Wayward Manor

 PC
Metascore
41

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 23
  3. Negative: 17 out of 23
  1. CalmDownTom
    Jul 24, 2014
    70
    With a game that looks and sounds as good as Wayward Manor, it’s hard to believe that the gameplay was rushed giving hardcore gamers something to moan about.
  2. Shacknews
    Aug 13, 2014
    60
    Even with the challenges, there isn't a lot of replay value in Wayward Manor. Going through the experience once is plenty. By the end of it, players end up giving the house exactly what it wants. Leaving it alone to rot, empty and forgotten.
  3. Eurogamer
    Jul 29, 2014
    50
    Neither a triumph of design nor storytelling and stymied by poor execution, Wayward Manor is a rough proposition. But there's something worthwhile here, even if it's the unusual power fantasy of being able to haunt an aristocratic family from the safety of the rafters.
  5. Joystiq
    Jul 25, 2014
    50
    Wayward Manor has charm for the adorable-goth market, but not so much for puzzle game enthusiasts. It's simple, slightly janky and kind of cute, with an OK story and sub-par game design.
  6. Game Informer
    Jul 21, 2014
    50
    My time with Wayward Manor felt more like a trial than a macabre puzzle adventure about a haunted house. Wayward Manor isn’t frightening, but it sure scared me away.
  7. Hooked Gamers
    Jul 20, 2014
    50
    It baffles and frustrates me that Wayward Manor is such a mess. All the ingredients were there: a great indie developer, a great author, and a great idea. But it goes to show that it's all in the execution.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.4

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 11 out of 17
  1. OHIC
    Jul 17, 2014
    1
    I can't remember ever having played a commercial game that was completely unenjoyable. Usually there's something there: a nice environment inI can't remember ever having played a commercial game that was completely unenjoyable. Usually there's something there: a nice environment in which to wander, at least one nice gameplay aspect, some fun character work. Not so with Wayward Manor. I suppose you could say that Neil Gaiman's writing style provides a few decent turns of phrase, but they can't allay such a relentlessly repetitious clanger as this. The game is about 2.5 hours long, and you'll wish it was shorter. It is the opposite of fun.

    I helped to crowdfund this game, so I have every reason to tell myself it's good in order to feel like less of a mug, but it's really not. Originally, this game asked for funding in July 2013 and promised a Fall 2013 release. It sailed through further release targets, and told the community right up until release day that it hadn't been able to supply gameplay videos because the team was focussed on "making the game awesome". Review copies didn't go out until a few hours before the keys went public, with good reason given the sub-50% reviews it's now receiving. That's not a nice way to treat investors or new customers.    … Full Review »
  2. iamdog
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    An impressive first effort in the gaming world from Mr. Gaiman. The story is engrossing, with a similar tone to Coraline and The GraveyardAn impressive first effort in the gaming world from Mr. Gaiman. The story is engrossing, with a similar tone to Coraline and The Graveyard Book— perfectly fit for the inquisitive (and slightly macabre) teen. The gameplay offers simplistic, yet subtly challenging puzzles. There's a sense of mystery left at the end, one that makes me yearn for more. A pure gaming experience.… Full Review »
  3. Marinerblu
    Jul 18, 2014
    8
    I sat down with Wayward Manor for an afternoon only knowing that the game was a puzzle casual style game with quirky art. For older audience,I sat down with Wayward Manor for an afternoon only knowing that the game was a puzzle casual style game with quirky art. For older audience, like myself, I suggest looking at the challenges. At first look, I was able to breeze right though the levels but when I focused on getting the achievement unlocked, then I saw that the game had more depth. I suggest that anyone that picks up this game to give it to their younger child or try to tackle the challenges because that is where the real entertainment can be found. There are some bugs but nothing that didn't keep me from completing the game.… Full Review »
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