Ravenswatch Review – A Chaotic Rush Through Roguelike Fun
Dive into the enchanting chaos of Ravenswatch, a roguelike action game where the fallen heroes of folk tales face the relentless onslaught of nightmares. Can you master the art of timing and strategy before the clock runs out?
last updated Oct 01, 2024
Ravenswatch captivates players with its frantic gameplay centered around both action and strategy.
Gameplay: A Frenzied Dance with Death
Ravenswatch captivates players with its frantic gameplay centered around both action and strategy. As you navigate procedurally generated levels adorned with fairy-tale motifs, you’ll find yourself balancing precision dodging with relentless attacks against increasingly daunting foes. Each of the unique characters offers varied playstyles that not only enrich the individual runs but also promote cooperative synergy in multiplayer settings. However, the game does come with a timer mechanic that keeps players on their toes—a feature that doesn’t sit well with everyone, especially when it feels like a race against time rather than an exploration of each character’s potential. While the satisfying combat mechanics and character development hold promise, the unyielding timer can make runs feel unnecessarily rushed and repetitive after a while.
Audio: A Symphony of Shadows
The audio design in Ravenswatch serves as an evocative backdrop to your dark fairy-tale escapades. From the hauntingly melodic score that accompanies your quests to the character-specific quips that add humor and warmth amidst chaos, the soundscape is a breath of fresh air in the roguelike genre. Players will find themselves head-bobbing to the soundtrack, especially during intense boss encounters—one highlights the game's ability to make even challenging moments feel exhilarating. Sound effects, encompassing everything from the clashing of swords to the distant howls of enemies, complement the gameplay seamlessly, creating an engaging atmosphere. However, some players may find the repeat of character lines a bit tedious after prolonged play, yet this is a minor blemish in an otherwise stellar auditory experience.
Graphics: An Artistic Triumph with Minor Flaws
Ravenswatch shines in the visual department with its striking art direction that expertly blends dark fantasy aesthetics with vibrant character designs. The environments are richly detailed, each echoing the theme of a grim fairy-tale world just begging to be explored. Character animations feel fluid, complementing the overall polished feel that many players have praised. However, it's not all roses; optimization issues have been reported, particularly when scaling the game for multiplayer. Players have faced frustrating moments with poor connections or crashes, detracting from the otherwise immersive visual journey. These issues hint at a game still in development despite its 1.0 release, but that shouldn’t overshadow the impressive effort put into crafting an enchanting aesthetic experience.
Replayability: The Double-Edged Sword
When it comes to replayability, Ravenswatch offers a compelling mix of engagement and frustration. The variety in character builds and potential synergies in cooperative play suggest a wealth of discovery for those willing to delve deep. Yet, there’s a stark contrast with the long run times and the fact that many players have noted repetitive experiences due to limited environments and enemy types. While the initial thrill of mastering different characters and experimenting with builds provides a delightful incentive to return, the grind for effective upgrades can often feel punishing. The combination of feeling both empowered and shackled by the same mechanics can lead players to question whether their next run will be refreshing or a repeat of past frustrations. Balancing this delicate scale is key for Ravenswatch as it continues to grow.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Passtech Games
Publisher
Nacon
Release Date
September 26, 2024
Verdict and Summary: A Beautiful Struggle
Ravenswatch impressively marries action and strategy within a captivating fairy-tale setting, delivering a roguelike experience packed with promise. Strong character dynamics and engaging audio elevate the gameplay, but the sometimes tedious timer and repetitive elements hold it back from reaching its potential greatness. Despite its flaws, the game offers fun both solo and with friends, beckoning players back for just one more run.