Graven Review (pepo)
GRAVEN,
This is one of those times like you see in most reviews where they wish there was something in-between a thumbs up and thumbs down. This game does alot right but sadly, at the same time, alot wrong. I sadly didn't get to finish the game due to one really annoying factor currently that is a ridiculous way it handles it's backtracking when you reload a save game. Off rip with this system, there really needs to be added some sort of fast travel so I can easily get back on track with where I was, or actual save locations. As it stands every time you save and close the game you will ALWAYS end up back at Cruxworth, (the main city hub). Normally this wouldn't bother me too much, but with how little the in game map tells you (This map needs some kind of system to split up/show individual layers of maps. Yes I get this genre is about exploring and remembering areas, but currently it just lays it all ontop of one another and can get VERY confusing.) and the main factor that made me quit this game, it's a slog.
Now to the most annoying point, and honestly all of this could be overlooked, and I will come back to play it again and change my review assuming this one factor gets changed. Having to re-clear areas I've already cleared 5 times prior. The game currently handles mob respawns in one of the most idiotic ways I've seen a game in this genre do, and I can't help but think it's an oversight. Right now when you reload a saved state everything in the world is how you left it, mob drops, doors that are opened, all that. Cool, I like this, I can use my memory of remembering where I left drops so that I can save gold for upgrades instead of ammo and such. This falls flat right out the door however once you realize the mobs respawn as well. The reason this doesn't work well and can almost brick your save if you don't finish this game in 1-2 play sessions is because you'll eventually just run out of ammo/gold due to you having to constantly be re-clearing old areas. Combine this with the respawning always at Cruxworth on a save load, and the way the in-game map is currently, it doesn't equal fun in a game like this. The reason too why I feel like this is an oversight is due to how they respawn as well. In these games you always end up opening doors/pathways from the opposite end you entered on to allow easy backtracking, (this game does that well). But the catch is the enemies wont respawn if you go through the area "backwards".
Example: 1st time through the graveyard enemies spawn like normal, I open all gates, save and reload. On reload I can freely go through the graveyard, as if I'm going back through the way's I've opened, but if I at all end up on the "normal path" I would of taken the first time through, they all start to respawn practically infront of you. You're even able to test this by going through the areas backwards, and just listening. As you turn around corners you can literally hear the mobs spawning.
As it sits, I love the art, the music, just the vibe and aesthetic of it all. The combat is fine, it does what it needs to do, the animations are great, the mobs are cool, and the weapons are super appealing coupled with the graphics/art style the game goes for. I would of given this game a full on thumbs up but as it stands until the whole mob respawning is addressed, I just can't. Unless you're able to finish this game in 1-2 sittings or pick it up on a decent sale ($10 or so) I would wait. The game gets decent updates so I'm hoping I'm able to revisit and finish this game soon and change my review.