Haven: A Couple Who Slays Together Stays Together

Haven is a romantic space adventure published and developed by The Game Bakers. Join a couple as they navigate a treacherous landscape and try and stay together against all odds.

Haven takes place in a world where two lovers have escaped from a seemingly dystopian lifestyle in a society named The Apiary. Join Yu and Kay as they become fugitives hidden in a uninhabited planet named Source. Yu and Kay live in their humble abode, the nest where they must collect resources, fight and pacify infected creatures, and spend time strengthening relationship. The Game Bakers have really treated us to a unique experience with Haven. Join us here at VIBE as we review Haven.

Progressive Choices

Recently Haven has received a progressive and welcomed update. This update allowed the player to select a same sex couple of each gender. This is something players had been wanting since launch and it was good to see The Game Bakers adding this. It’s a progressive change and something all games should have. Yay for representation!

A Tale of Lovers On The Run

One thing that drew me into Haven was its enchanting story. In the dystopian society named the Apiary, Yu and Kay were living and went through the process of the government assigning them a “mate” and not allowing them to go through the excitement of choosing and finding their own love. The two discuss on several occasions what led them to decide to leave the society and branch out on their own. Yu and Kay now live in solidarity in an old ship called the Nest which is currently out of commission.

Yu is a practical and witty engineer whilst the partner kay, (in my playthrough I choose a male) is a more reserved and intellectually driven geologist. The two have discernible chemistry and it’s clear that their dynamic as a couple worked. As the story unfolds it’s clear that there is a lot more to uncover and the game is largely an exploration game. As a result of this, it’s great to see the relationship unfold and evolve as much as the story and gameplay around it.

The game largely focuses on players controlling Yu and Kay and using flow powered boots to fly and hover around the islets of Source. They soon discover a rust like element is choking and killing a lot of th vegetation. Hovering over this with flow allows the player to clear the islet and continue the tranquility of exploring. However, the serenity of exploration comes crashing down when rust infected wildlife begin attacking.

Synchronised Attacks

Synchronized attacks are a main focus as it shows that the couple are in sync with one another. However, the player must decide whether or not the synchronicity can actually take place. This is done by landing the right timing on the attacks. As a result of this, the player must work by controlling each character. However, if the player is playing couch co op or remote play streaming then it is possible for the other player to help ensure the attacks land at the same time. Combat is not difficult and is more to do with the timing. The combat is in real time and requires players to find out the best type of attacks. For example, some of the enemies that Yu and Kay face will be affected by the impact attack and others will be susceptible to the blast.

Despite the combat being straight forward once you get the hang of it, there are some moments where difficulty arises. The first sort of “boss” encounter makes sure its compulsory for players to land the synchronized duo blast. Without this the players can’t defeat the enemy. Therefore, right timing is essential! The end of combat is when the player must pacify the creatures and return them to their uninfected state, therefore allowing them to become normal wildlife on the islets.

Going With The Flow

Flow is the main source of energy used in Haven. It seems to power most of the appliances and items used by our main couple. As a result of this, the player must navigate Yu and Kay whilst they are exploring by using flow powered boots. A strong recommendation is given for anyone on PC to get a controller plugged in. Furthermore, its essential for the player to grasp the power of flow and utilize it to its best ability. The player must control Yu and Kay and fly at high speeds around the islets. The flying includes doing correct maneuvers such as U turns, skidding, and just genuinely keeping the flow of flying easy for both characters.

Leveling Up

Leveling up is focused on how compatible and synchronized attacks are during combat. The player does not get to choose which areas to level up but the game makes sure this is distributed fairly. As a result of this, the more combat encounters the more the duo will level up. Additionally, players can level up through interactions between Yu and Kay. Interactions can be found by pressing the talk option, celebrating with applebrew, or clicking the sleep action in the Nest.

Cooking Together

Whilst out in the islets, the pair spend their day collecting resources such as the very popular apple dews. Apple Dews are a nutritious fruit found on the planet. The cooking section is very simple and just involves players adding ingredients to the pot and clicking cook. Yu and Kays health will begin to drain if they are not fed sufficiently. Therefore, resource collecting is essential. After exploring more of the islets players will begin to discover more nutritious foods. The better the food the better the health boost and the happier the couple.

Befriend Wildlife

It’s important to note that the wildlife attacking Yu and Kay are infected by rust. After some of the wildlife has been freed they can be interacted with. As a result of this, Yu and Kay have made a companion out of a lizard with mushrooms on his back. They have named him oink and can be found near the home base of the Nest for regular pets. Each new interaction with Oink yields an adorable cutscene. However, some of the bigger creatures do not allow you to pet them after pacifying them.

Vibrant Art Style and Tranquil Music

The art style for Haven gives off warm tones and really adds to the feeling that love can conquer anything. The world is beautifully designed. As a result of this, it really does feel relaxing and tranquil to explore the world. Additionally, the soundtrack scratches my brain in all the right ways. The music is fresh, synthetic, and teams with the vibrant colors of the art style. Furthermore, anyone looking for a bright, emotional and captivating experience should try Haven at their earliest opportunity.

VIBES SCORE

9/10

THANK YOU

I would like to Thank you all for joining me as I reviewed another indie title here at VIBE. I strongly recommend Haven and I hope you all have the same experience as I did with this breathtaking game. However, if you had a different experience VIBE would love to hear in the comments. In a world where love doesn’t always win it was refreshing to experience this narrative where the main focus was love. Love is something so entirely special no matter your orientation, gender or path in life. Definitely join Yu and Kay on Source and feel free in this adventure. Haven can be purchased on most platforms but as I played it on steam check it out via steam. Its currently on sale at 50% off! : https://store.steampowered.com/app/983970/Haven/ Still unsure? Check out the trailer below.