Mist Monkey: wanderer

Well folks, this is quite a niche game. I’ve never played anything quite like it. I thought it was a zelda-clone at first, but it’s not really so much of that. I find myself wanting to play it in place of idle games or chill games. It’s good to play after work when all other games just seem like more work. Sometimes my brain is tired and I don’t want to commit more hours of work to a virtual world. I think there is real cult classic potential here, but maybe it isn’t quite weird enough. I’m reminded of similar games, Attack of the Friday Monsters and Catherine Full Body. Not because of game play, but because the developers had a vision to do something different. This game is definitely different, and I think it is going to be divisive (if anyone bothers to play it). I think the mixed reviews will come from different gamer expectations and willingness to try something new. But it is fair to say that it is not for everyone. There has been a lot of backlash to open world design in games lately after a flood of open world genres with too much to do. This game takes a different approach, it gives you a great big open world without being constantly tugged in every direction. The focus is on being “aimless” which is a hard concept to grasp. The controls are pretty comfortable. I’m not sure what that other reviewer was doing with fingers at zxc, wasd works fine for moving. I’m not sure if they actually took the time to play the game. Some people are just in such a rush to write reviews for their own benefit that they end up missing out on playing great games. People need to play before writing reviews. I just feel sorry for these small indie dev teams who are brave enough to put something new out there and then get crushed by negative reviewers too eager to add another check to their own list, such a shame. For a budget gamer like myself, $7.99 is a bit much to charge for this game. It’s a great pickup when on sale though. If you want to chill and are tired of repetitive farming sims, do yourself a favor and try something new for a change.

This game was definitely made by an artist. I spent several hours playing it and I must admit that I have not yet reached the end as of now. While convoluted and confusing, you actually are forced to wander as the title implies. With no map, the big levels can get pretty confusing and fog obscures enemies. It is difficult to navigate, but correct me if I’m wrong, when I say I think that might be the point. The only “story” is a subtle satire of generic games these days. Once you finish the intro and have saved the world, the game is essentially post game entertainment or "wandering" while on a pilgrimage. I don’t know if it really works like the developer intended, but it wasn't a bad experience. I did get better at it after the first 30 minutes or so. Once I got more health, the difficulty curve really leveled off. In fact, After I filled up my health and realized that meditating heals me, I found it difficult to die as long as I was patient. Definitely not for anyone looking for a fast-paced thriller and it doesn't fall into the cozy sim category either. If you're looking for the expected cookie-cutter formula we’re used to, you won't find it here. It won't win Game of The Year, but it is a desperately needed refresh for a gaming world all too happy with the thousands of contrived clones out there. Pros: Pretty to look at, Cute monkey, Nice music, An overall unique experience. Cons: minimal controls, No map, Weird difficulty curve. Verdict: For a solo developer... not bad. Not the best, but certainly worth a play for anyone tired of the norm. If you want to have a different gaming experience, give this one a shot.

OMG, I love this game. Its right up my alley. I am actually really into meditation and I’ve even done a few meditation retreats. I get what the developers were trying to do. But how do the worlds of meditation and gaming collide? Maybe this game isn’t for everyone, but I found it really enjoyable. This is a great game for anyone interested in meditation, spirituality or even thinking more deeply than just the surface. I’m reminded of my mindful walking meditation practice as I go step by step through the fog that covers everything. Its not all that hard, but you can’t expect to just barrel through looking for a quest, because there are none. You’ve got to take your time and enjoy the peaceful music. Unfortunately, some games train us to be impatient, so I imagine some gamers are not going to get how to play this game. My advice is if this game feels like a grind to you, you’ve got the wrong approach. It’s more of a casual collectathon with chill music and a cute character and less of a race to the finish line. If you beat the game, great! If not, it doesn’t really matter. I think the beauty of this game is found in the small moments. There were times that I found myself really relaxed but still making high reflex decisions while zig-zagging through the clusters of blobby things while trying to smack the glowing balls. Its kind of like hopping across stones in a stream. This game is chill but still keeps you active. It doesn’t feel like a chore like a lot of games do. Oh yeah, and there is no mini-map. Actually, there is no map at all. I didn’t really mind not having a map though because dying or “fainting” or whatever, isn’t so bad. I found myself actually watching for landmarks to try to remember where to go. I do wish there were a few more easy to spot landmarks to make wayfinding easier. That is my main complaint. Lastly, I appreciate the effort put into making the game “nonviolent” and I like the “wisdom stones”. I just wish there were more of them and that they were easier to find. Or maybe there could be a journal that records the wisdom that you find. Just some thoughts for the developers.

Really beautiful, relaxing, and fun. At first I had no idea what I was doing, but just walking around the world is enough to show you cool new things, and eventually I figured out how to progress. I had a great time and would highly recommend this if you want a relaxing wander through this world.

Thoroughly enjoyed this little game. Very chill athmosphere with fun and fairly clever/[spoiler]straightforward[/spoiler] puzzles.

Very long game...!

Cute and charming but a little confusing if you don't pay attention.

Mist Monkey: Wanderer is a strange and quietly absorbing experience. It’s meditative and mystical, but also confusing and deliberately obscure in a way that won’t work for everyone. The world feels open and long, more like a place you inhabit than a game you rush through, and a lot of the meaning is left for you to piece together on your being patient. I appreciated how odd it was; nothing is clearly explained, and that feels intentional rather than unfinished. Some moments are genuinely peaceful, others disorienting, and the game is comfortable letting you sit with that. It’s not always clear what you’re meant to do, but that ambiguity becomes part of the experience. Also, there is a great monkey to find, which made the wandering feel worthwhile. If you enjoy slow, atmospheric games that prioritize mood and exploration over clarity or constant action, this one is worth spending time with.