Boomer Shooter Bonanza
With a surge in retro-style shooters, the gaming scene is buzzing with options for every gamer. Among the mix is Graven, a title that merges dark fantasy with the classic boomer shooter formula. Players take on the role of an exiled figure, thrust into a swamp riddled with mysteries and maladies, armed only with their wits and will to uncover the truth behind the unsettling environment.
Visual Throwback with Modern Flair
Graven’s first impression is a striking blend of old-school aesthetics and contemporary technology. The game’s low-poly art style pays homage to the late ’90s and early 2000s, while modern lighting and level design techniques provide a fresh twist. This mashup creates a compelling atmosphere that engulfs players as they navigate through plague-stricken towns and corpse-clogged ruins.
More Than Meets the Eye
Expectations may start simple with Graven, but the game quickly unfolds into a complex tapestry of genres. Initially resembling an RPG with its basic armaments and spells, the game then reveals layers of open-world exploration, challenging shooter action, and puzzle-filled dungeon crawling. However, it’s this genre-blending ambition that leaves Graven feeling somewhat unfocused and incomplete.
Combat: A Swing and a Miss
Despite a diverse arsenal of weapons and magical abilities, Graven’s combat suffers from a lack of enemy responsiveness and a static progression system. The absence of meaningful character development and the limitation of interactivity within the game’s environment restricts players to a linear experience, undermining the potential depth of combat and exploration.
Unrealized Potential
Graven’s captivating world and nostalgic art design are unfortunately overshadowed by its underwhelming gameplay. The game’s identity crisis is evident as it vacillates between aspirations of being an immersive RPG, a ruthless shooter, and an intricate dungeon crawler, without fully delivering on any front. The result is a game that feels more like a collection of missed opportunities rather than a cohesive and engaging experience.
The Verdict: A Muddled Mashup
Graven tantalizes with its intriguing setting and retro charm, yet fails to weave its mechanics into a gratifying whole. Combat feels obligatory rather than exciting, and the game’s overall execution falls short of its potential. Despite the promise of its world and aesthetic, Graven ultimately struggles to find its footing amidst its various ambitions.