A Grim, Rewarding World That Doesn’t Hold Your Hand Drova: Forsaken Kin doesn’t care about modern trends or holding your hand. Instead, it leans into its old-school inspirations—think Gothic 1/2 or Risen—to deliver a dense, atmospheric RPG that rewards patience, curiosity, and a bit of stubbornness. Gameplay & Exploration The combat is better than I expected. Weapons don’t just look different—they feel different, and trying them out is genuinely fun. Timing matters, stamina matters, and getting the hang of an enemy’s pattern is a must if you want to survive. But the real star here is the world. Exploration is excellent. Every corner feels like it might hide something—a puzzle, a hidden cave, a deadly opponent, a forgotten shrine, or just a well-placed group of bandits camping in the woods. It’s packed with detail and environmental storytelling. The game gives off that perfect “the world goes on without you” vibe, and you’ll quickly learn that you’re not a hero. You’re just someone trying to make it—and that makes every victory feel earned. Nothing is marked out for you. You’ll need to actually read quests, check your journal, and talk to people. The quests themselves aren’t just filler—they feel like short stories, often branching, and grounded in the world’s lore. A Finite, Focused Experience One of the more interesting aspects is how finite everything feels. Enemies don’t respawn, traders don’t restock, and even the plants or ores you find are limited. At first, this can feel harsh—but it also adds a layer of weight to your decisions. Sure, I’d love if helmets had more stats or if there were a few more weapon types. But the approach still works. Instead of juggling loot or chasing perfect gear, you’re encouraged to play the actual game. Final Thoughts Drova: Forsaken Kin is a must-play if you’re a fan of Gothic and Risen. The world is harsh, but that’s what makes exploring it so rewarding. It’s not perfect, but it’s memorable—and that’s what matters.
