Haven Park review

Intro

Welcome to the charming world of Haven Park on the Nintendo Switch! This game offers anything but a standard experience, as you build your own campsites and explore a delightful natural setting. It’s a slice of idyllic adventure, but like everything, there are challenges to face. Thankfully, most of the experience is so relaxing and enjoyable that you’ll be eager to dive in.

Story

The story is a bit vague: you are a chick of unknown age (but as you’re a chick, you’re surely not very old, otherwise you’d be a chicken?) tasked by your grandma to restore the park. That’s quite some responsibility you get there. At first I thought I would be some sort of sidekick helping grandma out but I soon discovered she’s not doing much besides peptalking. Later on, you find out why which had me stop and think for a while.

Story rating: 6

Gameplay

Building and crafting

The gameplay is simple and intuitive; you collect materials, build structures and decorate your park to attract visitors. Each crafting or building action feels satisfying, giving a sense of accomplishment as you watch your little paradise flourish. At the start, it can be a challenge to collect all required materials but as you unlock skill points it gets easier and easier. At some point, I had to keep throwing away stuff in order to pick up other stuff.

Every campsite requires a specific set of objects. These objects are divided in categories: objects to sit on, objects where you can buy food, decorating objects, etc. The game asks you to put several categories of objects around a fire to attract visitors. It doesn’t matter which object from each category so all my campfires look pretty much the same…

Exploration

The game features a beautifully designed world filled with diverse landscapes: from lush forests to sparkling lakes. As you roam around, you’ll gather resources, meet quirky characters and even unravel small stories from the inhabitants of the park. The exploration adds a layer of depth, making each corner of Haven Park feel alive and full of surprises.

A word of warning: there is a map, but it doesn’t show you where you are. You need to figure that out by yourself by searching for landmarks. It adds to the immersion but I’m not really sure this is my thing.

Community Interaction

Building your park isn’t just about aesthetics; you’ll also interact with various visitors who share their stories and requests. Helping them out not only deepens your connection to the world but also enriches the gameplay, making you feel like an integral part of the community. Whether it’s finding lost items or completing fun little tasks, these interactions breathe life into the serene environment.

Gameplay rating: 7

Graphics

Visually, Haven Park is a treat. The art style is like A Short Hike: vibrant and whimsical, perfectly capturing the essence of a cozy camping experience. Each character is designed with charm, and the landscapes are beautifully detailed, making you want to linger a little longer.

The camera can be a little finicky sometimes as the fixed angle can block the view behind mountains or other objects. These moments are scarse, luckily.

Graphics rating: 8

Audio

The audio enhances the atmosphere, with soothing background music and delightful sound effects that immerse you in the gameplay. The gentle rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the friendly voiceovers create a relaxing soundscape that makes you feel right at home in nature.

Also, the ability to shout “Pew” all the time is quite funny.

Audio rating: 8

Conclusion

In conclusion, Haven Park on the Nintendo Switch is a delightful and heartwarming experience that invites you to unwind and embrace nature. With its engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and charming interactions, it’s a must-play for fans of cozy simulation games. While it does present its share of challenges, the joy of building your perfect campsite and connecting with the vibrant community makes it all worthwhile.