Passing By: A Tailwind Journey

Initial frustration with balloon navigation eventually clears to let the lighter puzzle and platforming elements of Passing By – A Tailwind Journey create an overall pleasant experience. Even with survival elements, however, gameplay may be a bit too cozy and relaxed to hold players' attention.

Passing By - A Tailwind Journey mixes flight and platforming in almost equal quantities. None of its mechanics have a ton of depth but the process of navigating, spotting islands, evaluating needs, and then exploring is engaging.

Passing By: A Tailwind Journey retains its cohesive style and substance, and it runs beautifully on the Switch. Its quirks and issues will undoubtedly be no problem for some fans looking for a well-priced, lighter survival game that’s heavy on gathering cute collectables. However, I personally have trouble finding it as cozy as its sale copy suggests, with meters that are harsher than more action-forward survival/collection games like Core Keeper and puzzles that, while not difficult, are a pain to overcome with both the current control scheme and those meters at your heels. As the first game from a new indie developer, I do give the game its proper dues for its polish and its eagerness. I think Studio Windsocke have a bright future ahead, and, as I say, there may be those who click with the game, especially if you can overcome or alter the control scheme. Unfortunately, this game is not for me. It may be for you, so please remember that all reviews are subjective and that this is still a game with a lot of heart inside of it. That’s why I’m giving it a neutral score, and the developers my very best wishes. Available now on Nintendo Switch and PC/Steam.

A soothing and extremely pleasant airborne adventure that helps you embrace the unknown