We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip is the most recent addition to the We Were Here series developed and published by Total Mayhem Games. Together with fellow core member of the FandomWire Gaming Team, Ezekiel, I played the puzzling game on PS5 and was left a bit underwhelmed.
Like previous titles in the series, the game is a co-op adventure with multiple levels and varying difficulties of puzzles. While there was some fun to be had, there were some things that could’ve been improved. Below you can read both mine (Adil), as well as Ezekiel’s thoughts regarding the title.
Adil’s Thoughts on We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip – A Short But Barely Sweet Experience
The We Were Here series has received generally favorable reviews across the board since its original entry. We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip continues that trend, but unfortunately, I could just not get into it. I came in expecting a fun time, but put my controller down exhausted from what I experienced.
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Before I get into what I think the game’s wrongdoings are, I would like to highlight the positives, and I do think there’s enough here to warrant its own few lines. For starters, the game does look visually impressive. We played on the PS5, and clearly the developers have taken the time out to make the game very pleasing to look at. The excellent use of coloring and lighting makes the levels look very gorgeous.
The concept is quite interesting. When played with a friend, We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip can be fun to play. The slight panic that overflows the game chat when time is about to run out to solve a puzzle is very amusing. And having the players use walkie-talkies to communicate with one another is quite clever.
The first-person perspective makes solving the puzzles a much more pleasant time, and gives the game a much more immersive feeling. The ambient soundtrack also elevates the experience.
But beyond that, there’s not much positive that I have to say about We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip. The game consists of three main puzzles that all test your coordination with your partner. But unfortunately, none of them are too creative.
The worst offender in this was the puzzle which required us to place these color-coded objects on floor panels to boost up a score. It didn’t require much coordination between us, and that puzzle, in particular, was a bit of a dull experience.
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The game is also excruciatingly short. It took us just about two hours to complete the title, and by the end, we were genuinely surprised at how the game was already over. And we were just getting into it. Now each level does have a rank associated with it. You can either get Bronze, Silver or Gold. But it feels like the game never gives an incentive to go for the higher ranks.
Any and all enjoyment that came from the game seems to be just the interaction with your partner. And in those moments, the game can be genuinely fun. But the game ends before you can truly get immersed. Overall, I was left disappointed with We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip, and leave the rest to my partner, Ezekiel.
Ezekiel’s Thoughts on We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip – Is This Ride Worth the Price of Admission?
We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip takes place in an abandoned amusement park, so it’s only fair to describe it through similar imagery.
Envision for a moment that you have been standing in line all day for a roller coaster that has built up quite the hype. You’re finally at the front of the line, the attendant checks your seat, and it’s time for the ride of your life.
The first few turns start to build momentum, you can feel your heart rate go up, and then you reach a tunnel where you just know a big drop is near. But you know what’s at the end of that tunnel? Nothing.
It’s the end of the line. You pull back up to the staff waiting to rush you off so the next people can have a turn. And you’re a little disappointed.
That is the best way to describe We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip. It has all the right parts for an incredible experience, but is over before really finding its pace.
As Adil mentioned above, this title only took us about two hours, but in all honesty…I think he’s being generous. If you added up the amount of time we actually spent playing through the game, it was probably closer to an hour and a half.
This is not to mention the time we spent resetting our run through because the interact mechanic failed to work on the first task.
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While We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip does have really good moments, I find it best to start with what is most likely to inform your decision to play. Aside from the game’s short length, the three puzzles themselves are somewhat uninspired.
The first puzzle is a matching game, which feels fairly on-point for a title in the We Were Here franchise. The gameplay was minimal and the puzzle was mostly self-explanatory.
The second puzzle is a color matching tile game that is easily the worst of the trilogy. Adil and I made quick work of this room, but it was nothing more than mindlessly picking up and putting down hexagon shaped pieces.
The last puzzle essentially puts one player in a blindfold and while it was the most unique of the three, much of the room went unexplored after we collected our necessary ticket.
Then, you take the plunge in the amusement park boat you helped to create and realize that’s the end of the game.
Although the puzzles and the play time were less than impressive, We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip brings enough fun to avoid being completely slept on. The visuals, mechanics, and atmosphere were certainly an enjoyable experience.
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When we reached the first puzzle, there was a level of both aggravation and impatience emanating from both of us as we tried to match pictures. This provided some needed hilarity as we both struggled to complete a task that theoretically should have been quite easy.
The walkie talkie element is also something that absolutely shines in this game. Every time I would start talking and forget to press the button, it reminded me of the importance of what I was saying. The goal is to be as coordinated as possible with your teammate, and communicating in such a way made the game much more thoughtful.
As of the writing of this article, We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip is available for free on most platforms until October 13th. I would absolutely recommend giving it a chance and trying the first-person co-op adventure for yourself.
Xbox currently has this game priced at $3.99 (free trial available), which is a reasonable price given its length.
None of this is to say that We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip is a bad game. In fact, there is a high chance if you play it you will have fun. It is just important to keep in mind that this feels like DLC to the DLC, and that is something to consider before you commit.
What do you think of We Were Here Expeditions: The FriendShip? Have you tried it out with a friend? Do you agree with our evaluation? Make sure to leave a comment and let us know if we hit the mark or missed the point!
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