Graven, developed by Slipgate Ironworks and published by the pioneers of the first person shooter genre at 3D Realms, aims to provide a nostalgic journey for fans of late 90s first-person action-adventure games. Released on the PlayStation 5 after its initial PC launch back in January, it combines modern tech and designs with a retro aesthetic, delivering a dark medieval fantasy experience that pays homage to the likes of Heretic and Hexen.
Narratively, Graven places players in the shoes of a disgraced priest of the Orthogonal order who’s been exiled. Resurrected and adrift in a swamp, you’re tasked with uncovering deceptions and battling eldritch horrors that are threatening life around you. The narrative is steeped in dark fantasy, with a compelling mix of puzzle-solving and lore discovery. But while the story and setting are intriguing, its delivery can feel fragmented at times, requiring players to piece together the narrative through environmental clues and scattered lore.
Graven’s gameplay is a blend of first-person combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration. Players wield a variety of weapons and spells, each upgradeable through blacksmiths and alchemists. The game encourages returning to previous areas with new abilities, unlocking hidden paths and secrets. The combat is satisfying, with over twenty distinct enemies and several challenging bosses adding variety and keeping players on their toes with a decent level of challenge.
However, the game is not without its flaws. Some puzzles can be overly obtuse, potentially leading to frustration rather than satisfaction as they break the immersion. Additionally, while the combat is generally engaging, there are moments where it can feel repetitive, particularly in longer play sessions.
Visually, Graven is a clear love letter to the late 90s aesthetic, with character designs by industry veteran Chuck Jones and atmospheric environments that evoke a sense of dark fantasy. The graphics, while intentionally retro, are enhanced by modern lighting and particle effects, creating a visually appealing blend of old and new. The audio design complements the visuals nicely, featuring a haunting score as well as voice acting.
Despite a visual style that is firmly rooted in the late 90s, there are still occasional technical hiccups, such as texture pop-ins, which can detract from the overall experience. These issues are not game-breaking, but can be noticeable during more intense moments and are a shame to see because this isn’t a game that should tax modern systems too much.
Ultimately, Graven succeeds in creating a rich, immersive world that harkens back to a time where first-person fantasy action-adventures were a big thing. Its combination of modern technology with a retro aesthetic, engaging combat, and deep lore provides a satisfying experience for fans of the genre, and the variety of enemies, puzzles, and exploration keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
However, the game’s narrative delivery and puzzle design can also feel disjointed and frustrating, and minor technical issues detract from the overall experience. It’s a game that managed to carve out its own identity, though it’s also held back by some rougher edges. Now that the console ports are here, let’s hope those get addressed soon.
Score: 6.6/10
Press Play Media 