Windblown

About

"Windblown" is a hack-and-slash roguelite set in a floating village facing destruction by the Vortex. Experience lightning-fast action, battle oppressive bosses, and uncover secrets in every run. Unlock deadly weapons, absorb memories of fallen Leapers, and face the Vortex's Sentinels in this cooperative, replayable game with an interesting plot and stunning visuals.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,729 reviews

gameplay414 positive mentions

optimization13 negative mentions

Fast-paced and fluid gameplay that keeps players engaged.
Beautiful art style and an incredible soundtrack that enhances the gaming experience.
Great co-op mechanics that encourage teamwork and strategy.

The sudden death mechanic in multiplayer can be overly punishing and frustrating.
Limited content in early access, leading to potential repetitiveness in gameplay.
Some balancing issues with weapons and abilities, making certain builds feel overpowered.

gameplay
893 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
51%
2%
The gameplay of Windblown has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with players praising its fast-paced, fluid mechanics and engaging combat system that combines elements from both Hades and Dead Cells. The innovative dash and combo mechanics enhance the experience, making it feel fresh and rewarding, while the vibrant art style and exceptional soundtrack further elevate the gameplay. However, some players have expressed concerns about the punishing sudden death mechanic in multiplayer, which can detract from the overall enjoyment, suggesting that it may need reworking as the game continues to develop in early access.
- “The dash feels wonderful and the combos you can do between weapons are innovative in a genre that often doesn't tend to innovate gameplay.”
- “The gameplay is incredibly smooth and satisfying, and the combat flow is addicting.”
- “The fast-paced action keeps you on your toes, and the new combo mechanics add an exciting twist that’s both fun and satisfying to master.”
- “Very boring gameplay with an overpowered dash.”
- “While the game looks great and has a nice soundtrack, I found the gameplay quite boring.”
- “The sudden death mechanic in co-op does not make much sense.”
music
735 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
42%
2%
The music in "Windblown" has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many players praising its energetic and immersive soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. Composed by Danger, the soundtrack is described as a blend of catchy, high-tempo tracks that perfectly complement the game's fast-paced combat and vibrant visuals. While some players noted occasional repetitiveness in the music, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature, elevating the game's atmosphere and making it a must-listen even outside of gameplay.
- “The soundtrack alone is enough reason to play this game; the gameplay is just a bonus.”
- “The music is so hype.”
- “Windblown is a gorgeous roguelite with stunning visuals and an incredible soundtrack that pulls you into its world.”
- “On top of the visuals getting grating on the eyes after 10 minutes, the music gets repetitive just as fast.”
- “I mute the game music now and just listen to my own, but coming from one of the greatest OSTs I've heard to extremely repetitive house music was not the move.”
- “The music is really well done, but gets too annoying after playing for a few hours; I had to leave the sound effects on and just listen to my own music to avoid a headache.”
graphics
342 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
42%
1%
The graphics of "Windblown" have received widespread acclaim for their vibrant and unique art style, which many players find beautiful and engaging. The visuals are described as colorful and immersive, complementing the fast-paced gameplay and enhancing the overall experience. While some users noted minor graphical issues and a potential for visual chaos during intense moments, the overall consensus is that the game's aesthetics are a standout feature, contributing significantly to its appeal.
- “The graphics are phenomenal, and the soundtrack is just so good.”
- “The visuals are breathtaking, and the OST is mind-blowingly good.”
- “The art style is amazing, and the gameplay really feels amazing.”
- “I was initially put off by the art style, the animated cut scenes, and the awful Gen-Z dialogue (albeit, there's very little dialogue at all in the game's current state).”
- “On top of the visuals getting grating on the eyes after 10 minutes, the music gets repetitive just as fast.”
- “Very laggy on low-end computers, virtually no graphics settings to help with that.”
story
120 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
73%
3%
The story in the game is currently minimal and underdeveloped, with many players expressing a desire for more depth and content as it is still in early access. While some find the existing narrative intriguing and see potential for growth, others feel it serves primarily as a backdrop for gameplay mechanics. Overall, there is optimism for future updates to enhance the story, but as it stands, it lacks the richness found in similar titles like Hades or Dead Cells.
- “I want to know more of the backstory; it's left me so curious as I keep noticing little things in the environments.”
- “The story is still clearly a work in progress as an early access game, but there's lots available now.”
