Wayfinder is a 2024 action role-playing video game developed and published by Airship Syndicate. The game was released in October 2024 for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
| Wayfinder | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Airship Syndicate |
| Publisher(s) | Airship Syndicate |
| Director(s) | Steve Madureira |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | October 21, 2024 |
| Genre(s) | Action role-playing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
editWayfinder is an action role-playing video game played from a third-person perspective. The game can be played solo, though it also supports three-player cooperative multiplayer.[1] There are eight different characters for players to choose from, with each having their own unique skills and attack styles. Set in the world of Evenor, the game's story revolves around a group of "Wayfinders" who must find ways to stop the spread of an unknowable threat called the Gloom.[2] The game includes three large open world zones, and randomized dungeons named "Lost Zones". Completing these zones will reward players with better gears and resources.[3][4]
Development
editThe game was developed by Airship Syndicate, the studio behind Ruined King and Darksiders Genesis. Originally, the game was set to be published by Digital Extremes and about 100 people worked on the game by March 2023.[5] The game was released as an early access title on August 15, 2023. While it was envisioned as a free-to-play title when it was released in full, players must choose from one of four paid Founders' Pack in order to access the early access version.[6] The publishing division of Digital Extremes was shut down in November 2023, with the rights to the game being transferred back to Airship Syndicate.[7] Airship Syndicate briefly delisted the game from sales in early 2024 to remove microtransactions and the game's always-online requirement and introducing various gameplay adjustments as an attempt to move away from its original live service aspiration.[8] The relaunched version, known as Wayfinder: Echoes, was made available for purchase again on June 11, 2024.[9] It was released in full as a paid product on October 21, 2024 for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X and Series S.[10]
Reception
editShawn Robinson from Destructoid was surprised by the gameplay changes introduced by the team following the game's initial launch, adding that it was a worthy experience for players who were interested in action RPG or MMO games.[2] Steven Weber from MMORPG.com described the game as "an enjoyable and rewarding adventure", praising the game's story, cinematics, and boss battles, though he felt that the echo upgrade system was confusing, and that the game was in need of more quality of life adjustments.[11]
References
edit- ^ Hore, Jamie (October 21, 2024). "Co-op ARPG Wayfinder launches in 1.0, completing its wild underdog story". PCGamesN. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Robinson, Shawn (October 25, 2024). "Review: Wayfinder". Destructoid. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Marie Ostler, Anne (October 19, 2023). "This MMO turned into an MMO by accident". GamesRadar. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Fuller, Alex (October 16, 2023). "Wayfinder Echoes Fully Launching Next Week". RPGamer. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Pavey, Vince (March 8, 2024). "Taking an Airship to Evenor – Richard Browne on Wayfinder, Digital Extremes' upcoming collaboration with Airship Syndicate". MCVUK. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Serin, Kaan (July 26, 2023). "Online action RPG Wayfinder enters early access on August 15th". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Wilde, Tyler (November 10, 2023). "Warframe developer axes publishing division, will 'transition full control' of online action RPG Wayfinder to its developer". PC Gamer. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Fanelli, Jason (May 15, 2024). "Wayfinder Is Removing Microtransactions And Always-Online Requirement: Here's Why". GameSpot. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
- ^ Batchelo, James (May 17, 2024). "Airship Syndicate's Wayfinder shifting from free-to-play online to premium single-player game". Gameindustry.biz. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ McHugh, Alex (September 9, 2024). "Reanimated ARPG Wayfinder gets release date and Critical Role collab". PCGamesN. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Weber, Steven (November 11, 2024). "Wayfinder Review - Airship Syndicate Carves a New Path Through the Gloom". MMORPG.com. Retrieved November 12, 2024.