Oaken, a new mystical and strategic card-based game developed by Laki Studios and published by Goblinz Publishing and Surefire.Games, has emerged from its early access phase to deliver an interesting experience to both PC and console gamers. Set in the mythical world of Oaken, players embark on a hero-oriented, roguelike campaign with deck management mechanics, offering a unique blend of tactical battles and attractive visuals. This review’s based on the PlayStation 4 version.
In the full version of Oaken, players find themselves on a heroic quest to save the Great Oak, a monumental tree housing an array of connected spirits bound together by the harmonious Oak Song. Though the storyline may not deviate from traditional fantasy tropes (especially the ones that lean into eco-themed narratives), the story presents a coherent and engaging experience.
Oaken’s tactical turn-based battles take place on a hexagonal grid and demand players to think several steps ahead, making positioning and rotation pivotal in securing victory. The frontal arc system is a cornerstone of the gameplay, challenging players to strike a balance between offense and defense, all while ensuring they exploit enemy weaknesses.
Navigating through the branching and randomly generated world map is quite intuitive, and each choice carries its own set of rewards and challenges, adding to the excitement of exploration and discovery. The controls on the PlayStation 4 are seamless, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the strategic battles without any hindrances.
Visually, Oaken’s celtic and tribal influences harmonize perfectly with the mystical atmosphere, creating a very engaging visual experience. The game’s audio also features a well-crafted soundtrack that complements the lush jungles of Oaken – this is a game that impresses on an audiovisual level.
Oaken boasts an impressive amount of depth and complexity, as the inclusion of guardians, spells, skills, wisps, and trinkets allows players to experiment with various strategies and synergies, ensuring no two playthroughs are alike. Upgrading cards and managing the deck is a fulfilling aspect of the game if you enjoy deckbuilding mechanics, providing players with satisfying choices to optimize their playstyle. The risk-reward element helps in this regard, offering challenging decisions without becoming overwhelming. Players will find themselves engaged in thrilling battles, orchestrating intricate combos and employing clever tactics to outmaneuver their opponents.
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Oaken’s official release marks the transformation of a promising title in Steam’s Early Access program into a standout strategic card game. With a captivating narrative, refined gameplay mechanics, and attractive visuals, Oaken shines as a solid addition to the genre. The developers’ commitment to expanding the game and addressing content concerns during its early access phase has resulted in an immersive and satisfying indie experience – and one that’s availlable at a budget-friendly price point as well.
Score: 7.8/10
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