This game feels like it has an identity crisis.
At first glance, it's trying to be an exploration game, but there really isn't much to explore/ exploration isn't *fun*. The vistas are alright, but not breathtaking, which is honestly what can be said about most of the graphics. All of the towns feel exactly the same beyond selling a different type of resource. The sprites acting as collectibles have no personality and their designs are kinda lacking. There are no further tools for exploration to find (beyond fast travel connections) and the controls, which make you bounce back when jumping off a tilted surface, feel frustrating.
So, perhaps Yonder is trying to tell a wholesome little story to match? No, it isn't. Gather 3 things, repair the machine. Your past? A smidge of media literacy will tell you exactly what it is without playing the game.
Then there are hints of farming and an economy systems that feel randomly cluttered in. It could be interesting - trading between different towns as you wander about the island, but the system is so rudimentary and your farm, even without any effort put in, is an infinite money printer. I didn't have to genuinely engage with it once and even if I had really wanted to, there was nothing of value (decoration or progression) to buy. At least it saved me from crafting more - did I mention there was crafting? Crafted enough value to get the associated badge and never went back.
I keep wondering where the game is between waddling between fetch quests and even after finishing Yonder, I can't say I ever found it. A common defense that will be mounted for the game is: "But it's wholesome. Perhaps it just isn't for you." There are good, wholesome games out there, the tag shouldn't be a shield to all criticism.
I will relent one positive point: The lighting can be beautiful and is easily the best part when it hits just right, but that isn't enough to save Yonder.
So, unless you absolutely fell in love with the visuals and wanna meander through the world a little, don't purchase this game.

Very chill and cute game, I did not expect to enjoy it so much. It's a bit of a shame that it went under the radar of many reviewers and gaming websites, it definitely deserved more attention. The main quest is rather short by today's standards, but still perfectly acceptable. It took me 23.5 hours to 100% the game, and it never felt like too much of a grind. Truly a good pick for every age to just chill in a charming world.

Very cute and relaxing to play. Puzzles and story were simple and with the absence of combat think that a young audience could enjoy this.
This was one of the first games I played that introduced me to cozy vibes and it was so nice to have something where I could adventure explore without any anxiety of being attacked.