Haven

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Critics Recommend

Average Score

Total Reviews: 48

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Haven has a charming story and endearing characters, but it doesn’t deliver quite the adventure it once promised.

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Critics Recommend

Critic Reviews: 48

Critics Consensus

# Reviews: 48

Haven has a charming story and endearing characters, but it doesn't deliver quite the adventure it once promised.

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Critic Reviews for Haven

Reviews

High Score - 100/100

Low Score - 40/100

Kyle Campbell (IGN)

8/10

“Haven is a charming and unusual sci-fi RPG about love prevailing above all else, although between its thrilling gravity boot rides and respectable combat are long spans of monotonous resource gathering and clean-up.”

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Joe Juba (Game Informer)

7.8/10

“Haven finds a groove in its exploration and character-building, but the combat and big narrative beats throw it off.”

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Robert Ramsey (Push Square)

7/10

“There are flaws in Haven’s gameplay, but its endearing protagonists, unique atmosphere, and superb soundtrack make it an interesting and engaging journey to an alien planet. Its portrayal of an adult relationship is something to be admired, and it’s hard not to care about the plight of Kay and Yu by the end of what is ultimately quite a touching love story.”

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Read the Reviews (48 total)

Outlet	Author	Score	Date	Quote	Read
33bits	Fernando Sánchez	90 / 100	12-15-2020	Haven is a beautiful love story that develops with the participation of the player, and is complemented by mechanics from various games such as a personal relationship simulator, an exploration adventure, a role-playing game, and even a walking simulator. Not all the mechanics play their part at the same level, and we will even notice that the game could have saved some of them, such as the fighting, but what really stands out is the development of the relationship of our protagonists, and the environment created for them Origin, is ideal for this love story to happen and convince.	Read review
3DNews	Алексей Лихачев	5 / 10	12-13-2020	Such an offensive slap to all fans of the original game and to all gamers in general.	Read review
Bazimag	Sina Golabzade	8 / 10	12-03-2020	There is banter, love, fight for survival and it all revolves around two very likable protagonists and has a nice art style. This is not one of those dark dystopian futuristic rebel stories, it is about two people trying to have their own piece of freedom and it is a nice change of pace between all these dour same-y sci-fi games and movies. The gameplay could’ve had more range to it but all in all it’s good enough for the game it is trying to be.	Read review
But Why Tho?	Charles Hartford	8.5 / 10	12-07-2020	When all is said and done, what sells Haven is its characters. If a deep rich character-driven narrative that centers around two exceptionally realized characters is something you believe is worth a few gameplay hiccups to experience then this game is worth every second of your time. It’s characters deliver in every way I could ask for. Crafting a tale that was the most emotionally impactful gaming experience I’ve had since I played Sea of Solitude last year. And to put a little perspective here, that was my game of the year last year. And while its gameplay shortcomings keep it from quite reaching that level of gaming perfection, its story is as close to perfect as I could ask for.	Read review
Cerealkillerz	Gabriel Bogdan	8.3 / 10	12-03-2020	Haven isn’t the big RPG revolution but definitely one of the most beautiful games of the year. If you are looking for an emotional title for in-between with an amazing soundtrack to relax or some co-op fun with your partner, you will still get a great experience.	Read review
Checkpoint Gaming	Charlie Kelly	8 / 10	12-03-2020	In the modest but apt time you’ll spend with Haven, it’s easy to fall in love with its world and characters. This is a game about love… developers The Game Bakers have not only done a really good job in writing both leads Yu and Kay, but also casting a pair of actors to play them that share a fantastic amount of chemistry.	Read review
COGconnected	Stephanie Sung	80 / 100	02-19-2021	Haven is a noteworthy story that defines what it is like to find your home with your loved one. Yu and Kay have their ups and downs, but Haven shows that love conquers all hardships. The game is about exploring and finding new places, and of course being free to love whoever you want. Like all relationships the game isn’t perfect, but it successfully presents a warm and powerful narrative that demonstrates an adult relationship with characters that we can all relate to.	Read review
