Item: cWind
Rating: 78
Author: Dinsun

Dinsun Review

CWind tries very hard to be 'artistic,' but in my experience, that's often a veil for a lack of clear mechanics. The physics are floaty and inconsistent—one moment you think you've mastered the wind speed, and the next, your object is flying off in a direction that defies logic. It’s an exercise in patience rather than an exercise in skill. I've been gaming for four decades, and I still prefer a puzzle that feels fair.

The minimalist aesthetic is fine, I suppose, but it feels empty. There’s a fine line between 'Zen' and 'Boring,' and CWind crosses it frequently. It’s the kind of game that critics usually over-praise because it looks like a painting, but when you actually sit down to play it, the experience is hollow. It’s not terrible, but it’s certainly not something I’d recommend over the myriad of better physics-puzzlers out there.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Clean, minimalist aesthetic
Unique wind-based concept

Inconsistent physics engine
Levels feel repetitive quickly
Lack of clear feedback for player actions

Technical Report

Performance: Occasional frame drops on older devices despite simple visuals.

Accessibility:

Audience Fit

Buy if: You enjoy very slow-paced, abstract puzzles and don't mind fiddly controls.

Skip if: You want precise controls and rewarding gameplay loops.

Similar Games:

Osmos
Zen Bound

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative gamer
Hardware: iPad Air
Playtime: 3 hours
Status: Abandoned halfway through

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

440672916

$5.99 4+★4.1 16 reviews

Author : BdT

Pubish Date : Thu Jun 16 2011

Last Update Date : Mon May 01 2017

Support Languages : English and French

Genres :

Version 2.7.1Mon May 01 2017

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
Fixed a nasty bug making the app crash on some devices.
*** A highly realistic sailing simulator for the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. ***
*** A MUST HAVE for sailing fans. ***
*** The best sailing game. ***
Have fun sailing fantastic boats in 3D in-shore regattas, right from the comfort of your phone and without even getting wet.
In this game, you will use the wind to move your boat fast and win regattas against other boats. You will be the skipper, the helm-man and will also trim the sails.
The main features of this realistic sailing game are:
- Online sailing: sail against real people!
- Or play in 'solo' mode: you'll compete against the computer, with different difficulty levels.
- A perfect way to refine your sailing techniques and tactics, or to learn how to sail in life-like situations.
- For beginners, cWind can coach you from marker to marker, by means of steering helps and progressive tutorials.
- A very complete instruments panel will give you all the data you'll need to brew a winning tactic and arrive first on the finishing line. But if you find that's too much, you can switch back to the 'basics'.
- Several boat types, from a 19th century cutter to the latest Imoca 60 footer. And now a new beach catamaran. The boats have their own characteristics and need to be sailed accordingly.
- Several regatta courses, some easy to start with, others very difficult to complete. Some of the regattas are even more challenging than what you'll ever encounter on real water! So make sure you choose the right boat for those... and keep her well trimmed at all times!
- The game implements the ISAF 2013-2016 racing rules of sailing. Respect them or you'll be penalised, like in real regattas!
- An on-screen radar will show you a tactical view of the course and will guide you from marker to marker.
- Two game modes: pure regattas, or regattas "with a twist", where you will hunt for "magic things" on the course to capsize the other boats, steal their wind, give you a turbo boost, and more...
You will have to use the wind and tidal currents to your advantage. You will steer the boat by tilting your phone, and you will trim your sails yourself for maximum speed.
Fair Winds and Following Seas!
Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
*** A highly realistic sailing simulator for the iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. ***
*** A MUST HAVE for sailing fans. ***
*** The best sailing game. ***
Have fun sailing fantastic boats in 3D in-shore regattas, right from the comfort of your phone and without even getting wet.
In this game, you will use the wind to move your boat fast and win regattas against other boats. You will be the skipper, the helm-man and will also trim the sails.
The main features of this realistic sailing game are:
- Online sailing: sail against real people!
- Or play in 'solo' mode: you'll compete against the computer, with different difficulty levels.
- A perfect way to refine your sailing techniques and tactics, or to learn how to sail in life-like situations.
- For beginners, cWind can coach you from marker to marker, by means of steering helps and progressive tutorials.
- A very complete instruments panel will give you all the data you'll need to brew a winning tactic and arrive first on the finishing line. But if you find that's too much, you can switch back to the 'basics'.
- Several boat types, from a 19th century cutter to the latest Imoca 60 footer. And now a new beach catamaran. The boats have their own characteristics and need to be sailed accordingly.
- Several regatta courses, some easy to start with, others very difficult to complete. Some of the regattas are even more challenging than what you'll ever encounter on real water! So make sure you choose the right boat for those... and keep her well trimmed at all times!
- The game implements the ISAF 2013-2016 racing rules of sailing. Respect them or you'll be penalised, like in real regattas!
- An on-screen radar will show you a tactical view of the course and will guide you from marker to marker.
- Two game modes: pure regattas, or regattas "with a twist", where you will hunt for "magic things" on the course to capsize the other boats, steal their wind, give you a turbo boost, and more...
You will have to use the wind and tidal currents to your advantage. You will steer the boat by tilting your phone, and you will trim your sails yourself for maximum speed.
Fair Winds and Following Seas!

Ratings & Reviews

4.1 out of 5 with 16 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Cwind is an atmospheric physics game that challenges you to guide a light craft through a series of increasingly complex levels. By interacting with the air and environment, you create wind currents to propel and steer your way past obstacles. With a focus on flow and tranquility, Cwind offers a unique puzzle experience that rewards gentle experimentation and rhythmic movement.

Features

Dynamic wind physics

Ambient electronic soundtrack

Minimalist art style

Over 40 hand-crafted levels

Tips

Mastering the Gust

To navigate tight corners, don't tap continuously. Instead, use short, rhythmic bursts to nudge your craft. Watching the particle effects in the air will help you identify which way the natural current is already pulling you.

Gameplays

Physics-Based Flight

The core gameplay involves tapping or swiping to generate air pressure. Your craft reacts to these changes realistically, allowing for graceful arcs and loops when timed correctly.