Wanderstop

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Gamer.no
    Mar 24, 2025
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  2. Metro GameCentral
    Mar 10, 2025
    70
    A fascinating cosy experiment, packed with memorable characters and sharp writing, but which occasionally stumbles in the execution.
  3. Gamereactor UK
    Mar 11, 2025
    60
    I wish Wanderstop's actual gameplay elements had been given an extra coat of paint, a little more focus. It's not that I'm demanding that the game prioritise differently than it does, but even if you fall in love with the therapeutic, calm, and introspective atmosphere, you'll probably end up getting bored before the end credits roll, and that's a shame.
  5. WellPlayed
    Mar 10, 2025
    60
    Wanderstop is a well-intentioned take on the personal weight of societal burnout and the issues typically found in the cozy genre but struggles to find much ground beyond its initial premise as surface-level commentary and frustrating, awkward gameplay spoils the brew.
  6. Siliconera
    Mar 10, 2025
    60
    Wanderstop tells a fascinating story and very much captures the stress, anxiety, and pressures that come from being trying to meet all these expectations and not fail. Especially when you try to stop doing that. However, I often found myself wishing this was a short animated series or movie, rather than a game. Alta’s journey and many of the characters around her are fascinating, and I love watching them. But this ended up being an unexpectedly stressful, inconvenient, and broken sim at some times, and that got in the way of my enjoying everything. I believe there are many people who will love and identify with Wanderstop! I just found it clunky, broken on the PS5 at launch, and far from cozy.
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  1. The Escapist
    Mar 10, 2025
    As a very personal tale that’s relatable to so many, Wanderstop’s unique premise and storybook-like setting will have something for everyone. As far as cozy narrative-focused games go, Ivy Roads’ Wanderstop has raised the bar. [Recommended]