Cubed3	Athanasios	6 / 10	12-19-2020	The best description for Haven would be that of a game developed by a very talented team of people, who dreamed big, but had a budget that was simply not enough, as the concept can even scare larger, more experienced studios. Due to all that, it feels as if stuck in the second chapter of a much, much larger game. Its alien world is beautiful, the gameplay is far from bad, and the way this focuses in the protagonist duo and their romantic relationship is pulled off quite well (for the most part), but in the end, the severe lack of content, as well as challenge, soon turns this into a repetitive, and painfully boring chore.	Read review
Digital Chumps	Eric Layman	8 / 10	01-08-2021	Haven presents a lush alien world, one rife with resource gathering and loaded with turn-based combat, as a suitable venue for its forbidden love story. Such an unorthodox collection of disparate elements may have had trouble connecting if not held together by widely relatable and sharply written interpersonal dialogue. It’s an assembly that allows its pair protagonists to thrive inside moments of tedium, suggesting a story worth telling takes precedent over action not always worth doing.	Read review
DualShockers	Camilo Olmedo	4.5 / 10	12-03-2020	The endearing love story and vibrant art style of Haven can’t save it from being a derivative and forgettable RPG adventure.	Read review
Easy Allies	Brandon Jones	3.75 / 5 stars	12-06-2020	Haven follows lovers on the run as they navigate a strange, alien world and try to build a better future. There are plenty of rough patches along the way, but these daring explorers make the journey worthwhile.	Read review
Everyeye.it	Claudio Cugliandro	8 / 10	12-03-2020	Despite some snags both stylistic and design, Haven still manages to tell a traditional but effective love story relying precisely on those parts that other means of expression usually hide, or leave behind: the myth of Yu and Kay is built in battles with alien and corrupt creatures, but is deconstructed while we see them cooking, going to the bathroom or playing UNO (yes, we’re not kidding!).	Read review
FingerGuns	Rossko Keniston	7 / 10	12-05-2020	A delightful central relationship gives this love story RPG wings, but generic survival beats and somewhat empty worlds leaves Haven not quite the essential indie experience we were hoping for.	Read review
Game Informer	Joe Juba	7.8 / 10	12-03-2020	Haven finds a groove in its exploration and character-building, but the combat and big narrative beats throw it off	Read review
Gameblog	Thomas Pillon	5 / 10	12-03-2020	Despite its charming story and truly endearing characters, Haven does not deliver the adventure it once promised. Between its cryptic mecanics, redundant environments and rough battles, it seems like the game does not want to player ton pursue the adventure or have a pleasant time. Too bad, because Danger’s soundtrack and the story of Yu and Kay should have need a better treatment.	Read review
Gamefa	Mohammad Aria Moghaddam	8 / 10	12-06-2020	Haven is a different and unique experience as a game with a sci-fi theme. You will play as a pair of lovers and follow their adventures in ” Source ” planet. Combat system could be better and sometimes, you might feel that the most parts of the world look same, but except from these, Haven is an enjoyable, different and recommended experience that takes you to a beautiful journey of love.	Read review
Gamer Escape	Josh McGrath	7 / 10	12-03-2020	It just doesn’t seem they put as much love and detail into the gameplay as they did the character writing and world building. In the end, while not a must play, Haven is still worth a glance if you’re looking for a feel-good experience.	Read review
GameSpew	Becca S.	8 / 10	12-03-2020	Haven is slow-paced, but it’s beautiful and captivating. If you want something to enjoy while tucked under a warm blanket, this might just be the comfort you need.	Read review
GameWatcher	Bogdan Robert Mateș	9 / 10	12-03-2020	Lovers in a Shattered Land	Read review
GamingBolt	Matt Bianucci	8 / 10	12-04-2020	What Haven doesn’t quite perfect in its gameplay, it makes up for with a beautifully crafted, surprisingly human relationship, accompanied by a brilliant soundtrack and gorgeous presentation.	Read review
God is a Geek	Chris White	8 / 10	12-09-2020	Playing Haven with someone else feels like the natural way to approach it, but you’ll still enjoy it if you’re playing on your own. It can be a tough game to grind through, especially when scouring different areas that often look the same, but the relationship between Yu and Kay is very relatable. Movement is satisfying, and the combat is simple enough to enjoy. The Game Bakers has managed to build an interesting narrative throughout, and the couple’s own story is just as important and engaging.	Read review
Hardcore Gamer	Kyle LeClair	4 / 5 stars	12-03-2020	Even with iffy combat, Haven ends up being a dose of pure joy, letting you experience a well-written whirlwind romance with lovable characters, or just letting you hover around a planet at fast speeds, enjoying satisfying gameplay as you swiftly gather up more Flow or escape corrupted creatures.	Read review
