Summer in Mara

 Switch
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 30
  3. Negative: 7 out of 30
  1. GameCritics
    Aug 11, 2020
    45
    When it works and the quests follow a natural flow, Summer in Mara can be wonderful. At its best moments, I found it to be relaxing and effortlessly charming. Sadly, the horrendous backtracking, time-wasting filler content and frustrating resource management make it less of a vacation and more of a job.
  2. Gaming Age
    Aug 5, 2020
    42
    Because the game is such a chore from beginning to end and all points in between, it feels more like you’re trapped in a world that should be a whole lot more fun than it is. Summer in Mara will try to suck you in with promises of being all charming and delightful, but all it takes is a few minutes (and a few hours after that) to reveal just how empty those promises are.
  3. The Digital Fix
    Jun 22, 2020
    40
    Summer in Mara has a lot going for it, however, this doesn't save the lacklustre gaming mechanics that lead to the game becoming more tedious than it is relaxing.
  5. GameGrin
    Jun 18, 2020
    40
    Summer In Mara is a beautiful yet frustrating effort that fails to live up to its massive potential. Despite its masterful storytelling, Chibig fills the game’s remaining hours with repetitive fetch quests and an empty world not worth exploring. It makes me sad but for the wrong reasons.
  6. TrueGaming
    Jul 19, 2020
    30
    Summer in Mara is actually boring to play and do need more polish. Overall, this game is designed in a way that lacks the fun factor, and to be more specific... It's a painful experience overall.
  7. Nintendo Life
    Jun 16, 2020
    30
    We won’t mince words here, Summer in Mara has absolutely nothing to offer that hasn’t been done much better in other games that are easily available right now. If you want a cozy farm sim with a pleasant atmosphere, get Stardew Valley or Rune Factory 4. If you want a thrilling adventure you can take at your own pace, get Minecraft or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Even if you’ve played those and are looking for something new, please don’t waste your time or money here. This is not a 'hidden gem'; the alluring presentation of Summer in Mara only acts as a pretty mask for a much uglier game beneath the surface – one that’s keen on wasting your time with no meaningful payoff.
  8. GameSkinny
    Jun 15, 2020
    30
    Summer in Mara looks lovely right away, but the shine wears off quickly amid a long list of issues, both fixable and sadly, not fixable.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 37
  3. Negative: 6 out of 37
  1. amyann99
    Sep 16, 2020
    10
    I almost didn't buy this game because the critic reviews in particular were pretty bad. I'm glad I didn't listen to their inane complaints. II almost didn't buy this game because the critic reviews in particular were pretty bad. I'm glad I didn't listen to their inane complaints. I got it for $20 on switch and it's worth every penny. This game is such a relaxing distraction in these difficult times. It's totally charming and beautiful and funny and the story is sad and uplifting at the same time. I can't speak for the mechanics on other platforms but I've had no issues. Complaints I've heard that made me wtf: you're sending a little girl on tasks, oh but y'all were fine with the countless games with boys of a similar age fighting ancient evil where you repeatedly die. Like god forbid a female protagonist not be a super sexualized adult for once. Or they loved the game but their computer crashed at cut scene so hate it? Can the game be a bit tedious? Sure it you're looking for action packed shoot-em-ups this is not the game for you. If you're looking for a heartwarming tale with Studio Ghibli type graphics and light humor and heart, this is an excellent way to distract yourself from existence, ha.… Full Review »
  2. Sorsha
    Jun 23, 2020
    8
    Summer in Mara surprised me in the best way possible. The tutorial in the beginning was incredibly boring, I could not bring myself playingSummer in Mara surprised me in the best way possible. The tutorial in the beginning was incredibly boring, I could not bring myself playing more after it. Long dialogues, stupid island, annoying gameplay. I mean, who kicks trees or bushes so that one orange or berry falls out of it? And the fishing? Very odd way of catching a fish I would say. A few days later I decided to try playing the game again and I now I am hooked! I accepted the gameplay, got to travel with the boat to different islands and I decorated my island with whatever I wanted to craft or plant. So for every new player out there: the journey begins when you get to travel with the boat!… Full Review »
  3. julevi
    Aug 13, 2021
    9
    Given the reasonable price of 20€ this game surprised me a lot. The performance is very well executed and it has a very lovely, relaxing, warmGiven the reasonable price of 20€ this game surprised me a lot. The performance is very well executed and it has a very lovely, relaxing, warm atmosphere that simply makes me happy whenever I feel like needing a little break. I loved the possibility of planting and building freely around the huge own island. The story might be a bit childish, missing depth and has very simple dialogues. Also, it has a pretty long and boring dialogue which you just need to get throught. For 20€ you´ll get more than you could expect. If you´re in need for a relaxing getaway, give this game a chance and you will not regret it.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »