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Wandersong

A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage.
Wandersong Game Cover
90%Game Brain Score
story, music
stability, grinding
95% User Score Based on 3,267 reviews
Critic Score 88%Based on 19 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPCMac OSPlaystation 4Xbox OneXboxSteam DeckWindowsPlayStation
Wandersong Game Cover

About

Wandersong is a single player casual platformer game with fantasy, drama and comedy themes. It was developed by banov and was released on September 27, 2018. It received positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Wandersong takes you on a whimsical, musical journey across the globe. Eons ago, the goddess Eya put the universe into motion with her music--now, as she does every epoch or so, she's going to sing a new song and reset existence. You play as a lowly bard tasked with finding the pieces of a mysterious melody called the Earthsong, which is said to be able to preserve the planet. Use your singing to …

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95%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,267 reviews
story781 positive mentions
stability74 negative mentions

  • Wandersong features a beautifully told story that explores themes of hope, friendship, and the power of music.
  • The game has charming visuals and a unique art style that enhances the overall experience.
  • The singing mechanic is innovative and adds a fun twist to puzzle-solving and gameplay.
  • Some platforming sections can feel janky and frustrating, detracting from the overall enjoyment.
  • The pacing can be uneven, with certain segments dragging on longer than necessary.
  • There are occasional bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay, particularly with resolution and jumping mechanics.
  • story
    1,668 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of *Wandersong* is widely praised for its emotional depth, charming characters, and engaging narrative that subverts traditional hero tropes. Players appreciate the heartfelt themes of friendship, hope, and perseverance, often finding themselves deeply invested in the protagonist's journey to save the world through music. While some critiques mention pacing issues and gameplay mechanics, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to deliver a touching and memorable story experience.

    • “Little did I know that I would be swept up in so many emotions as the story took me on a rollercoaster ride.”
    • “The story hit me in all the right ways, and did things I didn't even know I needed in storytelling.”
    • “It's a beautiful story about life and love.”
    • “The story is basic and while trying to be subversive screams 'look we're being subversive.'”
    • “The story takes a while to get going, but once it does, by golly does it speed off like a train; by chapter 2, I was heavily invested in the character progression and development.”
    • “The story got a bit too bloated for me to enjoy.”
  • music
    1,410 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in *Wandersong* is widely praised for its emotional depth and creativity, enhancing the game's whimsical narrative and vibrant visuals. Players appreciate the diverse soundtrack, which features catchy melodies and interactive elements that allow them to engage with the music in meaningful ways. While some critiques mention that not all songs are memorable, the overall consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's charm and emotional resonance, making it a standout feature of the experience.

    • “Amazing game for people who love music, it made me very emotional a lot of times by the soundtrack alone.”
    • “The music and the sound design is unbelievably good!”
    • “Wandersong is a heartfelt, imaginative adventure that distinguishes itself not through combat or tension, but through joy, empathy, and musical expression.”
    • “Also for a game about music, I thought the music could be pretty bad at times.”
    • “Artistically very disappointing, basic puzzle gameplay, and the worst, poor music for a game based on music.”
    • “The platforming and music segments are very underwhelming, on top of the tedious fetch quests in each act.”
  • gameplay
    1,045 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of *Wandersong* is characterized by its unique singing mechanic, which allows players to interact with the environment and solve puzzles in creative ways. While the mechanics are generally simple and forgiving, they are frequently varied throughout the game, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. However, some players noted that the gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks depth, often prioritizing story and character interactions over challenging mechanics. Overall, the game is praised for its charming visuals, heartwarming narrative, and innovative use of music, making it a delightful experience despite its gameplay shortcomings.

    • “The gameplay is fun and unique, it's a bit clunky (the entire game is) but it has its own charms.”
    • “The gameplay is interesting, the characters are fun, the art is beautiful, and the achievement system is hilarious.”
    • “The gameplay is very simple, but extremely effective.”
    • “The gameplay can feel a bit clunky, but it doesn't matter much since it's not an action or skill-based game.”
    • “The gameplay is simple, but is used in a harmonious way with the story, the art, and the characters themselves - you sing!”
    • “The gameplay itself is... kind of repetitive?”
  • emotional
    799 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Wandersong is widely praised for its emotional depth and heartwarming narrative, with players frequently expressing how it made them laugh, cry, and feel deeply connected to its charming characters. The game effectively combines whimsical storytelling with themes of kindness, friendship, and emotional resilience, creating a unique experience that resonates with many. Its engaging music and vibrant visuals further enhance the emotional journey, making it a standout title for those seeking a wholesome and uplifting adventure.

    • “Wandersong is a heartfelt, imaginative adventure that distinguishes itself not through combat or tension, but through joy, empathy, and musical expression.”
    • “The emotional depth of the storytelling is a standout feature, as players follow the bard's journey to collect pieces of a song that can save the world from impending doom.”
    • “This game is an intense emotional journey, and has the impact and depth that many games only wish they could achieve.”
    • “Interesting gameplay to say the least; however, it is not challenging at all. This, combined with a rather boring story, made for a tedious journey.”
    • “The emotional depth of the characters felt shallow and unengaging, leaving me disconnected from the story.”
    • “Despite the game's attempts to evoke feelings, I found the emotional moments to be forced and lacking authenticity.”
  • graphics
    402 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Wandersong" are characterized by a charming, colorful papercraft aesthetic that evokes a storybook feel, with vibrant colors and simple yet effective designs that enhance the game's whimsical tone. While some players noted minor graphical glitches and a simplistic style reminiscent of older flash games, the overall visual presentation is praised for its creativity and emotional resonance, contributing significantly to the game's heartwarming narrative and engaging gameplay. Many reviewers found the art style endearing, with its unique character designs and attention to detail making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “Visually, Wandersong embraces a bold, papercraft aesthetic that’s instantly recognizable.”
    • “The visuals are extremely charming and colorful, with everything done in the style of paper cut-outs, and each scene is bursting with color and visual splendor.”
    • “The game's whimsical art style and vibrant color palette perfectly complement its lighthearted tone, creating a visually stunning experience that is as delightful to look at as it is to play.”
    • “The game features somewhat lazy, simplistic 'retro' looking 2D graphics, of the type you normally expect to see in low effort flash/browser games and mobile apps.”
    • “Considering this is being evaluated as a PC game, having the graphics phoned in like this isn't going to result in a high quality, visually impressive game that PC gamers are used to seeing.”
    • “The graphics feel like a flash game from 10 years ago.”
  • humor
    286 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in this game is widely praised for its whimsical, charming, and heartfelt nature, often blending lighthearted moments with deeper emotional themes. Players appreciate the clever dialogue, quirky characters, and funny interactions that keep them engaged and entertained throughout the adventure. The game effectively balances silliness with poignant storytelling, making it a delightful experience that resonates with a broad audience.

    • “A delightful, whimsical, and wholesome adventure where you play as a singing bard in a very vivid and fantastical world. I had a smile on my face the whole time, and the dialogue is genuinely funny and hits great notes, especially with the very distinct and charming characters. Highly recommend!”
    • “The dialogue is sharp, funny, and surprisingly contemplative; even the most lighthearted scenes often carry subtle threads of vulnerability or personal growth.”
    • “It's funny, sincere, clever, endearing, atmospheric, and charming.”
    • “The game is filled with overdone references and unfunny jokes, overshadowing any interesting gameplay.”
    • “There are some real highlights, but the game massively overstays its welcome with childishly unfunny bloat and boring puzzles.”
  • stability
    74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is frequently described as "buggy," with users reporting various minor glitches and visual issues that, while annoying, are generally not game-breaking. Many players noted that these bugs can detract from the experience, particularly in platforming sections, but the overall charm and enjoyment of the game often outweigh these technical shortcomings. Despite the stability issues, most reviewers recommend the game for its engaging story and unique mechanics, suggesting that players who are tolerant of bugs may still find it rewarding.

    • “I really want to recommend this game but it's too buggy and the devs don't seem to respond or try to fix any of the game-breaking bugs many people seem to get.”
    • “The only real flaw is the frequent bugs and glitches (never game-breaking, but often annoying).”
    • “I found some of it so frustrating and buggy that it really affected how I viewed this game.”
  • character development
    50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is widely praised for its depth and emotional resonance, with players noting the charming and expressive character designs that enhance the storytelling. Many reviews highlight the well-written dialogue and the engaging arcs of both main and side characters, particularly the bard and their sidekick Miriam, who steal the show. While some critiques mention inconsistencies in character development for certain antagonists, the overall consensus is that the game successfully combines humor, relatability, and heartfelt moments, making it a standout experience in character-driven narratives.

    • “The character development is excellent -- the bard really is a human, with a full gamut of emotions.”
    • “I didn't expect to care this much about all the characters, but the game really takes its time for some quality character development.”
    • “This game sneaks up on you in the best way—not with twists, but with just, continually layering on character development in natural ways, so you don't even notice when it got its hooks into you.”
    • “But here comes my first gripe with this game: later in the story, character development for the antagonist is completely thrown out the window for no reason, and there is another character who lied several times in the course of the story, but the bard still believes them without hesitation. So the last act of the game feels a bit rushed when it comes to writing.”
    • “Character design is very uninspired (in general I do not like the art of this game but that's a matter of taste), especially the bard, the character you play for the majority of the game.”
    • “I didn't like the character designs, but the way characters expressed themselves helped bring them to life.”
  • atmosphere
    46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its charming, colorful, and music-driven environment, creating a unique blend of emotional depth and playful engagement. Players appreciate the minimalistic yet vivid art style, which enhances the storytelling and overall mood, making it a relaxing and enchanting experience. The combination of expressive character design, beautiful music, and a lively world contributes to an immersive atmosphere that resonates with a diverse audience.

