Wayward Strand tells the challenging story of inter-generational divides

The difference between the generations – especially in the modern world – is stark. The elderly have lived through global warfare, the threat of more global warfare, and more political changes than you can shake their walking stick at. On the other hand, the always-online youth of today typically don’t slow down, flitting between school, seeing friends and TikTok dances 24/7. 

It’s a pertinent issue that Wayward Strand – releasing today on Xbox, PlayStation, PC and Switch – attempts to convey, albeit winding the years back a bit to 1978. In her summer off from school, our protagonist Casey steps onto the airbourne hospital in which her mother works, yet she much prefers books to conversations. However, as the hours wind on, Casey starts talking to the patients aboard the hospital, uncovering their life stories, and what she can do to help them in their time of need.

The core gameplay loop here is a simple one: go where you heart desires, talk to who you wish, and eventually form relationships and learn the stories of the patients. Most interesting is the fact that the patients will go about their lives even when not talking to Casey, and will interact with each other behind the scenes, only for you to return later where they can spill the beans. With developers ghost pattern stating that it will take around a dozen playthroughs to get the whole story, each player will have a custom-made tale told to them.

With over 20,000 lines of dialogue, no thematic stone is left unturned, with feelings of care, neglect, empathy and opinions on said inter-generational divide coming to the fore in what is an incredibly emotional, yet reassuring, piece on the world.

Key features:

• Explore A Living World – Within the world of Wayward Strand, time passes for everyone – characters continue their lives without waiting for you to interact with them. In Wayward Strand’s unique narrative structure, the stories of over a dozen characters constantly unfold around you in real time, as you, as Casey, roam freely throughout each day. Choose which story to be a part of by following people, having conversations, and exploring the hospital. The hospital’s residents are an eclectic cast of characters – some charming, some eccentric, some rude – each with their own desires, goals and imaginations. Every character moves and acts of their own accord, at their own pace, on their own timeline – sharing news with each other, arguing, joking, gossiping – or having a chat with Casey when she comes by. Every playthrough gives you the opportunity to discover something you didn’t see previously – what you missed the first time, you might see the second, third, or fifth time around.
• Your Journey – When you see someone, you can follow them, to see where they go and what they get up to. You can eavesdrop on peoples’ conversations, or come into the room and be a part of the discussion. Spending time with particular characters will lead you to new storylines, locations, revelations and resolutions. As the journalist for her school newspaper, Casey keeps track of events and information in her notebook. Players use Casey’s notebook to delve deeper into peoples’ stories, to make new discoveries, and to piece together mysteries.

Wayward Strand is now available on Xbox, PlayStation, PC and Switch. If you are picking up a copy on Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One, to the Xbox Store with you. First, however, why not check out our full review of the game?

Game Description:

Welcome to the Hospital It’s the summer of 1978, and Casey Beaumaris is trying to make the most of her holidays, when her mum asks her to spend a long weekend helping out at the airborne hospital where she works. Casey prefers the company of books to people, but she agrees, secretly planning to write an article about her visit for the school newspaper. With her trusty notebook at the ready, Casey arrives on board the airship. The staff are overworked as they prepare for the visit of an important official, while the patients react to grief, or deal with active trauma. In the midst of these and many other interlocking and overlapping stories, Casey spends time with the patients, learning about their lives, and, as the stories unfold, discovering what she can do to help.