Hey Poor Player	Heather Johnson	5 / 5 stars	12-03-2020	I could probably write a dissertation on everything Haven does right, but the truth is, Haven is something you must feel. Your relationship with Haven will change over time, the nuances left on you only realized long after the controller has been put away. Haven is the game every game developer wishes they could make and every gamer wishes they could play for the first time every time. It cannot be understated how beautiful Haven is in every sense of the word. Please don’t just play Haven — feel Haven.	Read review
Hobby Consolas	Álvaro Alonso	80 / 100	12-15-2020	Quotation forthcoming.	Read review
IGN	Kyle Campbell	8 / 10	12-03-2020	Haven is a charming and unusual sci-fi RPG about love prevailing above all else, although between its thrilling gravity boot rides and respectable combat are long spans of monotonous resource gathering and clean-up.	Read review
Impulsegamer	Stephen Heller	3.6 / 5 stars	12-30-2020	Haven is a special game that is hard to recommend, but hard to miss. If you want a good honest look at star crossed lovers, and you have someone to play it with, definitely consider dropping some time into this lovely world.	Read review
KeenGamer	Max Fagandini	9.2 / 10	12-08-2020	Traverse a fragmented alien world as a lovestruck couple and hunt down answers to the mysteries surrounding you in Haven, new from the developers of FURI. As you explore the planet and follow this mature and honest portrayal of their romantic relationship, do you have it in you to help them take control of their own destiny and protect each other from the sinister forces of the Apiary?	Read review
Luis Alamilla	Luis Alamilla	7 / 10	12-06-2020	Haven is a great story but an alright game. While I was truly invested in seeing through what the future laid for this lovely couple, I didn’t always find myself enjoying the gameplay. At times it was fun to explore new parts of Source, seeing all the exotic creatures and seeing the interactions between Yu and Kay. However, over time, I found myself actively getting less interested in playing and just want to hear more about these characters. I understood the story was at the forefront, but for the latter half of Haven, it just wasn’t enough for me to stay actively invested in the entire package. Haven’s story is worth experiencing, but if you can get it on sale or through gamepass.	Read review
Nintendo Life	Kate Gray	7 / 10	02-21-2021	Haven is a beautiful game about a relationship that is best in its quiet moments. The conversations and tenderness between Yu and Kay, its two leads, are the lifeblood of the game, and everything else is secondary. Its interesting combat system would benefit from a bit more signposting, and the flying traversal is a fun sci-fi addition to the game that works more often than it doesn’t. Still, it’s a wonderful experience, especially in co-op, but perhaps one to get on sale.	Read review
Nintendo Times	Tony Matthews	4 / 10	03-10-2021	BAD	Read review
NintendoWorldReport	Willem Hilhorst	7.5 / 10	02-04-2021	Something that isn’t there to satisfy people that ship in-game characters or gives them additional stats, but two characters that live together and struggle together. They each have a complete personality and to see that flourish, to see them flourish together, is something I have rarely if ever experienced in a game. Haven is not perfect, certainly not on Switch, but I would follow these characters to the edge of space and beyond.	Read review
NoesPaisparaFrikis	Oscar Garcia Mompean	8 / 10	12-25-2020	One of the surprises of this 2020	Read review
Noisy Pixel	Ian Goudelock	8.5 / 10	12-03-2020	Haven took me by complete surprise with its relatable characters and emotional love story. Gliding from island to island is endlessly fun and is a great way to take in its bright art direction. While there are some performance issues, the overall story and exploration had me hooked from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a romantic and fantastic narrative Haven has a beautiful world ready to explore.	Read review
PC Gamer	Emma Davies	72 / 100	12-10-2020	A relaxing adventure that’s at its best when focusing on the romance.	Read review
PlayStation Universe	Garri Bagdasarov	8 / 10	12-03-2020	The Game Bakers have done a wonderful job creating a unique world and telling a love story that’s believable and intriguing. I was fully invested in Kay and Yu and shaping their relationship. Though the game is all about the story, the game’s turn-based combat is truly unique and demands your attention. What seals the deal is Havens’s fantastic soundtrack providing some of the best electronic music I’ve heard in a while. For those looking for a different type of game, Haven is a great alternative for those looking for a great character-driven and emotional. experience.	Read review
PSX Brasil	Thiago de Alencar Moura	85 / 100	12-04-2020	While the journey to survive in Source is interesting and the gameplay brings fun yet repetitive things, Haven really does a spectacular job of telling its story, raising every little moment, from combat to gliding while holding hands, moved by the strength of its script, voice-acting and love between its protagonists.	Read review
