Wanderjahr. According to the dictionary, it means “a year traveling abroad, typically immediately before or after a university or college course.” Let us make the record clear: although a unique word that would seem to only appear in one given scenario, this definition has absolutely nothing to do with the game itself.
Now that we’ve taken you on a small detour, let’s discuss WanderjahR the game. Why the developers decided to take a strange collegiate term and transform it into a video game title, we will never know. One could assume that this strange misuse of the title is representative of the game itself — scattered.
For those who fell in love with Maplestory back in the day, you might find some solace in WanderjahR. Although it is not a platformer and does not allow for any player-to-player communication, the art style and plot share many similarities with the once, exceedingly popular computer game.
WanderjahR plays quite simply. By selecting different characters, your small troop of warriors is summoned onto the battlefield. As the player, you will target enemies, heal your team, and collect fallen loot. Unlike most games, rather than being immersed into the battlefield yourself, the player is more like a boxing cornerman (or woman), assigning and aiding wounded fighters from the outskirts when necessary.
There are many different types of WanderjahR fighters: both defensive, offensive, and assistance-based. There is the standard fighter, shield baring character, healer, status drainer, mage, and others. As you continue to play, you will be tasked with sending the appropriate characters into the battle area. Depending on whether you wish to form a more healing/magic user team as opposed to the brute force/status draining team, is entirely up to the player.
The art style present in the game is very simple, but still feels like 90s anime, which I personally enjoyed. I liked standing by the sidelines and collecting fallen loot and goodies while my fighters did my bidding. The overly simple play style, complimented with the game’s cuteness, made me not care as much when I started to feel bored.
Aside from the gaming style, WanderjahR is a rather simple game. Tutorials are quick, to the point, and easy to grasp. Overall, nothing seems too overly complicated. Although the gameplay style can become rather repetitive after a while, it makes for an enjoyable playthrough if your expectations aren’t set too high.
This review of Wanderjahr is based on a digital copy for Steam which was provided by the developer.
