Original Systems: Xbox Series Consoles, Xbox One, Windows
I have been eying Ravenlok since I saw the reveal trailer last year. The concept is around a fairy tale style game with a very cool, almost dollhouse, art style to explore. The game has received mixed reviews and I am in the camp that disagrees with these critics because I ended up really liking this game. However, its main issue is its short length and what to me at the end felt more like what could’ve been the beginning of a good adventure game being rushed to reach the ending.
Ravenlok’s story is one that sees your character (you pick the name, but you are a girl) enter a new world that is under a curse from the evil Queen. You’ll explore some nicely made and beautiful areas to get the three castle keys to open the gate and save the world. Overall, it’s a fairly simple story that draws heavily on Alice in Wonderland. But I really liked the characters, who are all nicely designed and remind you of various fairy tales you’ve read. While some critics seem to have had an issue with the plot’s simplicity, I quite frankly didn’t and to me added to the fairy tale feeling.
Combat is the biggest downside in the game. Despite acquiring new skills and having a level up system, the game plays more like a button masher than anything. You do have to watch out not to get hit, but it’s simple to dodge enemies and most likely you won’t find the game challenging. That being said, the bosses were pretty memorable for me in terms of design. They aren’t much of a challenge either, but I got a kick out of playing against them.
You have to go into this game knowing this was mostly made for kids and new gamers. Once you understand that, you can better enjoy and immerse yourself in it. I loved the art style, the characters did their parts well, and I never felt bored. But the problem with the game that stuck out to me most, as someone that was enjoying it, is that it can come off feeling… incomplete.
For a game filled with puzzles and different lands to unlock, as well as side quests, everything feels very short and quick. And that’s the thing, just as things seem to be picking up in terms of bosses and skills, it basically ends. I felt like I just played the first 15% of an epic adventure game that was just about to get going but rushed to the ending. On the one hand I see I liked it enough to want it to keep it going longer, but on the other I see I was left disappointed by what I felt was a rushed ending.
Overall, Ravenlok is the kind of game that has two types of recommendations. For kids and brand new gamers, this is enough fun to be one I would highly recommend. But overall this is a game I would recommend, but let you know that there’s a chance you may not be as warm to it as I was. But for the short stay I had in this fairy tale, I had fun with it. I’m going to keep my eye on Cococucumber and whatever they make next.
Recommended - Too short, and maybe too easy, but an easy pick and up and play fun experience
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