Push Square	Robert Ramsey	7 / 10	12-03-2020	There are flaws in Haven’s gameplay, but its endearing protagonists, unique atmosphere, and superb soundtrack make it an interesting and engaging journey to an alien planet. Its portrayal of an adult relationship is something to be admired, and it’s hard not to care about the plight of Kay and Yu by the end of what is ultimately quite a touching love story.	Read review
Rock, Paper, Shotgun	Sin Vega	Not Recommended	12-03-2020	Cutting out the parts that became tedious would quicken the narrative enough to undermine it, but those parts became so laborious that they dragged it down instead. Perhaps I missed the point entirely by playing it alone – it is eminently obvious where a second player would fit in to its design – but if I had a lover here right now, I don’t think this is the game I’d choose to play with them. I’ve been in my own haven for far too long.	Read review
Screen Rant	Connor Trinske	3.5 / 5 stars	01-01-2021	Haven is a game that really shines.	Read review
Slant Magazine	Justin Clark	4.5 / 5 stars	12-03-2020	Along with being one of the most gentle and soothing games of the year, Haven is also gaming at its most compassionate.	Read review
SpazioGames	Unknown	7 / 10	12-03-2020	Haven has good premises and touch of freshness as it strives to convey humanity, even though most of its mechanics and plot would’ve deserved more deepening	Read review
TechRaptor	Robert N. Adams	6 / 10	12-21-2020	Haven is a game set on a beautiful world with lovable protagonists and compelling villains, but it suffers from frustrating design issues and the game ends on a flat note.	Read review
The Games Machine	Marco Bortoluzzi	8.2 / 10	12-14-2020	Haven is a great comfort game. Relaxing music, pleasant color palette, dialogues that are often light but never empty. Yu and Kay’s adventure on source never fails to be entertaining, and if the combat seems a bit shallow at first, it will certainly put you to the test as you progress. Some things could be better, of course; but after the excellent Furi, Haven is another proof of The Game Bakers’ competence.	Read review
TheSixthAxis	Aran Suddi	8 / 10	12-14-2020	Haven is an uplifting and positive tale of a young couple setting out to make an alien planet their home. Yu and Kay are a likeable pair as you watch their relationship strengthen, the world of Source is a gorgeous place to explore, and the soundtrack is great as well. While the overarching story could be deeper and battles could be streamlined further, Haven is a game that offers a chilled out escape.	Read review
Unboxholics	Στράτος Χατζηνικολάου	Recommended	12-09-2020	After the excellent Furi, The Game Bakers decided to test their skills on something completely different. An experience that focuses on love and adventure. Haven is a little game, well worth the 10-15 hours that you must dedicate.	Read review
Use a Potion	Unknown	7.3 / 10	12-09-2020	Haven’s engaging storytelling and alluring world help make for a unique and enjoyable experience – I just wish there was a little bit more to do on Source. Sure, gliding around feels wonderful and the instances of combat can make for some fun sequences, but it doesn’t take long for a sense of repetition to kick in. It probably doesn’t help that the land itself can be a little bit vacant, making it more difficult to find the areas you need to reach to progress.	Read review
WayTooManyGames	Kyle Nicol	8 / 10	12-17-2020	Haven won’t be for everyone, but I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing experience with some charming characters. The amazing soundtrack is the icing on the cake. I was not expecting this kind of release coming from the developer of the high-octane Furi, but I’m glad that we got it nevertheless.	Read review
Worth Playing	Chris “Atom” DeAngelus	9 / 10	12-11-2020	Haven is a cute and enjoyable mix of light survival, light RPG, and serious romance novel. It’s exactly the kind of game to play if you want to relax for a few hours and see adorable people being adorable. The surprisingly enjoyable RPG combat and gentle survival mechanics make the game feel more like a game, while at heart it is closer to a visual novel. If you like warm and fuzzy feelings, Haven is a great choice, as long as you don’t mind the occasional risqué dialogue.	Read review

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Game Info

Game Description / Storyline:

Does love really conquer all? Yu and Kay have escaped to a forgotten planet, leaving everything they knew behind. Play two lovers at the same time as they settle into an unknown world. Explore the planet looking for parts and material to fix your ship and make it a cosy home. Enjoy moments of everyday life as a relatable couple while cooking meals, crafting and collecting precious resources to make it to the next day. Fight against those trying to tear you apart by synchronizing actions in combat, finding the perfect timing and rhythm, while controlling both characters and battling to keep them and their relationship alive. In this unexpected RPG adventure, explore the beautifully eerie and unstable planet while enjoying the thrilling soundtrack of renowned musician, DANGER.

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