- “Fascinating story premise, captivating art style, music worth stopping your background playlist over, and a gameplay loop that is instantly refreshing but all at once familiar.”
- “The story is lacking so far, but they have stated that they'll be working on it in the future, so I'm optimistic.”
- “I do wish there was more building on the story, though, since it's only described in one sentence by one of the NPCs.”
- “Sadly, there isn't much story to discover in the game yet, but it is coming.”
optimization
85 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
13%
72%
15%
The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing performance issues, particularly on the Steam Deck, where frame rates can drop significantly during intense combat or crowded scenes. While some users report smooth performance on high-end PCs, others note stuttering and lag, especially in later levels or during heavy action sequences. Overall, there is a consensus that optimization needs improvement, especially given the game's early access status, but many remain hopeful for future updates to enhance performance.
- “The visual, gameplay, audio, and optimization are at the highest level.”
- “Buttery smooth performance, very few bugs, excellent visuals... it'll just keep getting better!”
- “The gameplay is incredibly smooth, with visuals and a soundtrack that sync perfectly, creating a seamless flow without a single stutter or hitch in performance.”
- “Lastly, the game will need to be more optimized for the Steam Deck to consistently get 60fps, or at least a consistent frame rate.”
- “The worst part about this game is the optimization; I've encountered bugs where my screen would freeze for 3 seconds, I'd be able to walk around and run, and it would freeze again, repeating this same loop.”
- “Performance issues in some areas lead to lag, which can be frustrating.”
replayability
41 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
32%
7%
Overall, the game demonstrates strong replayability, particularly due to its procedural generation, varied weapons, and engaging mechanics that encourage experimentation. While some players express a desire for additional content and features to enhance replay value, many find the current gameplay loop addictive and enjoyable, especially in multiplayer settings. As it is still in early access, there are high hopes for future updates to further enrich the replay experience.
- “Game mechanics are streamlined, art style is sublime, and replayability is superb.”
- “Absolutely beautiful game with an amazing soundtrack and super fun mechanics and lots of variety within the game which gives tons of replayability.”
- “The replayability is fantastic, keeping things fresh each time I play.”
- “After getting through the story and unlocking almost everything, I feel almost no interest in replaying - unlike Dead Cells, which has far higher replay value and depth of progression.”
- “If they added a heat mechanic like Hades, where upping the difficulty did something else besides enemies having more HP and damage, which is just boring, it would give it a lot more replayability.”
- “Hard for me to recommend, as that replayability just isn't there for me (yet).”
grinding
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
3%
94%
The reviews indicate a mixed sentiment towards grinding in the game, with some players enjoying the combat and progression while others find it tedious and overly repetitive. Many note that the grind for upgrades and materials can feel slow, especially in the early access phase, but some appreciate the challenge and potential for improvement with each run. Overall, while grinding is a significant aspect of the gameplay, opinions vary on whether it enhances or detracts from the overall experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Aside from some of the material farming being at a snail's pace (probably due to the limited content of an early access release), it's a really fun game.”
- “This generates a very grindy gameplay of repeatedly having to die to unlock upgrades at the hub, without which you just won't complete a run.”
- “It's way too grindy and repetitive in its current embodiment, as well as lacking local co-op / remote play (the level + camera layout this game has is about as prime for shared screen co-op as you can get).”
atmosphere
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
23%
10%
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive art style, and exceptional soundtrack, creating a captivating experience that enhances gameplay. Reviewers highlight the combination of beautiful sights and engaging music, which together evoke a sense of both fragility and vitality in the game world. Overall, the atmosphere is described as a key element that elevates the co-op experience and complements the fast-paced, responsive combat.
- “Its mesmerizing art style and deeply atmospheric soundtrack immediately immerse you in a world that feels both fragile and alive.”
- “Incredible atmosphere paired with stunning music.”
- “The art style complements the theme, creating an immersive atmosphere without overshadowing gameplay.”
- “It already reminds me of Dead Cells (though I did find parry timings a bit wonkier than in that game--probably a skill issue), and while it's strongly reminiscent of Hades, I found myself more eager to keep playing because it didn't have the same oppressive atmosphere of that game.”
- “The music, visuals, atmosphere is there.”
