Windward

This is an absolute gem

I wasn't able to get this game to start. After reading some support threads, trying multiple fixes, and choosing various options during setup, the play button always remained disabled.

Its been ten years and im only now hearing a sequel? Can't wait to have some more fun again. See you there sailors!

good game

While I normally review a game on it's own merits, I can't justify giving Winward a positive review after seeing the Developer call someone a clown and telling them to touch grass, because they had an issue with the developer using AI in their latest game.

One of the few really satisfying naval games!

No Modding even in 2025. Bad Dev honestly, never going to buy another one of their products.

There are some good concepts here, but they've missed the mark a bit. To have a gameplay loop like this feel good, the world needs to be interesting. The world is very bland, basic procedural, which would require much more on the gameplay side to work. I hope they pursue one of these avenues in the sequel, I feel it could work either way.

Its chill but could benefit from some more stuff

Very relaxing game to play yet enjoyable and challenging. Great for a break from other games.

Sol if you haven't played windward get it already... its a pretty solid game and fun..single player or online. Not a lot of players online but its still all playable and fun. bring some friends and it gets even better.

I don't know why this title got abandoned...it had an INCREDIBLE bones, to build a solid title, but somehow, they (he) just released some sort of demo/game.
Basically, you just float around picking up useless crates, get involved in a few skirmishes, and run transport quests, sometimes taking ports.
Its fun, if you want to play an ARCADE style ship combat game, with no true purpose....but other than that, its not a FULL GAME by any means.

I recommend buying it, but I also warn you against it. The combat is basic and kind of fun...but no purpose to game other than that. I don't understand why it got abandoned, damn shame....only had to add a few things to find a purpose to finish the game, but NOPE. Just straight up dropped project in steam and left.

STEAM should not try to sell these as if it was a game, it should go in the LOST AND FOUND section (its not real, but STEAM should make one for titles like this - A Game you can play, but it's not finished, and it got dropped in a dumpster).

Don't buy it unless under $6. Even $7 is too much to pay.

With the sequel on the horizon, no pun intended, it was fitted to to a quick review.

Windward could be described as a micro MMORPG/sandbox naval ship themed game.

You start choosing a faction, with a minor difference between them, and later can be freely changed, or a pirate. Set sail to a basic procedure generated set of maps and do whatever you want. You can earn gold through trades, quest, looting random boxes around the sea and pirate hunting.

Controlling your ship can be done via WASD or even just the mouse. Since the basic attack are triggered automatically, you will spend most of the time trying to use your skills in the best way possible and avoiding the other ships attacks that have the same attacks and skills as you.

There isn't a story in game or any end goal set, other than getting max level if you want. Most quests are considered basic even to a 2015 game: fetch quests, hunt a enemy, defend a city. You can create, in the server that you are connected, 3 types of instances of a quick map that does not interfere with the global map and you may invite other players that are in the server as well to your instance. Your ship have 5 customizable color parts: two for the sails, two for the hull/ship and a emblem, the only thing is that you have to find other colors/emblem as loot.

Highly recommend playing in coop since the game loop is rather short so having other players/friends with you make a better experience. You can join public servers or create you own (P2P or dedicated). The one issue that happened to me was that trying to create a P2P server I was not able to let other players join and there is an issue with dedicated server that it does not have a password system and setting it to not show on the master server I could not join it. But due to a lack of players playing this game, at most I had two other players in my server, having a "private" game is not a issue.

After around 50-60 hours of gameplay, I was able to get all the achievements using the default game settings. You can change the game parameters to allow faster experience gain and combat difficult in your server/world. The only thing that I never saw was a couple of events that needs more players to trigger, not even as the server admin I was able to summon a couple enemies/events to check how they are in game. Also is possible to add custom emblems to you server.

Music could only be described as the most basic music set possible to a pirate game. Outside of combat, the little music that the game have did make me drowsy quickly, so I had to mute it and play other music that I have of my choice.

By the time of this review, I am on level 90 but I am aware that there is a little bit more content above level 100 to 150, max level being 750 I think. This is important because if you connect to a server or let your server open to anyone, someone may connect to your server using few ships that I would consider a spoiler for newer players.

