Haven Park

 Switch
Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Gaming Age
    Jul 12, 2022
    83
    Haven Park isn’t going to make you forget its influences – and you should definitely play those other games before playing this one, since they’re both much better – but it’s still enjoyable enough that if you’ve got a few hours to spare and want to play something charming and wholesome, it’ll do the trick.
  2. Switch Player
    Dec 1, 2021
    80
    Haven Park is the kind of game that will completely absorb you until several hours have passed and, suddenly, you’ve beaten the game! The story is warm and fuzzy and bittersweet, and if you’re a fan of a quaint, relaxing game don’t hesitate to put this one in your collection.
  3. Hey Poor Player
    Aug 18, 2021
    80
    Honestly, I struggle to find criticism for Haven Park. Is it the most stunning, groundbreaking game you’ll ever play? No, but it doesn’t need to be. While it feels like it draws some inspiration from the Animal Crossing series, it remains its own separate entity with its own identity. For a game about walking and fixing up campsites, it’s short, sweet, beautiful, and even at times, moving. It left me wishing for more, but in the best way possible.
  5. Gamezebo
    Aug 17, 2021
    70
    Ultimately there’s no escaping the fact that Haven Park simply isn’t as fun or polished as its obvious inspirations. Despite this it never feels like a cash grab or a soulless clone, and is still well worth investigating if you’re after a new relaxed indie experience.
  6. Nintendo Life
    Aug 9, 2021
    70
    Haven Park is a lovely game that suffers a bit from strange movement choices and a partially underbaked camp construction system. These cons aren’t dealbreakers by any stretch, but they do somewhat sour what could’ve been a truly stand-out example of a bite-sized, wholesome little game. We’re still glad to recommend it, but don’t expect the same level of polish as other bird-based island exploration jaunts you can find on Switch. Oh, and if you press 'A' with nothing to interact with in front of you, Flint says 'Pew'.
  7. Multiplayer.it
    Aug 17, 2021
    62
    Haven Park is similar to Animal Crossing, but requires you to run your own campsite.
  8. Destructoid
    Aug 13, 2021
    55
    Haven Park certainly fits in with the current trend of wholesome games. It’s warm, it looks delectable, and you can make Flint say “Pew” every time you hit the A button. But like many of its ilk, that wholesomeness is a cover for an experience that is largely unengaging. Nothing here coalesces into a complete package or meets its full potential, leaving players with an assortment of good ideas in desperate need of some solid execution.
  9. Pure Nintendo
    Aug 6, 2021
    50
    If you haven’t played A Short Hike yet, you might get into Haven Park for a little bit. But it’s a game that seriously needs more original ideas and better implementation of ideas in general.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. Nicolicious
    Aug 6, 2021
    8
    While this game is reminiscent of A Short Hike, it is probably more like its poor cousin. Both on an island. Both birds (although here youWhile this game is reminiscent of A Short Hike, it is probably more like its poor cousin. Both on an island. Both birds (although here you don't get to fly). Both involve roaming around and collecting things so as to give you more power/skills whilst learning about your environment. But while ASH is constantly lifting you higher and inspiring you to the top (figuratively and literally), Haven Park is more of a meander. There is a goal but it is not as satisfying when you reach it.

    Sadly, the controls are not quite as good, and I don't know why you wouldn't enable camera on the right stick since it's pretty much a standard on most games, so your exploration is a little challenging and mono-dimensional at times. But even though they're a little clumsy, and the game is a little rusty compared to ASH, it is still a lovely, pretty, and fun game to work through. A satisfying set of quests, as well as the main one (restore the holiday park) will keep you entertained for quite a while. It is easy to pick up and drop and not taxing on your brain cells too much. And much like ASH, that cathartic quality is one of its strong points. This is a place to go to chill, have a little fun, and explore. Just like a real holiday.    … Full Review »
  2. splineabble
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    So yeah this is definitely cut from the same cloth as "A Short Hike," but I enjoyed both games equally if for slightly different reasons. ISo yeah this is definitely cut from the same cloth as "A Short Hike," but I enjoyed both games equally if for slightly different reasons. I played them within weeks of each other, and of the two, it's "Haven Park" I keep returning to just to start a new game and experience the park again. For one thing, it's just pure eye candy and so beautiful. I'm not talking about pixel style or whatever but rather the color palette, characters, and environmental design. For another, it's more emotionally satisfying to me.

    While both games' main quests "end" on an emotionally resonant note, the experience is drastically different. The peak of "A Short Hike" conveys awe, isolation, and (surprisingly) intimacy, as if you've discovered the world's last and most remote phone booth. The peak of "Haven Park" leads to an equally moving encounter, but it also gently encourages you to continue connecting with and helping the enthusiastic park visitors.

    Obviously YMMV on this, but I find that "Haven Park" makes me happier overall. I think it's that message of finding peace and a sense of purpose through service and community that appeals to me. That and the gorgeous visuals.

    Anyway, they're relatively cheap games and pretty short, so if you like one you should definitely play the other. As long as you don't fall into the trap of thinking that any type of similarity is automatically somehow "bad," you'll probably have a good time with both.    … Full Review »
  3. Gxrxtcobuv
    Aug 21, 2021
    10
    Haven Park is an amazing cute little game. Atmosphere is lovely, it's overall very relaxing, and the developer is incredibly fast pushing outHaven Park is an amazing cute little game. Atmosphere is lovely, it's overall very relaxing, and the developer is incredibly fast pushing out bug fixes and updates. They're also very willing to help you out with certain quests in their discord channel. It's a short game, but tons of fun, and for that price, you just can't go wrong either way. You can even catch the freaking fireflies at night!… Full Review »
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