Parents' Guide to

Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles

By David Wolinsky, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Laid-back Minecraft-like game without similar depth.

Game PlayStation 4 , Windows 2017
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 8+

Fun game with great story and no figthing

My kids (9 and 10) did spend a lot of time on this game. The story is fun, the world is nice and colorful and there is no fighting.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Easy to play/use
2 people found this helpful.
age 7+

Children appropriate

Yonder really appeals to me and my two children, 10 and 8. I like that there is no combat or enemies and neither is there a way to muck up your character or go the wrong way. It's great for my 8yo in particular to just take her time, explore and go through the quests without worrying. It's charming and cute and suitable for all ages. Younger players may need help initially with some of the crafting, farming and quest elements of the games but it's not a linear game so there shouldn't be too much frustration if it takes a while.

This title has:

Great messages
Easy to play/use
2 people found this helpful.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Although older players are likely to be bored pretty early on, younger players that just want to explore will find a lot to appreciate here. If Minecraft is too stressful, then Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles might be just the thing -- its complete lack of combat and time-sensitive deadlines to get tasks done in-game makes for a more whimsical, laid-back gameplay experience. Although you'll be trudging all over a sizable island that can be traversed in about five minutes, the game focuses much more on exploring, developing, and interacting with the world and its inhabitants. Granted, your interactions with people aren't too deep (people just want you to go to location X and bring back Y), but that just frees players up to soak up the sedate environment. And it's a gorgeous world to be in. With changing seasons and weather patterns and with no need to look over your shoulder for enemies, though, all you have to occupy your time are tons of errands and chores. These tasks run the gamut from collecting wood and smashing stones to fishing and bartering. Eventually, you'll take to crafting your own items to trade with others. If you're so inclined, you can establish your own farms to work more items into your rotation for trading, but it's completely optional. The easygoing vibe to the game is reminiscent of Facebook games or even mobile games, which ultimately means whether you like it or not depends on your disposition. The open-ended nature that comes with no urgency will definitely throw some players, but people who have been craving something more laid-back will find a ton to do and enjoy here.

Game Details

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