Havendock Reviews

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Havendock is a charming and whimsical colony simulation game that invites players to build and manage a floating settlement in the middle of the ocean. Developed by YYZ Studio, the game combines elements of resource management, automation, and exploration, all wrapped in a cozy, low-poly aesthetic. While it offers a refreshing take on the genre, it also presents certain challenges that players should consider. The game's premise is straightforward: you start with a small raft and must gather resources, construct buildings, and expand your floating haven. As you progress, you'll encounter various settlers, each with unique personalities and needs, adding depth to the management aspect. The emphasis on automation is particularly notable; players can design intricate systems to streamline production and ensure the smooth operation of their settlement. This focus on efficiency is balanced by the need to maintain the happiness and well-being of your inhabitants, creating a dynamic interplay between growth and care. One of the standout features of Havendock is its sense of humor and creativity. The game doesn't take itself too seriously, offering quirky elements like growing hamburgers in your garden and befriending eccentric characters. This lighthearted approach adds a layer of fun and unpredictability, making the gameplay experience more engaging. The inclusion of a vast research tree allows players to unlock new technologies and capabilities, further enhancing the depth and replayability of the game. However, Havendock is not without its flaws. The user interface, while functional, can be overwhelming at times, with numerous menus and options that may confuse new players. Additionally, the game's progression can feel somewhat grindy, with certain tasks requiring repetitive actions to advance. The experimental multiplayer mode, though promising, is still in its early stages and may not provide a seamless experience for those looking to collaborate with friends. Despite these shortcomings, Havendock offers a unique and enjoyable experience for fans of colony simulation games. Its blend of humor, creativity, and strategic depth provides a refreshing alternative to more traditional titles in the genre. With ongoing updates and community feedback, the game has the potential to evolve into a standout entry in the simulation category. Players seeking a relaxed yet engaging game to sink their teeth into may find Havendock to be a delightful addition to their collection. Rating: 7/10

Not sure how this game runs worse on a PC built around a 4080 Super than it does for a PC built around a 1080ti, but the devs managed it. Played in EA and didn't get a headache moving. Had some performance probs, but nothing on this level. Whatever you did devs, it didn't work. Maybe for a game with as simple an art style and graphics as this, you really don't need to push the extra systems. Doesn't need them.

While the videos on the store page were nice and charming, the actual game is actually quite fugly. Gameplay is click on everything you see in the water to grab it, crafting is unnecesary complicated, and despite being able to hire residents to your docks, you will have to do almost everything by yourself.

I heard multiplayer was removed, and there remnants are of that in the game but this rating is NOT based upon that as I bought/played with no anticipation of using multiplayer. Whether for 7.99 on sale (what I got the game for), or the 19.99 asking price, you have FAR BETTER OPTIONS ELSEWHERE! vv Complaints below vv tldr: UI very bad and makes navigating gameplay annoying The UI is very rough, while there's the skeleton of an interesting gameloop here, it feels very much like a mobile/tablet game that got ported to PC; whether that is the case or not, I don't know - but you know what I mean when I say that. It is not pleasant for me. The tutorial is also very clunky and not super helpful, I am not asking for it to hold my hand but a little more guidance would be nice.

Its a little hard to recommend this game as it still feels very incomplete - there are literally options for the storage containers with notes saying 'not in game' and a "mining cave" with nothing to mine, only some VERY cute critters you can hit with a pick-ax for slime (haven't found any use for that yet)? Crafting isn't linear - by which I mean, you'll go down a branch of research then be unable to make things because you can't make rope until WAY later down a different research branch you can't even access until much later. There is at least one island with animals that seem to serve no purpose - a polar bear on an ice block at the pier and an elephant on the landing along with a lovely, furnished house you cannot interact with except to look at and walk through. Another island has a man with a house that is wholly empty, just a single empty room? BUT - this game IS fun and the aesthetic is nice. Player mechanics/controls are easy to use, but, as stated, the game feels unfinished. It the maker(s) continue to update and fill in the gaps, this could be an excellent cozy game.

Bought the game before they removed multiplayer. How is this even allowed?? Its a shame bc its honestly really fun and id recommend it as a singleplayer resource management game like satisfactory. 8/10 gameplay but id give it a 4/10 for the multiplayer rug pull