As the boomer shooter genre flourishes, the dark fantasy game Graven offers a blend of nostalgia and modern design. The game’s protagonist, an exiled figure, is thrust into a corrupted swamp with the aim to unravel its mysteries. Although the narrative is not groundbreaking, it sets an intriguing stage for exploration and objective-driven progression.
Artistic Fusion of Old and New
Graven stands out for its successful fusion of retro low-poly graphics with contemporary visual effects, striking a balance between evoking nostalgia and utilizing modern design techniques. This combination of aesthetics enhances the game’s immersive atmosphere, which permeates every aspect of the gameplay experience.
Gameplay Diversity: A Mixed Bag
The gameplay in Graven is surprisingly diverse. Beginning with basic weaponry and spells, the game initially hints at RPG elements. However, as players delve deeper, it becomes apparent that Graven struggles to commit to a specific gameplay style, incorporating features from open-world RPGs, boomer shooters, and dungeon crawlers without fully developing any of them.
Combat in Graven features a variety of weapons and magical abilities, but suffers from unresponsive enemies and a lack of satisfying impact. The game’s progression system is limited to acquiring new equipment rather than character development, and its journal system offers little in terms of narrative depth or meaningful questing.
Interactivity within the game world is superficial, with strict limitations on environmental engagement. This restricts player creativity and reinforces a linear approach to solving puzzles and overcoming challenges, undermining the potential for more nuanced gameplay.
Despite Graven’s visually appealing design and intriguing setting, its gameplay feels underwhelming and monotonous. The game’s lack of a clear identity leads to a disjointed experience that fails to capitalize on its promising concepts and unique art style.
