The Wandering Village Opencritic
Montez Savoie
In order to gather the resources needed to defend the village, you must leave the village and wander out into the forest. This was perhaps my favourite part of the game, as there is plenty to explore and the game world expands as you explore. You can also encounter enemies which you will have to defeat in order to progress. There was something very satisfying about wandering through the wilderness, working your character half to death and finally coming across what you were looking for. At least Grimmwood understands the value of hard work.
I will say that I played the game again this morning with actual people, and yes, the game made a lot more sense and a lot more got done. However, now it seemed a little too easy! The village had literally twice the defence of the attacking monsters. I loaded the game, went away for an hour, then came back to check and a whole ten points had been added to the defence. The stockroom was filled with useful items and everyone was using their SP on what was needed at the time. Even if the monsters get more dangerous as time goes on, if everyone sticks with this game the defence is going to keep growing and the monsters might as well find a new hobby.
The Wandering Village has a unique twist over other city-builders in the genre. You are tasked with taking care of a group of people, the Nyomans. They stumble across a giant beast, Onbu, thought to be extinct and set up home on the back of the wandering giant.
The unique art style with a blend of 3D and hand-drawn, hand-animated 2D graphics blew me away when I saw the game on my laptop. For example, the back of Onbu changes colour as he moves through the map, and the villagers look like paper figures and are well-animated.
FIGHT WITH STYLE
Defeat various enemies and bosses, and revel in challenging and deep combat mechanics. Masterful control of your weapons, critical timing, careful positioning, and an understanding of your enemies and environment are crucial to your survival. How you battle your enemies is up to you.
CRAFT & ENCHANT
Understanding the crafting and enchanting system is essential for your progression. Interact with the villagers to craft new armor and weapons, and enchant existing equipment. This creates a great deal of flexibility and spices up the way equipment is used.
GET THE LOOT
Access strange worlds through otherworldly gates and collect valuable items from exotic civilizations: resources, weapons, armors and peculiar artifacts. Hoarding everything won't be possible - use the unique inventory system wisely to take the most profitable loot with you.
BEFRIEND COMPANIONS
9 familiars that are more than happy to aid you during the most dangerous endeavors. Each companion has different mechanics. They can damage enemies, restore your life, get items for you, act as an additional chest and more!
NINTENDO SWITCH EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
While wandering around Rynoka and its surroundings - you can encounter some peculiar items... and animal behaviours!
- Hero Sword and Bow set - old weapons said to have been carried by a legendary hero, made from materials that can't be found in this world. You can upgrade them at the Forge, of course!
- Ruccos - They appear in Town like any normal bird... but if you attack the tree they are sitting on (three times) - then a horde of those cute fellows is going to appear to bother Will (until he goes to a dungeon or enters the shop).