    • “The game's colorful world and expressive character design create an atmosphere that's both charming and enchanting.”
    • “This is a game brimming with atmosphere, the work that went into all the music is phenomenal, the innovative ideas behind the various challenges and how everything fits together is impressive, and the story had me in tears both of joy and sadness from beginning to end.”
    • “The atmosphere, the dialogue, and the small character interactions that really make you fall in love with the characters really make this game shine.”
    • “Its artistic world made of simple geometrical shapes and vivid colors offers a peculiar, eerie atmosphere.”
    • “The game focuses quite a lot on setting atmosphere, so the gameplay isn't particularly deep.”
    • “Unlike most games, this one doesn't use music as a tool for the atmosphere or to set a mood; this game is music.”
  • grinding
    23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, with many sections of exploration, platforming, and puzzles feeling drawn out and lacking challenge. While some enjoy the story and charm, the repetitive nature of certain tasks and the unmemorable gameplay mechanics contribute to a sense of frustration and boredom. Achievements are noted as less grindy, but the overall experience can feel like a slog, especially for those aiming for 100% completion.

    • “Decided to 100% the game as the achievements were not grindy, which was great.”
    • “The platforming and music segments are very underwhelming, on top of the tedious fetch quests in each act.”
    • “I enjoyed the game and the idea behind the signature mechanic, but in practice the game felt over-long and tedious to play more than it was fun.”
    • “Like the style and story but it's tedious in terms of gameplay, found it very dull and a slog to get through.”
  • optimization
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues such as stuttering, rendering lag, and inconsistent resolution, particularly on high refresh rate monitors. While the game features a beautifully crafted narrative and engaging mechanics, these optimization problems can detract from the overall experience, making some platforming sections frustratingly difficult. Players have suggested that further optimizations and bug fixes are needed to enhance gameplay and performance.

    • “If there is any complaint to muster about [i]wandersong[/i] given what it is, it's to note some optimization issues that can affect gameplay.”
    • “I am happy to have played the game and gone on this journey, but if the dev could make the platforming less infuriating, plug the memory leak and throw in some optimizations, I'd be delighted to give this game the 9/10 it comes close to earning.”
    • “Inspired puzzle mechanics keep the sparse platforming sections fresh, which is nice because they can be a little frustrating depending on your system's performance.”
    • “Performance is a little dodgy given the fidelity, and the resolution of the game can strangely vary when switching between windows; various other bugs like this occur intermittently (nothing game breaking).”
    • “I have terrible performance problems (the problem is definitely not my PC) while my CPU is at 1% usage and some of the bird jumps are just impossible.”
    • “Unfortunately unplayable due to stuttering/rendering lag.”
  • replayability
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game has limited replayability due to its linear narrative and lack of branching paths or alternative endings. While some players appreciate the opportunity to revisit the story and characters, many feel that the experience does not offer significant incentives for multiple playthroughs. Despite this, the compelling story and enjoyable mechanics may still draw players back for a nostalgic experience.

    • “Its linear status might make you think there's not much replay value, but a beautiful story like this is worth experiencing more than once.”
    • “The variety in the gameplay and mechanics for each act makes up for the lack in difficulty; I still enjoyed playing the game very much, and there were plenty of easter eggs and different choices you could make to give the game replay value.”
    • “The real question is of replayability, which I can honestly say that I feel like the story of this game is so compelling and the mechanics are simply so fun that I would love to go play this game again.”
    • “Some players may also find the experience too linear or light on replay value, as the emotional impact derives from its narrative arc rather than branching paths or alternative endings.”
    • “[limited replayability]: once players have completed the main story, there may be limited incentive to replay Wandersong, as the gameplay experience remains largely unchanged.”
    • “The only downside to the game is that it has little replayability compared to other titles you can find today, but it makes up for that with an outstanding story and relatable characters.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users criticize the monetization of games made with Gamemaker Studio, often labeling them as retro pixel shovelware and cash grabs, suggesting a focus on profit over quality.

    • “Gamemaker Studio is most commonly used to make retro pixel shovelware and cash grabs.”
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10h Median play time
10h Average play time
9h Main story
12h Completionist
9-12h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 17 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Wandersong is a casual platformer game with fantasy, drama and comedy themes.

Wandersong is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac OS and others.

The main story can be completed in around 9 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 12 hours to finish. On average players spend around 10 hours playing Wandersong.

Wandersong was released on September 27, 2018.

Wandersong was developed by banov.

Wandersong has received positive reviews from players and positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its stability.

Wandersong is a single player game.

Similar games include Rakuen, Chicory: A Colorful Tale, RiME, Thomas Was Alone, GRIS and others.