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Review of Haven on Xbox Series X/S

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Dec 2020
Cover image of Haven on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7
Released: 03 Dec 2020
Genre: Role-playing
Developer: The Game Bakers
Publisher: The Game Bakers

Introduction

Haven throws you into a quirky mix of love, survival, and a touch of 'why is everything rusting?' as you control two lovebirds—Yu and Kay—on an alien planet. Think of it as a rom-com with some real-time combat mechanics and glorious anti-gravity boots, or as I like to call it, the couple's therapy of gaming. Who knew relationship issues could be addressed while fighting rust monsters?

Gameplay

So, here’s the scoop: you’ve got Yu and Kay, two rebels ready to defy fate (and their oppressive society) by running away together to Source, a planet that should have a sign that screams 'Welcome to the Weird.' Armed with anti-gravity boots, you’ll glide through flow threads—basically making you feel like an elegant gazelle... that is, when you’re not face-planting into some rust monster. The game mechanics demand a decent amount of coordination and communication. And if you choose to play co-op with a friend or that one date you’re trying to impress, prepare for a lot of failed attempts to actually be in sync. Sure, you’ll want to collect resources to keep your floating love nest (the Nest) in tip-top shape, but you’ll also need to engage in some real-time combat that would make your high school gym teacher proud. Think rhythm games, but instead of dancing, you're dodging iron monsters while trying not to trip over each other. Combat requires timing and strategic swapping between characters. Unlike a typical turn-based RPG, timing is crucial. Want to survive the rust apocalypse? Coordinate those moves! If one of you has a slow reaction time, this could quickly descend into comedic chaos—like a romantic sitcom where all the bad decisions unfold in real-time.

Graphics

Visually, Haven is like stepping into a watercolor painting brought to life, with stunning landscapes and a soft, dreamy color palette. It’s like the game designer slipped a little love potion into the water colors. The graphics match the theme of exploration and love perfectly, though some areas may feel a bit barren—like your fridge the day before grocery day. The animations are fluid, especially when you’re soaring through the air like you're auditioning for a space-bound ballet. But let’s not kid ourselves; some environments look less like exciting new worlds and more like someone tossed a few cheat codes at a randomly generated Minecraft map.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Haven may not be the heavyweight champion of RPGs, it shines in its exploration of love and cooperation. It’s a game that offers a unique blend of romance and survival, perfect for couples looking to bond while occasionally thrusting each other into the clutches of rust. If you can handle a little coordination, a few laughs, and some cringe when it comes to relationship discussions, Haven just might be your perfect getaway. Grab a buddy, or your significant other, and prepare to adventure through a planet where love and rust coexist—because, honestly, what’s love without a little bit of chaos? So pack those anti-grav boots and let’s float away into the horizon!

See Latest Prices for Haven on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

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