Creatures of Ava, developed by Inverge Studios and published by 11 bit studios for PC and Xbox, invites players into a world teeming with life, but at the same time it’s being plagued by an ominous infection. Set on the lush, alien planet of Ava, the game follows a young nature explorer named Vic, who, alongside her companion Tabitha, must unravel the mystery of “the withering”, an affliction that is corrupting the once-peaceful creatures of the planet. The narrative, written in cooperation with Rhianna Pratchett, gradually unfolds as a journey of discovery and compassion, combined with an environmental angle.
The narrative premise of Creatures of Ava is one of its strongest parts, drawing players into a world where understanding and empathy are key to survival – both between characters and with the world around you. Vic’s quest to heal the infected creatures of Ava is not just a mission, but a personal journey that reflects her own inner struggles. The game effectively uses its narrative to push players beyond traditional creature-saving/collecting mechanics, encouraging a more meaningful connection with the world and its inhabitants. However, while the story is compelling, it does get bogged down a little bit by predictable plot points, which can detract from the overall experience when the narrative drags for a while.
The gameplay in Creatures of Ava is mostly exploration-driven, with a strong emphasis on interacting with the environment and its inhabitants. Players are encouraged to wander through Ava’s four distinct ecosystems, each full of life and its own unique challenges. The game’s non-aggressive combat mechanics are a refreshing change from the norm; instead of battling creatures into submission, players use a special flute to tame and heal them. This mechanic not only ties into the game’s overarching theme of healing and understanding but also adds a layer of strategy as players must learn the right melodies to calm the different species they encounter.
That said, the gameplay does have its drawbacks. While the exploration is immersive, some players might find the pace a bit too slow, especially when backtracking through previously explored areas. Additionally, the puzzle elements, while thematically fitting, can start to feel repetitive after a while, detracting from the sense of wonder that the game initially inspires.
Visually, Creatures of Ava is as lovely as the nature of its plot. The game’s ecosystems are lovingly crafted, with each environment offering a distinct visual palette that makes exploration a joy. The Nari jungle, with its vibrant colors and dense foliage, contrasts beautifully with the more ominous, mist-covered Mâruba swamp. The attention to detail in the flora and fauna of Ava enhances the sense of immersion, making the planet feel like a living, breathing world. The audio design is impressive and fitting, with the flute melodies playing a crucial role not just in gameplay, but in creating a soothing and atmospheric soundscape that complements the visual experience.
Control-wise, the game performs admirably on the Xbox, with responsive inputs that make exploring and interacting with the world feel intuitive. However, some minor issues with the camera can occasionally disrupt the flow, particularly in tighter environments where the perspective can become a bit disorienting and camera angles can become an issue. These moments are few and far between, but they can be frustrating when they do occur.
In conclusion, Creatures of Ava is a game that stands out for its unique approach to the creature-saving genre. With a narrative that delves into themes of empathy and understanding, coupled with exploration-driven gameplay and attractive visuals, it offers an experience that is thought-provoking and captivating. While it has its flaws, particularly in pacing and some repetitive gameplay elements, the game’s strengths make it a worthy journey for those looking for something different in the world of action-adventure games.
Score: 7.7/10
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