Drova – Forsaken Kin isn’t afraid to wear its influences on its pixelated sleeve. Drawing inspiration from classic RPGs like Gothic and the grim atmosphere of Celtic mythology, Drova throws you headfirst into a world brimming with danger, forgotten lore, and the lingering anger of restless spirits. While it might not reinvent the wheel, Drova delivers a compelling experience for fans of the genre, offering a challenging combat system, a richly crafted world dripping with atmosphere, and a story that unfolds organically through exploration and cryptic lore entries. Drova – Forsaken Kin is something really special and restores the sense of discovery in gaming.
Editor’s Note: This game was reviewed up to Patch 1.0.6
The story in Drova is presented in a minimalist fashion, giving little to the player over the course of nearly 40 hours of gameplay. Sparse dialogue snippets and cryptic journal entries paint a picture of a once-prosperous civilization brought to its knees by the reckless manipulation of an ancient power. This power comes in the form of the “Fettered,” restless spirits that once governed the natural world. Now, having been bound and controlled by a fallen empire, these spirits have become enraged, their fury twisting the land and unleashing monstrous creatures upon the world. The journal entries, while cryptic and full of lore, could benefit from a bit more organization and context. Additionally, while the lack of voiced dialogue might be appealing to some, it can make certain characters feel a bit one-dimensional.zThe journal entries, while cryptic and full of lore, could benefit from a bit more organization and context. Additionally, while the lack of voiced dialogue might be appealing to some, it can make certain characters feel a bit one-dimensional.
Drova‘s most striking element is its visual style. The game utilizes a top-down perspective, showcasing its world through beautifully rendered pixel art. The developers have opted for a dark and muted color palette, perfectly capturing the oppressive and desolate nature of the land. Crumbling ruins dot the landscape, while skeletal trees claw desperately for the meager sunlight that manages to pierce the perpetual twilight. This oppressive atmosphere is further enhanced by the haunting soundtrack, a melancholic blend of Celtic melodies and ambient sounds that perfectly complements the on-screen visuals.
The player takes on the role of a nameless exile, returning to their homeland after a period of banishment. Upon arrival, you’re thrust into the heart of this conflict. Factions have risen, vying for control of the Fettered spirits, each with their own agendas. You’ll encounter the devout Keepers, who seek to appease the spirits, and the ruthless Harbingers, who believe only through domination can true order be restored. While the story itself may not be groundbreaking, the world-building is exceptional. Drova excels in creating a sense of mystery, encouraging players to piece together the fragmented narrative through exploration and environmental storytelling.
Drova presents a world that reacts to your actions. Factions will react differently depending on your choices and deeds. Helping a struggling merchant might earn you favor with the Keepers, while ruthlessly eliminating enemies might draw the attention of the Harbingers. These interactions, however, don’t feel like forced morality choices. They organically flow from how you choose to navigate the world and engage with its inhabitants. The consequences, however, aren’t always readily apparent, adding a layer of intrigue and replayability.
Combat in Drova is a challenging and rewarding affair. Players utilize a combination of light and heavy attacks, dodges, and parries to engage enemies. While the control scheme is relatively simple, mastering the timing and spacing of your attacks is crucial to success. Enemies are no pushovers, and even encounters with basic foes can turn deadly if you’re not careful. Fortunately, the combat feels responsive and satisfying, with each successful blow and well-timed dodge delivering a visceral impact.
The world of Drova is a joy to explore. Hidden secrets and powerful equipment are tucked away in every corner, waiting to be discovered. Each new area feels distinct, from the windswept moors to the oppressive swamps. Exploration is further incentivized by a crafting system that allows you to forge potent weapons and armor from the materials you gather on your journey. The act of piecing together a powerful set of armor, knowing the effort required to acquire the materials, creates a sense of accomplishment that’s deeply satisfying.
While Drova excels in its atmosphere, world-building, and challenging combat, it’s not without its flaws. The biggest issue lies in the game’s user interface. Inventory management can feel cumbersome, especially on a controller. But that said, it’s game that runs flawlessly on PC and even the Steam Deck.
My PC Specs:
– Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
– Intel Core i9 13900K @ 5.8GHz
– ASUS ROG RYUJIN II 360 ARGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler
– G.SKILL TRIDENT Z5 6000MHZ 64GB (32×2) DDR5 RAM
– ASUS ROG Strix GeForce RTX 4080 16GB GDDR6X
– WD_BLACK SN850X M.2 (4 TB)
– LG UltraGear 34GP950B-G (21:9 Ultrawide @ 3440×1440)
Drova – Forsaken Kin is a compelling isometric RPG experience that delivers a hefty dose of atmosphere, challenging combat, and a world brimming with secrets to uncover. While some minor UI issues and a lack of voiced dialogue might hold it back from true greatness, Drova offers a captivating world for you to explore. Drova – Forsaken Kin is a game that since its release has been overlooked but not underrated, it’s a gem that’s waiting for you to uncover.
A Steam code was provided by the publisher for review purposes
