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Gamer Crit

Wayward Manor: A Promising Concept Hindered by Execution

Wayward Manor: A Promising Concept Hindered by Execution
Review

Wayward Manor: A Promising Concept Hindered by Execution
Review

Wayward Manor


Release Date:Jul 2014
IGDB Rating:5.0/10
Published:3 months ago
5.5/10
Mediocre
Wayward Manor had all the ingredients for a hauntingly fun adventure, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations. The game takes place in a creepy old mansion, where players take on the role of a ghost trying to solve the mysteries that haunt the house.

The concept itself is intriguing, and the beautiful hand-painted art style sets the stage for a spooky adventure. The puzzles in Wayward Manor are cleverly designed, requiring players to think outside the box to find solutions. However, this is where the positives end.
Wayward Manor screenshot 1

The gameplay feels clunky and unpolished. The controls are often unresponsive, leading to frustration when trying to interact with the environment. The pacing of the game is also uneven, with long stretches of tedious exploration followed by sudden bursts of action that feel out of place.

Another major letdown is the lack of depth in the story. While the initial premise is promising, the plot fails to develop in a meaningful way. The characters are one-dimensional and lack the depth needed to make players truly care about their fates. The dialogue is uninspired and often feels forced.
Wayward Manor screenshot 2

Furthermore, the game suffers from technical issues, including frequent crashes and occasional glitches. These issues disrupt the immersive experience and make it difficult to enjoy the game to its full potential.

Wayward Manor also lacks replayability. Once you have solved the puzzles and uncovered the secrets of the mansion, there is little incentive to revisit the game. The game's short length adds to the disappointment, as players can complete it in a few hours.
Wayward Manor screenshot 3

Overall, Wayward Manor had the potential to be a captivating and atmospheric adventure game. However, due to its clunky gameplay, shallow story, technical issues, and lack of replay value, it falls short of its promise. It's a shame because the concept is intriguing and the art style is beautiful, but the execution ultimately lets it down.
Article tags:
Wayward Manor
adventure game
haunting
puzzles
story
technical issues