Review: Wanderstop The Miracle Brew
Here is everything we thought about Wanderstop
Available on: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Under all the chaos and explosions we get with most computer games today, once in a while we get a slightly different experience, one that challenges our inner self and our thinking in a different way, something that affects while we experience it.
This is exactly Wanderstop, a unique and very different experience.
Pure Soul and Thirst
Wanderstop is one of those games where it is better to know as little as possible about the plot before you start playing, so beyond the general storyline I will not go into details to avoid spoiling it.
Before diving into all this magic, let me just mention that behind this game is Davey Wreden, known as one of the creators of the brilliant The Stanley Parable, so personally I approached it with high expectations, which were thankfully met.
The game puts us in the shoes of a warrior named Alta, who arrives in a magical forest after experiencing a significant series of losses as she tries to meet an ancient warrior to help “fix” herself. Alta tries to reach that ancient warrior, but along the way she collapses from exhaustion and eventually wakes up next to Boro, the owner of a magical tea shop called Wanderstop.
Boro talks with Alta and gives her two choices either she tries again to gather strength to continue her journey to the ancient warrior in the forest, or she stops for a moment, takes a deep breath, and makes some tea.
The main storyline emphasizes one central theme: exhaustion and the way humans often push themselves to the limit without giving themselves a moment of rest.
The magic of the game is its ability to connect the player with Alta’s personal challenges, as she gradually realizes that even she eventually runs out of energy and must accept the need to rest. Throughout the game, Alta, and as a result the player, face thought provoking questions about how they manage their personal life outside the game.
While some players may not look for this approach in their favorite computer games, it is hard to ignore that this is one of the most beautiful and unique story experiences I have ever had in a video game.
The Customer is Always Right
Every time a new customer enters the shop, we need to talk with them and sort of question them about their preferences and needs for the tea we will prepare.
The dialogues in the game include small puzzles meant to help us understand which tea to make, encouraging an intimate and authentic connection with the customer.
This usually brings a set of values, insights, and challenges to the table that help Alta, and ultimately us, understand what we need to do to achieve our goals.
The dialogues allow us to choose between a narrow approach and a more open, embracing approach, which Alta, starting her journey as a proud and confident hero, naturally adopts over time.
Another aspect worth praising is the game’s emphasis on the uniqueness of each customer entering the shop.
Beyond their distinct personalities, each customer has a unique tea drinking animation and even a personal soundtrack, allowing us to connect with each of them on a deeper level.
The game’s soundtrack was composed by C418, also known as Daniel Rosenfeld, one of the most respected music creators in the industry, known for creating the soundtrack of a small but famous game called Minecraft.
Along the way, players meet a few more unique characters who are likely to bring a smile to your face, but it is better to discover them yourself.
The only drawback is that all dialogues are written and not voiced, which may deter some players who dislike reading blocks of text.
Who Wants to Make Tea?
The unique and charming storyline of Wanderstop is wrapped in a simple but satisfying tea making system, allowing us to prepare tea for each customer according to their personal preferences.
The game encourages direct and personal interactions with each customer, reinforcing the importance of relationships in the overall narrative.
At its core, Wanderstop does not overcomplicate tea preparation.
Outside the shop, we have a small plot of land to grow tea, divided into several types.
We grow our tea “eggs” by placing tea seeds and fruits in a specific order.
Each time we discover a new recipe, we can record it in our tea catalog to make preparation easier next time.
After growing the tea, we bring it into the shop and go through several stations that eventually lead to a tasty, unique tea served to the customer.
Each station involves a simple puzzle challenge.
Besides tea preparation, players can participate in shop maintenance, like cleaning and gardening, offering a relaxing and light activity that complements the main gameplay.
It is important to note that the game systems are not overly complex.
If you are looking for a deep challenge in tea making, this may not be the case.
The game is simple and light, likely manageable by almost anyone.
For me, it was a wonderful experience, even if at times it felt simple or repetitive.
The magic of the game lies in its story and the questions it asks, and the tea making experience fits perfectly with the world and narrative.
Beyond any repetition, it is generally pleasant and fun to move between stations, enjoy the divine soundtrack, and invest time in making the perfect tea, while also engaging in self care alongside Alta and the other characters.
Rarely does a game achieve this level of emotional depth, and if you have even a hint of curiosity, I strongly recommend trying it, especially since the game is very affordable at approximately 25 USD.
Bottom Line
After an unbelievable amount of tea, I can summarize my experience with Wanderstop like this: if you have any respect for your inner self, take a few hours to relax and slow down with a game focused on inner growth rather than mindless action or nonstop online shooting.
Wanderstop joins the hall of fame alongside games like Spiritfarer, Disco Elysium, and Unpacking as one of the best content focused games in recent years, offering an emotional and unique experience for those seeking something different in computer games.