Drova – Forsaken Kin, developed by Just2D and published by Deck13, brings a grim twist to the action-RPG genre, blending the atmospheric mysticism of Celtic mythology with a pixel art aesthetic. Set in a handcrafted world where every decision you make matters, the game tasks you with aligning yourself with one of two warring factions, each with its own set of beliefs and ambitions. Your choices actually shape the narrative, making for a dynamic and personal experience that adapts based on the path you choose. Here’s a closer look.
One of the strongest elements of Drova is its narrative depth, which is heavily influenced by the factions and the spirits that govern nature. This tug-of-war between human ambition and the wrath of the spirits creates a tense, morally gray story that keeps players engaged throughout. Whether you align yourself with the faction that seeks to harness the spirits’ power or the one that values maintaining balance with nature, the game’s branching storylines make for an intriguing journey. The narrative pacing can feel a bit uneven when side quests drag a bit, but the main arc is certainly a compelling one.
The core of Drova lies in its “flow-based” combat system, which encourages tactical decision-making over brute force. You’re not just slashing through enemies here, but carefully timing combos and dodging attacks to outmaneuver your opponents. The combat system is fluid and satisfying, offering a range of different weapons and abilities to experiment with, making each encounter feel distinct. However, there’s a bit of a learning curve to it, as you start out weak and vulnerable. Combat is especially unforgiving then, but those who appreciate a challenge will find a rewarding experience as they master the mechanics over time.
The game also features a robust crafting system that ties into the survival mechanics. You’ll need to gather resources, craft equipment, and trade to improve your odds of survival in the harsh wilderness. This aspect of the game offers plenty of depth, but can also become somewhat tedious after long sessions if you’re not already a fan of crafting mechanics, as resource gathering and crafting cycles can feel repetitive without much innovation in their execution.
Visually, Drova – Forsaken Kin is a treat for fans of pixel art. The detailed, hand-crafted environments are atmospheric, pulling you into a world that feels both alive and decayed. The dark, muted color palette enhances the game’s somber tone, while the use of lighting adds a sense of depth to the environments. From dense forests to ruined temples, the world is rich in visual storytelling, even if the pixel art style occasionally limits the complexity of character models and animations in the visual sense.
The audio design complements the game’s dark fantasy setting well, with a soundtrack that feels eerie and mystical, amplifying the atmosphere during exploration and combat. Environmental sounds, from the rustling of leaves to the growls of hidden creatures, add another layer of immersion to the experience. However, a less minimalistic approach to voice acting or spoken dialogue could have resulted in an even more engaging narrative delivery.
Overall, Drova – Forsaken Kin offers a richly layered RPG experience, blending deep narrative choices with engaging combat and survival mechanics. The handcrafted world is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered, but it can also be a harsh and unforgiving place, requiring patience and strategy. While not without its flaws, such as pacing issues and some repetitive gameplay elements, the game is a strong entry for fans of action RPGs looking for a story rooted in mythology and moral ambiguity.
Score: 7.3/10
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