Review code provided with many thanks to Silky Fangs
Shimmer’s Quest – Way of the Whoop Early Impressions
Sometimes, a game doesn’t need to be complicated or brain-melting to put a smile on your face. Shimmer’s Quest – Way of the Whoop is one of those games. This charming little point-and-click adventure has recently launched into Early Access, and while it’s clearly still a work in progress, there’s something endearingly cosy about it. Think of it less as a hardcore adventure and more as a cheerful stroll through a cute fantasy world, one that feels like it was designed with younger players, or the young at heart, in mind.
A Cosy, Cheerful Premise
The story is simple in the best possible way. You play as Shimmer, a plucky dragon warrior with big anime-style eyes, who dreams of greatness but quickly wakes up to a bit of trouble. After being expelled from the Warrior Academy (her crime? Accidentally damaging a sacred flower), she’s sent packing to return her sword. Along the way, she decides to help out the villagers and ultimately take responsibility for restoring the flower she destroyed.
It’s not epic in scale, but it’s wholesome and funny, with just enough tongue-in-cheek writing to make you grin. One minute you’re talking to a sushi-loving villager, the next you’re wandering off to poke at suspicious objects. It feels intentionally light, like a cartoon short you stumble across and find yourself watching through to the end.
A World Still Growing
Because this is Early Access, parts of the game are undeniably unfinished. Some artwork looks rough or placeholder-y, with doodle-like stand-ins instead of polished animations. In a way, though, it’s fascinating to see a game in such a raw state. It reminded me of watching “making of” features, where you glimpse how games come together before all the polish is applied.
Even in this state, you can spot the creative touches the developers are aiming for. The hand-painted backgrounds are vivid, the characters have distinct personalities, and there’s a particularly lovely moment where you see reflections of your character across a lake’s surface, a tiny but delightful detail that even some big-budget games skip. Who knows, maybe more surprises are to come.
Point, Click, Waddle, Whoop
Gameplay is classic point-and-click adventuring. You move Shimmer around with the keyboard while using the mouse to interact with people, items, and the environment. The game makes it very clear what’s clickable and what isn’t, so there’s no frustrating pixel-hunting here.
Items you collect go into a handy toolbar, and sometimes you’ll need to combine them to solve puzzles. It’s all straightforward, making it a great starting point for gamers new to the genre. I especially liked how the game gently nudged me along whenever I got stuck, instead of letting me flounder forever clicking every item in my inventory on something, it offered a small hint as if to say, “Hey, we know you’re trying, let’s help you out.” It feels considerate, especially for younger players who might not have the patience for old-school trial and error.
Light, Breezy, and Family Friendly
With the current content clocking in at about an hour, this isn’t a sprawling adventure (at least, not yet). But what’s here is lighthearted and accessible, with puzzles that won’t overwhelm and characters that are quirky enough to keep you entertained.
I couldn’t help but think this would be a great game to play alongside younglings. It’s simple enough for them to get involved, but still fun for adults who just want a relaxing, cosy game to share. There’s no stress, no danger of losing progress, just gentle exploration and a few giggles along the way.
Early But Promising
Of course, being Early Access means there are rough edges. Some animations are unfinished, and the world doesn’t yet feel fully fleshed out. But there’s a lot of potential here. The developer clearly have a unique fantasy setting in mind, complete with dragon warriors and quirky lore. The foundation is solid, and if the developer keeps building on it, I can see Shimmer’s Quest blossoming into a delightful little adventure for anyone looking for a cosy escape.
Final Thoughts
At this stage, Shimmer’s Quest – Way of the Whoop feels like a friendly promise. It’s short, it’s simple, and it’s still finding its footing. If you enjoy point-and-click adventures with a casual, family-friendly tone, it’s worth keeping an eye on. And if you’re curious about watching a game grow from its earliest stages, supporting this one in Early Access might be a fun way to do it.
I wish the developer all the best as she polishes and expands this quirky little world. For now, I’d say Shimmer’s Quest may be short, but it’s sweet, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the way of the Whoop takes her next.
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