Wildermyth, the narrative strategy RPG from Worldwalker Games, is a tapestry unlike any other. It weaves together tactical combat, rich character development, and a sprawling generational narrative into an experience that is both deeply personal and endlessly replayable. This review delves into the heart of Wildermyth, exploring its triumphs and occasional stumbles to help you decide if it’s the right game for you.
A Story Spanning Generations
Wildermyth’s core lies in its unique generational storytelling. You don’t control a single hero, but rather a band of mythical beings called the “Myths.” Each Myth possesses extraordinary abilities, and together they guide a fledgling human village through generations of strife and triumph. The village faces dangers both natural and supernatural – harsh winters, monstrous beasts, and rival human factions. Your role is to shepherd the Myths and the village through these challenges, shaping their destinies and forging a legacy that will echo through the ages.
Graphics: 7
Sound: 6
Controls: 7
Story: 8
Engaging: 6
Overall: 6.8
The narrative unfolds through a series of handcrafted scenarios. These scenarios throw the Myths and the village into perilous situations, forcing you to make difficult choices that have lasting consequences. Will you prioritize protecting the village from a harsh winter or venture out to secure vital resources? Do you risk the lives of your Myths in a desperate battle, or seek a more diplomatic solution? Every decision you make shapes the future of the village and the relationships between the Myths.
Characters Who Feel Alive
Wildermyth’s characters are its greatest strength. The Myths are not simply vessels for stats – they are living, breathing individuals with their own personalities, quirks, and relationships. As they age and fight together, their bonds deepen, and they develop unique dynamics. A gruff warrior might come to find solace in the gentle touch of a healer, while a mischievous prankster could forge an unlikely friendship with a stoic archer. These relationships are not just flavor text; they play a significant role in the gameplay. A Myth fighting alongside a close friend gains combat bonuses, while a lover’s death can leave another Myth emotionally scarred and less effective in battle.
The villagers too are not mere passive bystanders. They play an active role in the story, forming their own families, contributing to the village’s development, and even becoming playable heroes in future generations. Witnessing a young villager you nurtured through childhood rise up to become a valiant warrior or a wise leader is a deeply rewarding experience.
Tactical Combat with a Twist
Wildermyth’s combat system is deceptively simple yet surprisingly deep. Battles take place on grid-based maps, with each Myth possessing unique abilities that govern their movement and attacks. The tactical twist comes in the form of environmental hazards and dynamic objectives. You might need to strategically position your Myths to take advantage of burning oil barrels or collapsing bridges to hinder your enemies. Objectives can also be dynamic – what starts as a simple goblin raid might escalate into a desperate struggle to defend the village itself.
The combat, while enjoyable, can feel less challenging in the early stages. However, as the Myths age and their powers wane, even basic encounters become tests of strategy and resourcefulness. Deciding which Myth to unleash a powerful ability on or how to best utilize the environment becomes crucial for overcoming increasingly difficult foes.
A Tapestry Woven Anew
Wildermyth’s greatest strength lies in its replayability. With its procedural generation and branching narratives, no two playthroughs are ever the same. Different generations will face unique challenges, relationships will blossom and sour in unexpected ways, and the village itself will evolve organically. This ensures that even after sinking dozens of hours into the game, there’s always something new to discover.
The procedural generation can occasionally lead to some unbalanced scenarios, where the village might face a series of particularly harsh winters or overwhelming enemy forces. However, these moments often lead to the most interesting stories, forcing you to think outside the box and adapt your strategies.
A World Steeped in Myth and Beauty
Wildermyth’s world is a visual treat. The hand-drawn art style is both charming and evocative, bringing the characters and environments to life. The soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals, with stirring orchestral pieces that underscore the epic nature of the narrative.
The game’s world-building is rich and detailed, with hints of a deeper mythology scattered throughout. While the narrative primarily focuses on the village and its immediate struggles, these glimpses into the larger world only add to Wildermyth’s charm and mystique.
A Few Loose Threads
Wildermyth is not without its flaws. The aforementioned occasional imbalance caused by procedural generation can be frustrating. Additionally, the game’s management aspects, such as village building and resource gathering, can feel somewhat shallow compared to the depth offered by the narrative and combat systems.
Finally, while the core gameplay loop remains engaging, the later generations can sometimes feel like a slog, especially if the village faces a succession of setbacks. The emotional weight of the early character development can lessen as the focus shifts to the younger generations.
A Game for Narrative Adventurers
Despite these minor stumbles, Wildermyth is a remarkable achievement. It offers a unique and deeply engaging experience for players who value narrative depth, character development, and strategic combat. If you’re looking for a game that will make you laugh, cry, and strategize your way through a sprawling generational epic, then Wildermyth is a must-play. Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- Rich and engaging generational storytelling with lasting consequences
- Characters who feel alive with unique personalities and relationships
- Tactical combat that is both accessible and deep
- High replayability with procedural generation and branching narratives
- Beautiful hand-drawn art style and evocative soundtrack
Cons:
- Occasional balance issues due to procedural generation
- Shallow village management and resource gathering mechanics
- Later generations can feel repetitive, especially with setbacks
The Verdict
Wildermyth is a tapestry woven with love, loss, and the echoes of generations past. It’s a game that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to reflect on the choices you made and the stories you helped create. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a truly special experience for anyone who enjoys a good narrative adventure.