Austin can finally recommend: Wayfinder (1.0 Review)

Summary

Wayfinder has undergone a remarkable transformation since its rocky Early Access launch, evolving from a flawed MMO-lite into a refined action RPG with optional co-op gameplay. The 1.0 release features responsive combat, improved character and weapon progression, and a host of cosmetic unlocks. While the story remains underwhelming, the game’s revamped systems, expanded content, and diverse endgame challenges offer a highly enjoyable experience for players. Priced at $25, Wayfinder offers a rich, engaging adventure without the pitfalls of live service models, making it a solid choice for fans of action RPGs looking for a no-strings-attached experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Airship Syndicate has transformed *Wayfinder* from a troubled MMO into a competent action RPG with optional co-op gameplay.
• 😀 The game initially faced severe issues such as long queue times, connectivity problems, and heavy monetization, which tarnished its Early Access launch.
• 😀 Despite its rocky start, Airship Syndicate has dedicated the last year to overhauling *Wayfinder*, eliminating live-service elements and refining core gameplay mechanics.
• 😀 The game's combat system has seen significant improvements, making it more responsive with features like animation cancelling and better character mobility.
• 😀 *Wayfinder* now offers a more accessible progression system, with characters and weapons unlocked via feats instead of long grind-based unlocks, increasing variety and player experimentation.
• 😀 The removal of microtransactions in favor of in-game cosmetic loot drops has strengthened the game's visual progression and player satisfaction.
• 😀 Buildcraft has been improved to be more intuitive, with clearer stats and universal weapon interactions across characters, enhancing player customization.
• 😀 New content in the form of additional characters, bosses, and expanded endgame dungeons has made *Wayfinder* a much more engaging experience post-launch.
• 😀 *Wayfinder* offers a randomized dungeon system, adding replayability through mutators, side objectives, and rewarding loot, keeping the experience fresh even after hours of play.
• 😀 While the game’s story feels rushed and lacks depth, the gameplay’s engaging mechanics, striking visuals, and replayable endgame content make it an enjoyable experience overall.
• 😀 With a low base price of $25 and no major microtransactions, *Wayfinder* stands as a testament to Airship Syndicate's dedication to creating a quality game despite challenges, making it an honest and non-exploitative experience for players.

Q & A

What were some of the initial problems that Wayfinder faced during its Early Access launch?

Wayfinder's Early Access launch was plagued by several issues, including long queue times, networking problems, excessive monetization, and an incomplete combat and build system. These challenges resulted in a middling reception for the game.

How did Airship Syndicate respond to Wayfinder's early struggles?

Despite the game's rocky launch and subsequent layoffs, Airship Syndicate refused to give up. The studio downsized, directors took pay cuts, and they even put their own money into the project. They spent a year overhauling the game, transforming it into a more polished action RPG.

What changes were made to Wayfinder to address its live service elements?

Wayfinder's 1.0 version removed many of the live service elements, such as mandatory online connections and extensive material grinds. The game was redesigned to be more of a traditional action RPG with optional three-player co-op and no longer required constant internet access.

How has combat in Wayfinder improved since its Early Access launch?

Combat in Wayfinder has become more responsive, with improvements like ability queuing, animation canceling, and more in-air control after a jump. These changes have made combat smoother, allowing for better combo chaining and increased responsiveness during fights.

What adjustments were made to the character and weapon progression system in Wayfinder?

In Wayfinder 1.0, characters are now unlocked through simple feats, like defeating specific bosses, and weapons are acquired from vendors or chests. This change has eliminated the previous material grind, allowing players to experiment with various characters and weapons early on.

How has the cosmetic progression system been improved in Wayfinder?

Wayfinder has removed its cash shop and converted all cosmetics into loot drops. Players can now unlock a variety of cosmetic items, such as armor pieces, weapon skins, mounts, and furniture, by simply playing the game. This change has greatly enhanced the visual progression system.

What improvements were made to the build crafting system in Wayfinder?

The build crafting system in Wayfinder has been streamlined to make it easier to understand and more accessible. Stats are now clearly communicated in the character sheet, and interactions between melee and ranged weapons have been made universal, allowing for greater flexibility in builds.

How has the endgame content been expanded in Wayfinder 1.0?

Wayfinder's endgame has seen significant growth, with new characters, bosses, and dungeons. The number of bosses has nearly doubled, and high-level Mythic versions of these bosses offer additional challenges. There's also a new system to scale enemies and rewards to the player's level.

What are the key differences between the 1.0 version of Wayfinder and its original MMO light design?

The key difference is that Wayfinder 1.0 is no longer a free-to-play MMO light. It has shifted to a more traditional ARPG model with optional co-op play. The game now offers a more streamlined and accessible experience, with no live service features like constant online requirements or microtransactions.

What is the current player reception to Wayfinder, and how does it compare to its launch?

Despite the improvements in Wayfinder 1.0, the game has struggled to reach a large player base, with concurrent Steam players peaking at around 3,000. However, its low price point and lack of microtransactions make it an attractive option for those looking for a non-live service ARPG. It has garnered respect for its turnaround, similar to games like No Man's Sky.