure game: there is no combat. ![]() Unfortunately, the pesky Murk, a foggy looking evil entity, is causing the local residents distress and trying to take over the island. Your custom character is shipwrecked on the island of Gemea, home to vibrant colours and friendly residents. This is all about cheery creatures and simulated gathering tasks. There's a striking resemblance to Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker - a gorgeous environment with a cartoon twist - but the game dynamics are more like Harvest Moon. ![]() Visually Yonder is stunning, with star-strung galaxies and cherry blossoms reaching into clouds. It's a game of unabashed simplicity, something its contemporaries rarely embrace. It's a game that allows you to take in a lush environment without the stress of violence or conflict. This indie open-world adventure seems to encompass the whimsical, childhood innocence many of us crave. Look at images of Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles and it's hard not to fall in love a little. An open world adventure that does away with combat, Yonder's beauty is ultimately undone by its mundanity.
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