Sailwind

I want to preface this review by saying that I wholly love this game and the intent behind it. The environment makes you feel cozy and the sailing mechanics are just simple enough to enjoy. Then you get to the funky stuff. Keep in mind, this game was supposed to be out of early access by the end of 2021 or sometime in 2022. It is now 3 months from the beginning of 2027 and there has been... little to what feels like no progress made on this game. The world is dead. There are towns but no populace, just static NPC vendors with fake "market" sounds playing when you walk near. The sound doesn't even cover the entire market space, so some of the market is silent. Doing missions and trading between islands doesn't give you any environmental storytelling to tell you if you're actually making an impact on the economy or society. No new houses, no lively people, just going from one static NPC to another to deliver boxes for... The vendors? I guess? Who is this market even for? Speaking of the economy, it sucks. The prices change so much when you buy and sell the same good that bulk trading is nigh unprofitiable, if not impossible. I hope you enjoy sifting through seven to eight differ…

I have been loving the hell out of this game! A ton of fun and challenge, it looks good and runs great for a super cheap price. My only wish is that it someday gets an online co-op to help with the large/huge ships the dev has planned and that this game finally get some traction in the publicity department. This game is just too damn good to see it die because very few people know about it. Anyway, love the game! Keep up the good work Dev!

The game is fun and engaging. Pros: Realistic enough sailing mechanics to keep it engaging but simple enough to be beginner-friendly. Epic map with both long and short voyages available, with different challenges in each region, and even some hidden items to keep you exploring that which may be uncharted. Good ship variety and plenty of ship customization. There are epic moments and a real sense of accomplishment when you set out on a challenging voyage, using your limited navigational tools. Speaking of which, there is no in game GPS, which adds deeply to the immersion. Getting lost is very possible if you’re not paying attention to your navigation, but as with the sailing component, it’s not so complicated that it can’t be learned by someone with no experience. Even the in-game tutorials are sold as “scrolls” or manuals you can pick up at different harbors. Love that level of immersion. Cons: The game still has some bugs and funky physics mechanics from time to time, although the developer has been steadily making improvements. You can definitely feel the “early access” part at times. Also, in some ways the field manuals can feel a bit limited in their scope or not address …

Something about this game just really clicks with me, having to navigate by the stars and using a chronometer. The trading is improved with the latest version and the large ship you can purchase at oasis is a joy to sail. Well worth the early access price as long as you don't want to kill things, there is no option for that.

Exremely frustrating and annoying. I didn't want to rage slap my keyboard so I deleted it from my account. Controls are weak.

if you like sailing and commerce- this is it right here! its just a sit back and chill out as you cross the seas type thing! and then you get hopelessly lost and arrive at the wrong place and oh its all just brilliant! 10/10 see you on the seas! hah!