Yerba Buena

Yerba Buena is a novel puzzle-platform game with a unique gameplay concept, which offers an opportunity to play around with real-world physics; however, its weak points include poorly designed puzzles and interruptions.

60%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

graphics, stability

77% User Score Based on 13 reviews

Critic Score 77%Based on 4 reviews

Platforms

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About Yerba Buena

Yerba Buena is a single player platformer game. It was developed by Mad About Pandas and was released on May 26, 2026. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

The world is a game. Break the rules. Step into a surreal puzzle-platforming adventure as Barb, a young woman living as an NPC in an abandoned gameworld. When a sinister plot threatens your beloved San Francisco, you must step up to save it with the help of a mysterious and powerful device: the Oscillator. Copy the movement and physical traits of the world around you, reapply them to manipulate…

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Reviews

77%Audience ScoreBased on 13 reviews

story3 positive mentions

stability1 negative mentions

Innovative and creative puzzle mechanics with multiple solutions, encouraging player creativity.
Unique and memorable story concept set in a well-realized 1970s San Francisco with strong atmosphere and art direction.
Catchy music and sound design that enhance the game experience and dry, humorous writing that adds charm.

Technical issues including bugs, crashes, and janky physics that impact gameplay and progression.
Inconsistent voice acting and animation quality, with some dull line delivery and placeholder character movements.
Puzzle design flaws such as unclear objectives, poor difficulty curve, and some unsatisfying or open-ended puzzles.

story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50% positive mentions, 17% neutral mentions, 33% negative mentions
The story features a unique and memorable concept with an innovative puzzle mechanic that quickly engages players, though its pacing and exposition can feel rushed and potentially confusing for some. Overall, it provides an enjoyable and compelling narrative experience.
- “It has one of the more innovative puzzle mechanics I've come across in recent years, and a story concept that is completely unique and memorable.”
- “The overarching plot is something I can't say I've heard before and it pulled me right in within the first 5 minutes of playing.”
- “I am having a great time and I am enjoying the story.”
- “The pacing and exposition of the plot points is crazy rushed.”
- “I personally prefer to use my own noggin but I can imagine that a story this complex would frustrate most players without an explanation.”
gameplay
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions
The gameplay features innovative and well-implemented mechanics, particularly the unique oscillator absorption system, offering a fresh puzzle experience. It stands out with its creative combination of puzzle-solving and narrative, avoiding common formulas or reskins.
- “The mechanics introduced are used in good ways, and there is a decent range of different properties that can be absorbed and applied with the oscillator.”
- “It has one of the more innovative puzzle mechanics I've come across in recent years, and a story concept that is completely unique and memorable.”
- “No pre-made formula or reskin of a known mechanic, but an innovative approach that combines a puzzle game with narrative.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 33% negative mentions
The music is catchy and well-designed, complementing the gameplay without becoming annoying during puzzle-solving. It enhances the environment, making fast-paced movement through areas more engaging and enjoyable.
- “Catchy music and sound design.”
- “If you're moving quickly through areas, the music adds to the environments in a really fun way.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions
The humor is characterized by hilariously dry writing that rewards attentive players with occasional, unexpectedly funny dialogue lines.
- “Hilariously dry writing.”
- “If you're willing to pay attention to the dialogues, they will occasionally reward you with a line so funny, it'll blow your socks clean off.”
graphics
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
0% positive mentions, 100% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions
The graphics feature a charmingly rugged art style that adds character and appeal to the game’s visual presentation.
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its breathtakingly beautiful sets and cutscenes, showcasing impressive shaders, effects, and detailed tech art that reflect significant effort and craftsmanship.
- “Some sets within the game and cutscenes are breathtakingly beautiful and atmospheric; you can tell that a lot of work went into the shaders, effects, and overall tech art.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions
The game suffers from bugs that affect stability in certain areas, and overall polish is lacking, impacting level design, character models, and puzzle difficulty.