Even though I call it a review, it might as well be a preview. Ravenswatch is currently in Early Access and made me long for much more! But it needs to show more as well. This review is based on the one-level and boss fight currently available in the version I played. So I will be writing the review in this setting – keep that in mind when you buy this title.
Ravenswatch
The Nightmares are spreading within Reverie, corrupting everything in their path. You must hone your skills and find the strength to defeat the creatures of the Nightmare using unique hero abilities inspired by characters from folk tales and legends. Because, yes, that is indeed Red Riding Hood throwing grenades at creepers to finish them off. Oh, and the wolf? That’s Red Riding Hood in her more… nocturnal form. The world of Reverie is built on old folk tales and legends. From the three little pigs to Norse mythology to One Thousand and One Nights, the best-known stories are revisited in a dark-fantasy style and add their timeless appeal to the atmosphere of Ravenswatch.
You will need a strong build, focus, and excellent teamwork to defeat the Nightmare and reach the final chapter. First, increase your fighting power in battles, then face the level boss when you feel ready… or no longer have a choice. The main idea with games like these is that run after run, you play as different heroes, make the most of the upgrades and items you find, and explore a randomly generated map with new activities and enemies. Since the game is in early access, I did solo runs, but I can see myself playing this with friends.
It’s all there!
Ravenswatch has excellent potential, but I strongly recommend waiting, even for an Early Access title. Again, it’s a matter of “when,” not “if.” The game is significantly more polished than is typical for EA. The player options are impressive for this stage, but the brief run duration hamstrings both the replayability and the hype this game will have as development progresses.
So, what do we get in this Early Access version? Six unique characters, with two characters you’ll need to unlock before being able to play with them. A great co-op game that feels like Diablo on steroids with upgrades and exciting items that can potentially change your playstyle (actual Roguelite decisions!?). Oh, and excellent art style and characters. I love mythology, folk tales, and legends, so I’m happy when I play with the Pied Pider in a rogue-lite!
And what do we get that’s … not that great? Well, only one level and Boss-fight in the current release. This single item ruins the experience – at least a little bit. Once you get the hang of the level structure, characters, etc. You blast through the first level and boss-fight with ease. You can ramp up the difficulty, but it’s still not hard! I want to challenge the next level(s) as well! The troubling fact is that even on their road map, the next level isn’t slated until Summer. I would strongly urge that the Devs reconsider this as a priority. Not to encourage a rushed game, but just as a heads-up for those considering buying the game.
Conclusion
So, to conclude. Ravenswatch is a great game in the making but needs polishing to shine truly. We need more than one level to give this game a grade I feel comfortable by. So, for now, a placeholder grade until we see more of Ravenswatch.
7/10
Tested on the Valve Steam Deck (256GB).
