Wayward Strand

Wayward Strand is an interactive narrative game that takes place on a mystical airborne hospital, the titular Wayward Strand. This hospital drifts above the Australian coast, with its primary focus on providing care for those who are terminally ill or in need of hospice care.

Overview of Wayward Strand

The game’s protagonist is Casey Beaumaris, a teenage journalist who visits Wayward Strand to interview its residents and learn about their lives. Throughout the game, players control Casey and explore the hospital, chatting with patients, nurses, and other colorful characters along the way.

Wayward Strand: Unique Gameplay

One of the most striking features of Wayward Strand is its gameplay. Unlike traditional narrative-driven games, where players make choices that lead to different outcomes, Wayward Strand relies on a real-time conversation system. This means that players have limited time to speak with characters, and the conversations flow seamlessly, without any pauses or dialogue boxes.

The game also allows players to rewind and replay conversations, giving them the chance to explore different dialogue options and uncover more details about the characters and their backgrounds.

The Visual Aesthetic

Another aspect of the game that sets it apart is its hand-painted art style. Each character and environment is thoughtfully designed, with a warm and inviting color palette that perfectly captures the whimsical and dreamlike atmosphere of the hospital.

Moreover, the developers have gone the extra mile to ensure the game is a representation of its diverse and inclusive cast of characters. From a wheelchair-bound nurse to a transgender patient, the game introduces players to people from different walks of life and encourages empathy and compassion.

Early Reviews and Anticipation

Since its announcement in 2020, Wayward Strand has garnered attention from the gaming community and press, with many eagerly anticipating its release. The game has already received several awards, including Best Independent Game at the 2020 PAX Australia Indie Showcase and Best Audio Design at the 2021 Independent Games Festival.

Early reviews have also been positive, with critics praising the game’s unique narrative style, compelling characters, and stunning visuals. Many have also lauded the game’s approach to sensitive topics and its ability to create meaningful and emotional connections with its players.

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 desires, goals, and imaginations. Every character moves and acts of their own accord, at their own pace, on their timeline - sharing news, arguing, joking, gossiping, or having a chat with Casey when she comes by.

Every playthrough allows you to discover something you didn’t see previously – what you missed the first time, you might see the second, third, or fifth time around.

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: 2.0GHz
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: DX10 compatible or better
• Storage: 5 GB available space

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10
• Processor: 2.4 GHz
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: DX10 compatible or better
• Storage: 5 GB available space