Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is a fun new open world game, starring an unnamed hero, that the player can make their own. There is quite a lot for the player to enjoy in this game and it shines on the Nintendo Switch.
Yonder tells the story of a young hero whose ship crashes. He and his crew are saved by a spirit and the player is given a magic compass. This compass guides the hero on quests and helps them find where they need to go. It is quite handy having this compass along as the player can quickly toggle the quests they have undertaken.
The main quest for the player revolves around wiping out the Murk. In the beginning, it isn’t exactly known why the Murk has appeared; it slowly becomes more and more evident that something terrible has happened. The player is the only one who can destroy the Murk by enlisting the help of Sprites. The player will first encounter a Sprite named Lumie as they head out into the world. Seeing the world for the first time is similar to Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild. Clearly, this game gave the creators some ideas, and the player may even find a hat similar to Link’s.
As the player travels the world, they can find all sorts of items to collect. It is important to always collect items, as the player’s inventory isn’t weighted. The player can collect as much as they’d like and that is a good thing. It is interesting to have a game without a carry limit, and it is a delight truly. The player will have to travel a lot by foot and they will never know when they will need certain items so it is better to stock up regularly.
The more the player travels, they will find farms that they can build. These farms are integral to getting the most out of the world. Farms can provide different items for the player to collect and these items are good for buying goods. The coolest thing about farms is that the player can tame wild creatures to live on their farms. These creatures will react to certain items and if given one will follow the player to their farm. If the player has built a barn for them, they will live there and produce different items. The player can even have the creatures join them on their journey; it is always better to travel with a friendly face.
There are quite a few different creatures though. Some of them are simply color swaps of the same creature. It is interesting seeing what kind of creature the player will find next. Some of them look like normal everyday animals but some are entirely unique. Picking and choosing the animals the player wants can change the player’s experience and that is a good thing.
There are other collectibles for the player to find that also enhance the experience. The Sprites are of course the most important, but the player can also find constellations which are simply cosmetic. It is rather nice to collect a constellation and then see it up in the sky above. There are other goodies of course in this vast world, and finding them is a treat, especially finding the kittens scattered around the world.
This game is also different in that there isn’t buying and selling. It instead relies on trading. By offering up the same price items or a combination of lower priced items the player can trade for amazing goods. Sometimes it is often easier to finish a quest by trading for the item necessary. This world is a wide one and it often takes a long time to travel between places. By having a large inventory the player can be sure they will be able to barter whenever necessary and that will keep the game going.
This game is also great because there aren’t enemies to get in the player’s way. This world might be blighted with the deadly Murk, but the world itself remains peaceful. It is a sweet and peaceful journey, filled with weird characters and quests. The world itself is a vast and expansive place, with so much charm.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicle is a solid open world game. It is reminiscent of Breath of the Wild. Playing this game, I felt at peace as if I was just enjoying every moment, exploring and doing what I saw fit. It is a perfect game for a younger player not yet used to open world games. But, I have to think many would find some enjoyment in such a vast game. If the player has an itch to adventure wander over Yonder, then pick up this game on the Nintendo Switch.
Code was provided for review purposes.