Who doesn’t love fairy tales? As a kid I was a sucker for the wholesome fairy tale stories but the older I got, the more I wanted them to be darker. Well, that’s exactly what Ravenswatch is, a darker retelling of fairy tails with an added roguelike sauce to create something unique. The game has been out for PC for quite some time now so a PlayStation 5 port was long overdue. Was it worth the wait? Let’s jump in!
A dark roguelike
“Ravenswatch” introduces a roster of nine playable characters, each inspired by myths and fairy tales, but with a darker twist. From Scarlet, a version of Little Red Riding Hood who transforms into a werewolf at night, to Geppetto, who commands an army of mechanical puppets. The game offers a variety of playstyles that will keep you entertained and offer the needed variation during different runs. The developers at Passtech Games have done a great job translating these characters into unique gameplay mechanics that both stay close to their source material but still innovate things a bit thanks to the darker twist.
At its core, Ravenswatch is a top-down action roguelike that challenges players to navigate procedurally generated maps, defeat hordes of enemies, and face impressive bosses known as the Master Nightmares. Each run is limited to a three-day cycle which adds a certain pressure to your exploration and decision-making. What I like most about the game is the fact that the combat itself feels very close to the one found in action games. It’s fast and pretty easy to learn but if you want to become really good at it, you’ll need to spend some time with the cast. Each character possesses a set of abilities that can be upgraded and customized as you progress. The variety in character abilities and the strategic depth they offer are among the game’s strongest points and shine bright in the roguelike genre.
The PlayStation 5 version
The game has been out for a while on PC so let’s focus on the PlayStation 5 version and its performance. Just like the original release, the art style is one of the game’s better features, with a gritty, comic-inspired aesthetic that perfectly complements its dark narrative. The environments are highly detailed, and the character designs are imaginative and faithful to their origins.
While Ravenswatch brings its engaging gameplay and gorgeous visuals to the PS5, the port is not without its issues. One of the bigger problems is the surprisingly long loading times, which is pretty strange on a platform known for its lightning-fast SSD. It really is something strange and I don’t really think it’s a hardware issue but more an issue with the optimization of the game, especially given the game’s relatively modest file size. That said, once you’re in, the gameplay runs smoothly, and the controller’s haptic feedback adds an extra layer of immersion. Although that’s really positive, there is another disappointment in the couch co-op department. For a game that thrives on cooperation, not being able to play locally with friends feels like a missed opportunity, though online matchmaking and crossplay do soften the blow.
Conclusion:
Ravenswatch is a bold and creative entry in the roguelike genre. Its interesting characters and fun gameplay mechanics provide a fresh twist that will appeal to fans of fairy tales and action RPGs with a roguelike twist. The PS5 version adds a layer of polish with responsive controls and crisp visuals, though the performance hiccups and lack of local multiplayer are notable drawbacks. Despite these flaws, the game offers enough charm, challenge, and potential to keep you entertained.
