73
MONSTER
Play as two lovers who escaped to a lost planet. The only thing that matters is to stay together. A RPG to play solo or with a special someone.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
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Story and Narrative
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80
Haven wins hearts with its tender romance and authentic character dynamics, but shaky writing, clunky pacing, and controversial themes undermine its emotional punch.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
60%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
37%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Haven wins hearts with its tender romance and authentic character dynamics, but shaky writing, clunky pacing, and controversial themes undermine its emotional punch.
Gameplay Mechanics
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68
Haven’s inventive co-op exploration and creative mechanics shine with fluid gliding, deep relationship-building, and accessible systems, but repetitive loops, underdeveloped combat, and clunky design frustrate, making it a polarizing blend of ambition and tedium.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
68
Positive Reviews (80-100)
6%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
91%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Haven’s inventive co-op exploration and creative mechanics shine with fluid gliding, deep relationship-building, and accessible systems, but repetitive loops, underdeveloped combat, and clunky design frustrate, making it a polarizing blend of ambition and tedium.
Graphics and Visual Design
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80
Haven’s stunning, psychedelic visuals and emotional storytelling captivate, yet repetitive environments, low-poly models, and technical hiccups dilute its immersive promise.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
80
Positive Reviews (80-100)
68%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
32%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Haven’s stunning, psychedelic visuals and emotional storytelling captivate, yet repetitive environments, low-poly models, and technical hiccups dilute its immersive promise.
Music and Sound Design
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78
Haven's haunting, synth-driven score is a masterclass in atmosphere, weaving chill, dreamy textures that amplify its introspective tone—though repetitive cues and occasional gameplay mismatch dim its shine.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
54%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
46%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Haven's haunting, synth-driven score is a masterclass in atmosphere, weaving chill, dreamy textures that amplify its introspective tone—though repetitive cues and occasional gameplay mismatch dim its shine.
Voice Acting
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81
Critics praise Haven’s voice acting for its emotional depth, authentic character dynamics, and stellar chemistry between Yu and Kay, with standout performances that elevate storytelling. While a few note technical flaws like uneven volume and repetitive dialogue, these are overshadowed by widespread acclaim for its relatable, immersive interactions.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
81
Positive Reviews (80-100)
84%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
11%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics praise Haven’s voice acting for its emotional depth, authentic character dynamics, and stellar chemistry between Yu and Kay, with standout performances that elevate storytelling. While a few note technical flaws like uneven volume and repetitive dialogue, these are overshadowed by widespread acclaim for its relatable, immersive interactions.
Technical Performance
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66
Haven’s tech hits highs and lows across platforms: PS5 and Xbox Series X shine with smooth optimization, while Switch struggles with crashes and glitches despite patches; PC faces interface hiccups, and all versions grapple with minor flaws. Yet narrative depth and design eclipse technical warts for most players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
66
Positive Reviews (80-100)
9%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
86%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
5%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Haven’s tech hits highs and lows across platforms: PS5 and Xbox Series X shine with smooth optimization, while Switch struggles with crashes and glitches despite patches; PC faces interface hiccups, and all versions grapple with minor flaws. Yet narrative depth and design eclipse technical warts for most players.
Replay Value
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55
Haven offers narrative depth and emotional storytelling that could tempt repeat playthroughs, but its repetitive mechanics, short runtime, and lack of post-game content severely limit replayability, making it a divisive, niche experience for fans of atmospheric introspection over sustained gameplay.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
55
Positive Reviews (80-100)
0%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
85%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
15%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Haven offers narrative depth and emotional storytelling that could tempt repeat playthroughs, but its repetitive mechanics, short runtime, and lack of post-game content severely limit replayability, making it a divisive, niche experience for fans of atmospheric introspection over sustained gameplay.
Overall Verdict
73
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
56%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
41%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
A bold, emotionally resonant narrative-driven game that shines with heartfelt storytelling, unique art, and innovative mechanics, but stumbles on repetitive gameplay, technical issues, and underdeveloped systems—polarizing fans of deep stories vs. robust mechanics.
73
MONSTER
Reviews
98 reviews found93
Xbox Tavern
Dec 11, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven is described as a mesmerizing, emotionally rich experience with strong storytelling and character work. Despite minor issues, it's highly recommended for its charm, exploration, and engaging narrative.
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91
Gaming Age
Mar 15, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven is praised for its strong character development and unique focus on relationships, despite flaws in combat mechanics. The game is deemed worthwhile for its emotional depth and execution of its core concept.
90
GameWatcher
Dec 3, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven is a confident, well-crafted game that blends exploration, storytelling, and combat into a cohesive experience. It receives high praise for its organic writing, strong character chemistry, and unique mechanics, making it a rewarding and memorable adventure.
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90
TheGamer
Dec 4, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Despite pacing issues and technical hiccups, Haven is praised for its unique blend of gameplay and story, heartfelt character development, and thematic depth. It’s a memorable experience that lingers beyond playtime.
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90
Slant Magazine
Dec 3, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven is praised as a gentle, compassionate game that prioritizes emotional storytelling and serene exploration. It stands out for its focus on couple dynamics and organic narrative conflicts, offering a unique blend of survival mechanics and heartfelt character development.
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80
Digital Chumps
Jan 11, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven succeeds through its strong character development, emotional storytelling, and unique mechanics. While it has some pacing issues and unclear systems, the game's focus on relationships and narrative makes it a memorable experience for many players.
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80
WellPlayed
Feb 10, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven is celebrated as a unique, emotionally resonant experience that blends creative gameplay with a heartfelt portrayal of young love. The review highlights its artistic merits, innovative mechanics, and ability to balance intimacy with speculative fiction elements, making it a standout title for fans of narrative-driven games.
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80
Switch Player
Feb 17, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven is a touching, zen adventure with a genuine human relationship at its core. Despite some technical flaws and repetitive elements, its emotional depth and unique gameplay make it memorable.
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80
Pocket Tactics
Feb 4, 2021
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven is praised for its charming story, characters, and aesthetic, despite flaws in gameplay mechanics and technical performance. It is recommended for fans of visual novels and romantic narratives.
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80
MondoXbox
Dec 13, 2020
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Haven is praised for its emotional storytelling, unique art style, and innovative dual-character gameplay. While its combat mechanics differ from the studio's previous work, the game succeeds in delivering a heartfelt narrative and immersive world, though some may find its pacing or systems challenging.
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