Haven

 PlayStation 5
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 42
  3. Negative: 10 out of 42

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  1. LZephaniah
    Apr 26, 2021
    9
    Rarely have I enjoyed something so much while being so aware that other people's mileage may vary. That's because I played Haven with my wife, and it is hard for me to comment on what it would be like played solo or with someone else. I suspect it is a good game no matter how you play it, but that it is at its best played co-op, and with someone who- at the very least- you would happilyRarely have I enjoyed something so much while being so aware that other people's mileage may vary. That's because I played Haven with my wife, and it is hard for me to comment on what it would be like played solo or with someone else. I suspect it is a good game no matter how you play it, but that it is at its best played co-op, and with someone who- at the very least- you would happily go for a nice walk with.

    I should say that Haven makes co-op very accessible. You can drop in an out at any time, without being committed to playing solo or co-op. My wife games far less than me but had no trouble mastering the controls. Combat requires co-ordination, but general movement and exploration lets either player take the lead which avoids the frustrations that can occur when playing with two players of very different skill levels eg handing over a controller to access tricky areas.

    This game is not an action-fest: Doom Eternal it is not! Much of the game is about exploration of a lightly populated world. Fortunately there are two elements which make this enjoyable: 1) the art and soundtrack are excellent, and 2) the movement mechanics are (mostly) a pleasure to control. The player is encouraged to follow "flow threads" which start out as novelties and later become important for accessing certain areas and recharging abilities- the difficulty following these gently scales and there are a few optional ones with real challenge to them. Exploration is necessary to move the story forward but thorough exploration is rewarded mainly through unlocking additional character and relationship moments (and this is worth it, see below).

    Meanwhile, combat starts very simple and adds layers of complexity but only a few encounters are really tough. It is here that I suspect co-op has an advantage over solo play: combat requires timing and co-ordination between the characters, which is a bit more fun when playing with someone else rather than controlling both characters together. And while we only got truly beaten once, encounters can go bad quickly and messing up can leave you having to dodge further battles while you retreat to somewhere you can heal up, so combat isn't perfunctory.

    However: while exploration is calm and pleasant, and combat is diverting and occasionally frantic, the absolute heart of this game is the relationship between the main characters. In short- the characters are written and acted in a remarkably believable way. They flirt and argue and joke in a way that felt very real (as I sat doing the same with my wife of several years) and it never seemed trite or forced. We found ourselves ignoring the main quest and exploring corners of the map because unlocking extra cute moments between the characters was a worthwhile reward- and I think that speaks volumes in itself! Even the loading screens are cute and you unlock more as you get to know the characters (note: loading times are very quick on PS5).

    In short: The Game Bakers deserve a lot of praise for this game. If you go in expecting quiet exploration and fun character work, and ideally with a loved one to play with, then I fully recommend this game.    … Expand
  2. Nuhman1990
    Jun 21, 2021
    10
    Game was awesome when you play with your Gf or wife !! Had a good gaming experience! Relaxing music and enjoyable story!!
  3. CStar73
    Dec 14, 2020
    10
    Haven isn't a big box adventure title with perfect mechanics. It is the perfect game to relax with on a weeknight with someone you love. There are few games I've enjoyed as much as I've enjoyed Haven so far. The story of Yu and Kay is endlessly relatable and the visuals, music, and mechanics come together to create a zen cooperative game. This game gives myself and my partner a sense ofHaven isn't a big box adventure title with perfect mechanics. It is the perfect game to relax with on a weeknight with someone you love. There are few games I've enjoyed as much as I've enjoyed Haven so far. The story of Yu and Kay is endlessly relatable and the visuals, music, and mechanics come together to create a zen cooperative game. This game gives myself and my partner a sense of peace and contendedness at the end of a long day and is a real gift. Pick it up!… Expand
  4. iMustang
    Mar 12, 2022
    9
    Haven was an absolutely beautiful and fantastic journey. A story best played in co-op tells a charming tale of two lovers who escape to a desolate planet to be together, finding a way to start a new life and uncover the mystery of what happened on this barren world. With soothing music, colorful visuals, and adorable creatures this game was an absolute joy to explore from beginning to end.Haven was an absolutely beautiful and fantastic journey. A story best played in co-op tells a charming tale of two lovers who escape to a desolate planet to be together, finding a way to start a new life and uncover the mystery of what happened on this barren world. With soothing music, colorful visuals, and adorable creatures this game was an absolute joy to explore from beginning to end. The two protagonists are also an complete joy and keep an upbeat humor and charm throughout the experience with plenty of cute moment sprinkled in. You can get lost for hours with Haven and we very much did, and it is without a doubt one of the best indie games I’ve ever played and highly recommend to anyone.… Expand
  5. Tomicsavo
    Feb 5, 2023
    10
    Really good atmosphere, and nice gaming experience when you co-op. Absoluiely loved it.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2020
19
#19 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. COGconnected
    Feb 19, 2021
    80
    Haven is a noteworthy story that defines what it is like to find your home with your loved one. Yu and Kay have their ups and downs, but Haven shows that love conquers all hardships. The game is about exploring and finding new places, and of course being free to love whoever you want. Like all relationships the game isn’t perfect, but it successfully presents a warm and powerful narrative that demonstrates an adult relationship with characters that we can all relate to.
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  2. WellPlayed
    Feb 10, 2021
    80
    With a heaping of exploration, a pinch of turn-based JRPG and wonderful visual novel finish, Haven takes its varied inspirations and bakes them into something sweet, layered and extremely satisfying.
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  3. 4P.de
    Jan 19, 2021
    82
    Rich exploration of a mysterious world centered around two endearing protagonists.
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