In the ever-expanding realm of creature collecting games, Adore steps in with a fresh approach that combines action-packed combat, dungeon-crawling mechanics, and a vibrant fantasy world. Developed by Cadabra Games in partnership with QUByte Interactive, Adore for the PlayStation 5 (it’s also out on other platforms) offers a unique blend of gameplay elements that sets it apart from the conventional formula. While the game certainly brings some novel ideas to the table, it also stumbles in certain areas, preventing it from reaching the heights of its potential.
Adore introduces players to the fantastical realm of Gaterdrik, a world once ruled by the mighty God of Creatures, Draknar. However, the realm has fallen into chaos after the death of Draknar and the rise of the malevolent demigod Ixer. You take on the role of Lukha, an Adorer who becomes the vessel for Draknar’s last remnants of power. As Lukha, you must journey through dungeons, summon creatures, and face the treacherous Ixer to restore balance to Gaterdrik.
The narrative paints a promising backdrop with intriguing dynamics between Lukha and the surly Draknar, offering moments of humor and camaraderie. However, the plot does not delve too deep and occasionally falls into familiar fantasy tropes. Nonetheless, the vibrant world and character interactions manage to capture your attention and motivate you to explore the depths of Gaterdrik.
At the core of Adore lies its innovative combat system, combining real-time action with creature summoning. You can summon up to four creatures to aid in battles against corrupted creatures and bosses, and this dynamic approach adds a small element of strategy as you must manage your creature’s health and call them back before they are defeated. But while the combat system features a risk-reward element, it’s also relatively simple and battles eventually become a little repetitive.
The idea of collecting creatures through summoning and capturing is an engaging concept, but the execution sometimes falls short. The system for capturing creatures using Particles of Gaterdrik, though unique, suffers from cumbersome mechanics that can hinder the flow of gameplay. And while the procedurally generated dungeons offer variety, the repetitive nature of the objectives you’re given can lead to monotony over time.
Visually, Adore showcases a vibrant and colorful world that is pleasing to the eyes. The artistic aesthetic and design of creatures contribute to the game’s charm, even though the isometric perspective limits the opportunity to fully appreciate their details. The Brazilian influence on the art style adds a unique flavor to the game’s presentation though, as both the publisher and developer are based there.
Adore, while introducing a few innovative mechanics to the creature collecting genre, falls a little short of fully capitalizing on its potential. The action-oriented combat system and creature summoning offer engaging moments, but the repetitive gameplay loop and lackluster objectives hinder the overall experience. The colorful visuals and charming world design contribute positively, but some aspects, such as the creature recruitment process, can become frustrating.
Despite its flaws, Adore manages to carve out a distinctive niche in the creature collecting landscape, so if you’re seeking a unique take on the genre and are willing to overlook certain shortcomings, this could be an adventure worth embarking on. While it may not achieve the level of adoration it aspires to, it still holds a certain allure that sets it apart from the crowd.
Score: 6.6/10
Press Play Media 