Posted on: October 16, 2024
SAILOR_TOMB
Verified ownerGames: Reviews: 1
Classic vibe with modern comforts
I'll admit that much of my interest in Drova came from a nostalgic interest in games made like this a long time ago, but I was very pleased to discover that while it wears those inspirations on its sleeves it also respects conventions we've adapted to in more recent years that make picking it up smoother. The presentation hits a sweet spot between details like critters, weather fx, lighting, equipment and helpful tooltips but also leaves plenty of room for your own interpretation, such as the details of what your created character's facial features might be or how the selected text in a conversation might be delivered. To me this is the essence of what brings me back to SNES era JRPGs like FFVI or Chrono Trigger. You had to meet the content half way, in a sense, and Drova has that balance. It helps that the writing is great, I haven't cut conversations short or skipped any dialogue because it was boring, and on more than a few occasions I was surprised or touched by what I learned about characters and their back stories. So far I've found the combat satisfying. It rewards a thoughtful approach in the same way that souls-like games are want to do, asking you to be familiar with a few highly augmentable basic skills like attacking, blocking and dodging. Even though I'm playing comfortably with a mouse and keyboard, I get the sense that with a controller it might feel like Secret of Mana meets Elden Ring and I'm eager to try that as well. I'm not winning every encounter with full health, nor am I getting my butt kicked in an unfair way. It feels challenging and satisfying. Drova is the type of game that would have driven me into a full blown obsession as a kid. It contains all of the systems for creating a character, dressing them in equipment and guiding their growth through leveling that I always dreamed about. I'm not young anymore, but I've had so much fun playing this that it has taken me back to that time and made me feel that way again. Thanks very much!
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