I can recommend this game for players wanting a simple light hearted MMORPG naval game when played with friends.

7.5/10

The game was alright, didnt really pull me in.

Yes

Best game I have played in a while. Simple and relaxing, great soundtrack, nothing overly stressful. The perfect escape from shitty life circumstances. I just wish I had more friends that played.

fun game with or without friends

it is a really good game and is recommended

I think most people will find enjoyment in this game. The game environment is pleasant to cruise around in and the music is quite relaxing. The sea combat is a lot of fun, but the AI is pretty dumb leading to some lacklustre sea combat. I find more enjoyment in trading and doing task to develop my empire. There are a ton of ways to modify your ship and the map settings leading to hours of replay ability.

Had a lot of fun with this game when it came out (played on a friend's account, probably like 50-70 hours). It's still fun for a couple of hours these dasys and I'm excited for the new one.

fun but very grindy

Truly a peaceful and entertaining experience, with lot of contents to gradually explore and a balanced difficulty curve. Totally recommended.

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The greatest game I've ever played!!!

This game still holds up well. I'm very excited for the upcoming sequel.

fun. Relaxing. Satisfying to sink pirates. I recommend. I like trying to max out each town.

Windward - a delightful gem that perfectly captures the spirit of exploration and trade on the high seas. From the moment I set sail, I was enchanted by its beautiful visuals, engaging but casual gameplay, a great soundtrack that added to a mellow vibe and the sense of freedom it offers.

The art style is charming, with vibrant colours and serene landscapes that create a captivating atmosphere. The water effects are particularly impressive, making sailing feel immersive and dynamic. Each island and port has its own unique charm, inviting you to explore and discover.

The core mechanics of trading, battling, and exploration are well-balanced and addictive. I loved the freedom to choose my own path, whether it’s becoming a feared pirate, a wealthy trader, or a valiant protector of the seas. The progression system is rewarding, with plenty of upgrades and customizations for your ships that keep you motivated to continue your journey.

The music in Windward is a standout feature, perfectly complementing the tranquil atmosphere. The soothing melodies enhance the sense of adventure and exploration, making each journey feel special. The soundtrack adapts to the gameplay, adding emotional depth to your experiences on the water.

The multiplayer mode adds an extra layer of enjoyment, allowing you to team up with friends or face off against other players. The cooperative gameplay enhances the experience, making it a perfect game to play with others. You can host your own server which is what I did most of the time.

Windward has a soothing quality that makes it an ideal game for unwinding. The combination of gentle music, the sound of waves, and the open world invites you to sail at your own pace, exploring every nook and cranny without feeling rushed.

In summary, Windward is a beautifully crafted game that delivers a perfect blend of exploration, strategy, and relaxation. Whether you're battling pirates, trading goods, or simply enjoying the tranquil seas, it’s a delightful experience that’s hard to put down. If you’re looking for a game that allows you to chart your own course and immerse yourself in a captivating world, Highly recommend Windward as its a must-have in your Steam library!

fun game to get sidetracked in!

One of my favorite games of all time is Sid Meier's Pirates. And I've always been searching for a game that fills the same niche for me but just gives me more 'game' in various ways. Assassins Creed Black Flag probably came the closest actually, despite the pirate aspects of the game just being an add-on to an Assassin's Creed game. Sunless Sea hit a lot of the same notes for me too, although I ultimately didn't like how grimdark and difficult the game was.
I love pirate games, but I'm also not interested in a massive multiplayer experience either. My dream game would probably just be something very similar to Sid Meier's pirates but with a fleshed out level of interactivity with the world, more story, and more unique locations/experiences, rather than variations on the same themes and formulas.
Alas, I have yet to find a game that does this for me and Windward is still not it.
The game is essentially just the ship combat and trading mechanics of other pirate games but set in a procedurally generate world, and with a decent progression system.
That is really the entirety of the game, and despite me not being as big of a fan of this I can't help but recommend it because if that's all you're looking for in a nautical game then this delivers, and for only $10 or less.
I really do feel like the potential is here for so much more though. If only there was some other level of interaction with the settlements or your crew, or there was more variation with the settlements you could encounter.
Unfortunately the game is incredibly bare bones in most aspects. But if that's all you need then the game is well priced.