Wavetale is one of those games that I wish I could give a higher score to, but there just isn't enough game to warrant it. I finished it in just over 4 hours, and there is so much to love about the game but I just wish there was more space to let it shine.
Let's start with some positives. The movement is some of the best in any game I've played, and mastering the timing of riding the waves is really satisfying. It's definitely the thing that I wanted more of the most. There is so much potential with the movement that it feels criminal that the game is short. There's also the level design, which is overall very sound. The locations in the game are fun to explore with the fluid movement mechanics, and some platforming/grappling sections feel just as good as the ocean movement. The OST is brilliant - Joel Bille's unique sound really contributes to the atmosphere. Visually the game is very easy on the eyes, and the character designs are super cute.
There are, however, some downsides to the game. I've mentioned already the disappointing length. Even if the story remained the same length, adding in more characters to interact with, more side quests and puzzles, or even more islands to explore; anything to make the game last just that little bit longer would have been welcome.
The story is fairly on the nose with its messaging, but it didn't detract from the experience much. What did however, was some of the writing. Some lines were bordering on cringey, and a few lacklustre performances didn't help. Not all the dialogue mind you, but enough for me to be annoyed by at times. There is also some combat in the game, but it is essentially just mashing the attack button and occasionally using a heavy attack. Not a bad thing necessarily, as combat definitely isn't the focus of the game, but there was enough combat for me to mention it.
Overall, Wavetale is a charming, if a little underwhelming experience. More locations to explore to flesh out the world would've been great, as would a longer story. Ultimately, I wouldn't pay full price for this game, but definitely a fun way to spend an afternoon if you can get it on sale.
Let's start with some positives. The movement is some of the best in any game I've played, and mastering the timing of riding the waves is really satisfying. It's definitely the thing that I wanted more of the most. There is so much potential with the movement that it feels criminal that the game is short. There's also the level design, which is overall very sound. The locations in the game are fun to explore with the fluid movement mechanics, and some platforming/grappling sections feel just as good as the ocean movement. The OST is brilliant - Joel Bille's unique sound really contributes to the atmosphere. Visually the game is very easy on the eyes, and the character designs are super cute.
There are, however, some downsides to the game. I've mentioned already the disappointing length. Even if the story remained the same length, adding in more characters to interact with, more side quests and puzzles, or even more islands to explore; anything to make the game last just that little bit longer would have been welcome.
The story is fairly on the nose with its messaging, but it didn't detract from the experience much. What did however, was some of the writing. Some lines were bordering on cringey, and a few lacklustre performances didn't help. Not all the dialogue mind you, but enough for me to be annoyed by at times. There is also some combat in the game, but it is essentially just mashing the attack button and occasionally using a heavy attack. Not a bad thing necessarily, as combat definitely isn't the focus of the game, but there was enough combat for me to mention it.
Overall, Wavetale is a charming, if a little underwhelming experience. More locations to explore to flesh out the world would've been great, as would a longer story. Ultimately, I wouldn't pay full price for this game, but definitely a fun way to spend an afternoon if you can get it on sale.