Ghost Pattern has announced that its cozy narrative adventure Wayward Strand is now available across a number of systems. Fans of gentle gameplay and an interesting story can play it on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The game is inspired by interactive theater where characters and their stories play out in real-time. Players will choose which characters to talk with and/or which stories to follow.
Players are put into the shoes of an intrepid teenage journalist named Casey. She is aboard a flying ship-turned-hospital floating above a small Australian town. Set in the summer of 1978, the story challenges players to get to know the colorful cast of characters through her journalistic eyes. Casey will have a little time to investigate mysteries of the ship, however, to get to know the patients and crews. With multiple story strands to follow, it’s up to players to decide what’s important.
Characters aboard the vessel are guided by their desires and schedules. They will sometimes speak with Casey and sometimes with each other. Players have the agency to decide who Casey will interact with— or not. She can choose to engage directly or even eavesdrop on the unsuspecting workers or patients on the ship. With over 18,000 lines of recorded voiceover dialogue, there are many interesting conversations to be had (or overheard).
Developers have said that a single playthrough is a complete experience. However, they’ve also indicated that up to twelve playthroughs would be needed to get the entire story. The game features many complex topics, including empathy, intergenerational relationships, and many others. It also explores the day-to-day lives of elderly people and their caregivers.
Check out the Wayward Strand official site to learn more.
