Recent reviews by Thorncrypt

As a long-time Wakfu fan from Bangladesh, I've been eagerly anticipating the expansion of the Krosmoz, and Waven has offered a unique and exciting entry point. I appreciate Ankama's willingness to experiment with new gameplay mechanics, such as the deck-building approach, and their commitment to cross-platform play.

The recent Necroworld update and the introduction of the 5 Paladir sub-classes have breathed new life into the game. I'm particularly thrilled by the ability to summon and play alongside iconic characters like Nox, Qilby, Oropo, and Toross Mordal. It truly feels like I'm stepping into the world of the animation.

I understand that building a successful game takes time and that initial reception might not always meet expectations. However, I believe in Ankama's vision for the Krosmoz and their ability to refine and evolve Waven into a truly special experience. I encourage them to persevere and continue to innovate, drawing upon the rich lore of the universe to create a game that will captivate players for years to come.

Nox taught us that we cannot turn back time so we may as well march forward.

Reminds me of Overwatch 1.0 when it was at its prime. This is better than Paladins too. Amazing design and style.

+ gives me hope that the future of the genre is bright
+ character creation is swift and sublime
+ rules are simple so you can focus on RP rather than have to get a PhD in math like Pathfinder
+ Animation, UI, Built in Video, and Sound FX makes it immersive

+ pictomancer, and viper, the two new jobs, are fun to play and satisfying to use in both pvp and pve
+ FF9 fans can rejoice, there is a great easter egg in this expansion waiting for you
+ the music, world design, and encounter design are better than ever
+ the storyline is easy to follow and focused on universal themes like "family" and "letting go"
+ if you enjoy shounen anime like Naruto then Wok Lamat is for you
+ WoL successfully transitions into a kingmaker/mentor role which makes sense since they already saved the universe
+ beastmancer is going to release later on as part of this expansion and as someone who wanted that class since bozja that makes me happy
+ erenville and krile finally get their story arcs fleshed out
+ new final boss is nuanced and raises relevant questions about existence

- pacing problems can be likened to ARR or early SB
- healer strike caused me to have to wait 1 hour to get the final boss fight queue to pop
- you can't buy an apartment yet in the new end-game city which looks amazing
- there is no inn yet in the new final end-game city surprisingly

1. the ability to tune the ambient noise (fireplace, rain, thunder, keyboard typing) helps find just the right combination
2. the music is comfy and helps me feel good while being productive
3. the habit tracker is simple and effective it helps me organize my week and make sure I am continuing my hobbies
4. the pomodoro tracker is built in and works like a charm you can loop it as many times as you need
5. the gamification adds a motivating layer to it all and it's the cherry on top
6. the spirit companions are distinct and adorable. I love it when they accompany me. (you can pet them!)
7. the avatar customization is good for a start and there will be more over the year
8. the room customization is nice and I was able to get a room I truly loved
9. the price is affordable, at 10 dollars one time payment that is solid
10. you can listen to a playlist of your choice through a youtube player if the songs that come with the game aren't to your taste

- cosmetics are priced too high
- trade is intentionally made to be cumbersome, there's no auction house
- punishes new players for making build mistakes (you can't re-spec without regret orbs)
- there's no good in-game guide, you'll have to spend hours using 3rd party guides to understand mechanics
- takes over 100 hours to get to the good part apparently
- community aren't open to listening to feedback
- devs only listen to top streamers rather than prospective players

They made mutations (pve end game) expansion only so a huge portion of the playerbase will get locked out of it. Considering that not many players ran mutations to begin with... this was a poorly thought out move which will most likely kill off end-game in the future.

Waven, the successor to Dofus and Wakfu, represents Ankama's latest addition to their illustrious Krosmoverse games, and it's a vibrant, whimsical world that's definitely worth exploring. As an indie French development studio, Ankama has been crafting these enchanting universes for almost two decades, and their experience shines through in Waven.

