Wayward Strand is a heartfelt story told in a curious way. Hop aboard an airborne hospital and meet its fully-voiced cast of eclectic characters. As time passes for everyone on board, explore the interwoven lives of the patients and staff; discover something new on each and every playthrough.
The game places you in the role of Casey, a 14-year-old girl who spends a long weekend helping out at the airborne hospital where her mother works. The gameplay revolves around exploring this unique setting, interacting with its diverse cast of over a dozen characters, and uncovering the personal stories and relationships that unfold around you.
The game's defining mechanic is its real-time narrative structure. Time passes continuously for all the characters in the hospital, whether you are actively engaged with them or not. This creates a sense of a living, dynamic world where events, conversations, and interactions are occurring independently of your participation. For example, you may overhear a heated argument between two patients, or discover that a resident has passed away overnight, even if you weren't present to witness these events.
As Casey, you are free to roam the various wards and common areas of the hospital, eavesdrop on conversations, and choose which characters to interact with and follow. The game encourages a sense of exploration and curiosity, as you discover new information and storylines by observing the characters and their behaviors. You might notice a patient anxiously pacing the halls, or catch wind of rumors about an important official's upcoming visit.
Engaging with the characters through dialogue is a core part of the experience. You can initiate conversations, listen to the residents' stories and concerns, and even offer advice or emotional support. The well-written and voice-acted dialogue adds to the immersive quality, as you get to know each person's unique personality and perspective.
While there is no traditional goal or objective, the game's narrative progresses organically as you spend time with the characters. Certain interactions and choices can lead to new revelations or developments in the characters' lives, encouraging you to revisit areas and engage with different people to uncover the full scope of the story. For example, after bonding with one patient, you may later discover a surprising connection between them and another resident.
The game's open-ended structure and real-time narrative design offer a high degree of replayability. Each playthrough can result in different experiences, as you may encounter new storylines, overhear different conversations, or develop relationships with different characters. This encourages players to explore the hospital and its inhabitants in multiple playthroughs.
The experience is designed to be slow-paced and contemplative. The atmospheric soundtrack, hand-drawn art style, and focus on character interactions create a calming, immersive environment that allows players to fully engage with the narrative at their own pace. The game's unhurried tempo mirrors the everyday rhythms of the hospital's residents.
While the game's unique approach to narrative is widely praised, some players have noted occasional technical issues, such as audio glitches or animation quirks. Additionally, the lack of a manual save system can be frustrating for players who want to revisit specific moments or sequences.
About | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©2024 by Totally Human Media