| Title | Wayward Strand |
| Developer(s) | ghost pattern |
| Publisher(s) | ghost pattern |
| Genre | PC > RPG, Adventure, Indie, Simulation |
| Release Date | Sep 15, 2022 |
| Size | 3.15 GB |
| Get it on | Steam Games |
| Report | Report Game |
Video games have come a long way since the days of arcade machines and 8-bit graphics. Nowadays, players can immerse themselves in fully-realized worlds, with rich storytelling and complex gameplay. One such game that has caught the attention of gamers and critics alike is Wayward Strand. Developed by Ghost Pattern, this indie title stands out for its unique concept and captivating premise.
Introducing Wayward Strand
Wayward Strand is an interactive narrative game that takes place on a mystical airborne hospital, the titular Wayward Strand. This hospital drifts above the Australian coast, with its primary focus on providing care for those who are terminally ill or in need of hospice care.
The game’s protagonist is Casey Beaumaris, a teenage journalist who visits Wayward Strand to interview its residents and learn about their lives. Throughout the game, players control Casey and explore the hospital, chatting with patients, nurses, and other colorful characters along the way.
The Unique Gameplay
One of the most striking features of Wayward Strand is its gameplay. Unlike traditional narrative-driven games, where players make choices that lead to different outcomes, Wayward Strand relies on a real-time conversation system. This means that players have limited time to speak with characters, and the conversations flow seamlessly, without any pauses or dialogue boxes.
The game also allows players to rewind and replay conversations, giving them the chance to explore different dialogue options and uncover more details about the characters and their backgrounds.
The Visual Aesthetic
Another aspect of the game that sets it apart is its hand-painted art style. Each character and environment is thoughtfully designed, with a warm and inviting color palette that perfectly captures the whimsical and dreamlike atmosphere of the hospital.
Moreover, the developers have gone the extra mile to ensure the game is a representation of its diverse and inclusive cast of characters. From a wheelchair-bound nurse to a transgender patient, the game introduces players to people from different walks of life and encourages empathy and compassion.
Early Reviews and Anticipation
Since its announcement in 2020, Wayward Strand has garnered attention from the gaming community and press, with many eagerly anticipating its release. The game has already received several awards, including Best Independent Game at the 2020 PAX Australia Indie Showcase and Best Audio Design at the 2021 Independent Games Festival.
Early reviews have also been positive, with critics praising the game’s unique narrative style, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Many have also lauded the game’s approach to sensitive topics and its ability to create meaningful and emotional connections with its players.
The Future of Wayward Strand
Wayward Strand was first announced in 2020 and was originally set to release in late 2020. However, like many other games, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some delays in development. While there is no official release date yet, the developers have assured fans that the game is still in active development and have teased new features and content in the works.
As gamers eagerly wait for the game’s release, they can keep up with the latest updates and sneak peeks by following Wayward Strand on their website and social media platforms.
With its unique gameplay, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking narrative, Wayward Strand has the potential to be a standout game in the indie scene. Keep an eye out for this game, as it promises to take players on a heartwarming and unforgettable journey through the floating hospital.
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: 2.0GHz
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: DX10 compatible or better
- Storage: 5 GB available space
How to Download
- Click the "Download Wayward Strand" button above.
- Wait 20 seconds, then click the "Free Download" button. (For faster downloads, consider using a downloader like IDM or another fast Downloader.)
- Right-click the downloaded zip file and select "Extract to Wayward Strand folder". Ensure you have WinRAR or 7-Zip installed.
- Open the extracted folder and run the game as an administrator.
Note: If you encounter missing DLL errors, check the Redist or _CommonRedist folder inside the extracted files and install any required programs.