- “Combat is clean, atmosphere is breathtaking and you rip through pesky enemies like lightning.”
stability
27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
4%
67%
Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag, with users reporting occasional visual glitches, lag, and bugs, particularly in multiplayer and during intense gameplay moments. While some players experienced significant performance issues, especially in later levels and during boss fights, others noted that the game runs well on platforms like the Steam Deck. Many reviewers express optimism that the developers will address these issues, given the game's early access status.
- “Runs great on the Steam Deck, which is even better.”
- “The game is fast and fun, runs great on the Steam Deck with minor lag here and there; overall worth the money.”
- “Relatively bug-free, but I have experienced one or two crashes so far.”
- “There are some visual glitches every now and then that make the screen stutter pretty intensely, but I'm sure they'll fix that if they haven't already.”
- “In a game designed around tight dodges and quick movement, FPS drops and micro-freezes are far more noticeable and annoying than they would be in a different kind of game.”
- “I love it, but I can't recommend a game that has a polished beginning and then starts getting buggy 3 hours in, when it's too late to refund it... I'm sure they'll fix it and all, but that's a bit much to me.”
humor
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players enjoying the quirky characters, funny dialogue, and amusing gameplay mechanics that often lead to hilarious situations, such as unexpected bugs and chaotic combat. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to elicit laughter during multiplayer sessions, thanks to its fast-paced action and entertaining sound design. While some players note that certain aspects, like balance and content, could be improved, the overall comedic tone and engaging humor contribute significantly to the game's charm.
- “Good roguelike with funny fish (and other species).”
- “The game is beautiful, great style, great music/sound, crisp reactions, and small but funny conversations.”
- “With fast-paced, addictive combat, an amazing soundtrack, and a colorful world full of funny characters, it’s got all the ingredients for roguelite greatness.”
character development
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
76%
10%
14%
Overall, the character development in the game is highly praised for its beautiful and vibrant art style, with players appreciating the fun and engaging character designs that enhance the gameplay experience. The aesthetics, including character skins and animations, contribute to a rich atmosphere that encourages creative play. While some reviews note that the character design is simply okay, the majority highlight it as a standout feature that complements the game's overall appeal.
- “This game has so much character; I love the art and music for each biome, all the different enemy and player character designs are super cute/cool, the combat is extremely satisfying and can be pretty punishing if you mess up.”
- “First, I love the art direction: character design, level design, visual effects, animations, biomes, music, sound effects - they hit the nail on the proverbial head with this one.”
- “I only hope Twin Motion considers bringing the character designs to resemble the intro!”
- “The aesthetics, art style, character design, and soundtrack are all incredibly crafted and original.”
- “If this were a Warhammer game, I would call it 'Cutetide.' The graphics, level designs, character designs, and music are all incredibly beautiful.”
emotional
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
*Windblown* is praised for its emotional storytelling and character depth, which enhance the significance of both victories and defeats in the game. The combination of beautiful environments and a well-crafted soundtrack further amplifies the emotional experience, making it a standout in the rogue-like genre. Players report feeling deeply moved, with some even expressing that the game has made them cry.
- “windblown delivers a stunning mix of strategy, adventure, and emotional storytelling, setting a new benchmark in the rogue-like genre.”
- “The emotional depth of the characters and the haunting beauty of the environments make every victory—and defeat—meaningful.”
- “You already made me cry in Dead Cells.”
monetization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
33%
50%
The game is priced at $25 with a current discount to $18, and it features no microtransactions, which reviewers appreciate as a return to pre-monetization gaming standards. Many feel it could compete with AAA titles if it had a larger advertising budget, highlighting a positive reception towards its value compared to more expensive games that rely on monetization strategies.
- “The game costs $25 with no microtransactions. It is on discount right now for about $18. This is all conversion from my currency, so I'm unsure how much it will be for you exactly.”
- “The game costs $25 with no microtransactions; it is on discount right now for about $18. This is all conversion from my currency, so I'm unsure how much it will be for you exactly.”
- “In my late 40s, so my reaction time isn't what it used to be. That said, this company and this game really take me back to the days of gaming before monetization was normal and accepted.”
- “Could be a triple-A game if it had the same advertising budget as big-name companies.”