Pros:

Diverse Class Options: Waven presents an exciting array of five primary classes, each of which boasts five unique sub-classes. This variety allows you to tailor your gameplay experience to your preferences, offering ample opportunities for exploration and experimentation.

Companion System: One of the most enchanting features of Waven is the ability to team up with your favorite characters from the Krosmoverse animation. Whether you're battling alongside Nox, Qilby, Kerub, Yugo, Az, Grougal, or others, it's a fan's dream come true. These companions bring their own charm and abilities to the battlefield, adding an extra layer of depth to your adventures.

Playful Humor: Waven doesn't take itself too seriously, and this light-hearted approach to storytelling is a breath of fresh air. The in-game humor is not only apt but also contagious, making your journey through the Krosmoverse all the more enjoyable.

Captivating Soundtrack: The game's OST and musical score are exceptional. They elevate the experience of exploration and combat, immersing you in the rich world of Waven. Each melody perfectly complements the vibrant visuals, creating an atmospheric masterpiece.

Fantastic Voice Acting: The voice acting in Waven is a standout feature. Characters like Ogrest, in particular, are brought to life with endearing and memorable performances. Their voices will linger in your mind long after you've logged out of the game.

Fair Monetization: In an era of complex payment models, Waven keeps it simple and fair. There's no mandatory monthly subscription. You can support the game's development by purchasing the battle pass, which rewards you with cool cosmetics and doesn't demand excessive grinding. It respects your time and investment.

Polished UI Design: Waven's user interface design is top-notch, contributing to the game's overall polished appearance. It's intuitive and efficient, making navigation a breeze and ensuring an enjoyable experience.

Cons:

Language Barrier: For international players, finding guides and resources in languages other than French can be a bit challenging. However, this minor hurdle can easily be overcome as the game's community grows and shares their knowledge in various languages.

Guilds Await Activation: Guilds are not yet enabled in the game, which means you'll need to rely on zone chat to find fellow adventurers for dungeon runs. However, don't let this deter you, as the community is often more than willing to lend a helping hand.

Missing Life Skills: Unlike its predecessor, Wakfu, Waven does not offer life skills, which might disappoint those who enjoy non-combat aspects of gameplay. However, the engaging deck-building and dungeon-crawling mechanics provide ample opportunities for excitement, and PvP players will feel right at home as you can battle it out in the Colosseum.

Waven is a delightful and engaging journey through the enchanting Krosmoverse. With its charming humor, diverse classes, and an array of beloved companions, it offers a unique and enjoyable gaming experience. Despite a few minor hurdles, Ankama's latest creation is well worth your time. Join the early access adventure today and help support the development of this promising title. Embrace the whimsy of Waven and become a part of the ever-growing Krosmoverse community.

One of the most W statements in recent Indie Dev history:


"Removing the online requirement wasn’t our only major change. The industry has also shifted in recent years. With more and more games coming out, they’re all fighting for player’s time and attention. Players have more to play than ever, and they’re being asked to log into multiple games to check their daily quests, look at a store rotation, and be drip-fed content. Players today are more apt to outright purchase a game they know is full of content and also respectful of their time. In the Echoes Update, we’ll be charging one price—$24.99 USD during Early Access (increasing upon full release). No in-game microtransactions or in-game purchases, just one price."

- Airship Syndicate Dev Team

+ lots of witty references (pokemon,and zelda for example)
+ makes me laugh (relaxed gameplay with a sense of humour)
+ tactical turn based mmo (rewards puzzle solving)
+ great for co-op (awesome fun with friends)
+ neat housing design (you get a house in a bag of holding!)
+ the anime of the same name is incredible and you meet the characters!
+ small studio with a lot of passion
+ it is super chill to farm while studying or talking to friends.

- bans the use of vpn for privacy
- steam launcher is tricky to get started, but once you do it is smooth sailing
- cannot use steam wallet for payment in many countries
- your account can get deleted if you are inactive for 2 years and have never subscribed
- devs struggle to communicate their design process to international players.

community:
very welcoming.