Yerba Buena Review: A Glitchy, Charming Puzzle Adventure

If you have been looking for a puzzle game that trades sterile labs for the iconic, hilly streets of 1970s San Francisco, Yerba Buena is likely on your radar. It is a charming, story-driven adventure that pairs a unique physics mechanic with an aesthetic that feels like a heartfelt nod to the Telltale era. While it isn't perfect, it earns a respectable 3.5/5 score for its clever design and engaging personality.

The Oscillator: A Clever Puzzle Hook

At the center of Yerba Buena is the Oscillator. After a chaotic start involving a carjacking and the disappearance of her friend Russell, our protagonist, Barb, stumbles upon this briefcase-housed device. It functions as the game's primary puzzle-solving tool, allowing you to scan the movement of an object in motion and paste that behavior onto a glitched, static item.

Seeing a stalled building suddenly slide out of your path because you copied the movement of a passing car is incredibly satisfying. As you progress, the complexity ramps up, introducing new capabilities like copying gaseous forms or turning objects invisible. It’s a brilliant mechanic that keeps the puzzle-solving fresh and rewarding throughout the campaign.

Charm and Rough Edges

The 1970s San Francisco setting is a highlight. The game captures the spirit of the era with a hand-drawn visual style that carries a lot of character. The writing is equally strong, filled with witty dialogue and a plot that involves a hippie property developer with a mysterious TV tower. The voice cast does an excellent job, bringing a genuine sense of humor to the cartoonish world.

However, the experience isn't without its frustrations. While the puzzles are top-tier, the platforming sections—which crop up between the head-scratching moments—feel somewhat average and can occasionally become a chore. You will also encounter more loading screens than you might expect, which can disrupt the flow of the story.