Hoa

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. COGconnected
    Aug 31, 2021
    72
    Hoa is one of the best-looking games I have ever played. Each aspect has been stunningly designed, creating a luscious and captivating world. Areas are varied with new mechanics periodically introduced to ensure the game has a nice sense of progression. Unfortunately, there is a lack of challenge and some performance issues that do hamper the experience. Although Hoa is short, this relaxing, whimsical adventure is a visual landmark that will enamor fans of Studio Ghibli.
  2. IGN Italia
    Sep 7, 2021
    70
    Hoa is a sweet and light story, which systematically avoids complicating things too much to remain an adventure within everyone's reach - missing out on a few opportunities to challenge the players, while managing to maintain a good pace from start to finish.
  3. Jeuxvideo.com
    Sep 7, 2021
    70
    Hoa asserts itself as a nice little independent parenthesis, at the crossroads between the gameplay of Ori and an artistic direction at studio Ghibli. The latter is also a success in every way, whether in terms of sets, chara design or animation. A colorful dreamlike epic galvanized by Johannes Johansson's musical composition. Unfortunately if the visual is inspired and inspiring, it just lacks a dose of challenge and innovation in the gameplay to make the platform unforgettable. Two elements that can only be found in the conclusion of the work, enough to leave regrets.
  5. Push Square
    Aug 26, 2021
    70
    The game is a looker too, with gorgeous green and blue tones brightening areas beyond the beaming sun. And while the adventure is over in just a few hours, a fair few different areas keep the brain engaged as the visuals mix things up. Our only real criticism would be the scene transitions, which cause the game to freeze in place for a second. It happens often enough to ruin the immersion somewhat. That aside, Hoa is a lovely little game that pretty much anyone of any age can enjoy. It's not trying to do something new, but rather whisk you off on a short, beautiful adventure full of positivity.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Gamebam3
    Feb 19, 2022
    9
    The animation is beautiful and so is the music. The game is quite simple contols are not complex at all but it is a very relaxing and shortThe animation is beautiful and so is the music. The game is quite simple contols are not complex at all but it is a very relaxing and short journey for anyon looking for a game more about art than gameplay… Full Review »
  2. painava
    Dec 27, 2021
    6
    Fine relaxing puzzle-platformer. The puzzles are extremely easy and the platforming super forgiving. Gameplay isn't very engaging orFine relaxing puzzle-platformer. The puzzles are extremely easy and the platforming super forgiving. Gameplay isn't very engaging or interesting, but the Ghibli-esque graphics and score are beautiful. Hoa can get a bit frustrating so it's not the perfect ambient game. A cautious recommendation.… Full Review »
  3. EasyGamerBoi
    Nov 2, 2021
    7
    Wasn’t too sure what to expect going in besides a beautifully made but short journey & that’s exactly what we got with Hoa. I definitely choseWasn’t too sure what to expect going in besides a beautifully made but short journey & that’s exactly what we got with Hoa. I definitely chose the right time to play this game, I had an extremely stressful day (more than usual) and had heard this game is a good way to unwind after a long hard day. It was definitely relaxing & made me temporarily forget about the awful day I had! The music and atmosphere of Hoa is impeccable, but the gameplay isn’t as stellar. It’s VERY simple and that’s totally fine! These types of games always have a place in the world. What I didn’t exactly expect is to finish the game in one sitting! I rented the game so when I hit the final area (which was spoiled in a review of the game for me) I was a little surprised to say the least. It was a fun and calming 2 hour game, but the $40 retail price is wayyyy too much to ask for at this time. It’s a soothing time and did leave me wishing there was more to do afterwards, I nearly Platinum’d the game on the first playthrough and I only missed 1 trophy. It’s a good game, just not that much to it besides a cute & lovely looking aesthetic & a zen soundtrack.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »