Drova - Forsaken Kin
" Engaging action RPG with rich exploration and meaningful choices but uneven combat difficulty "
Drova - Forsaken Kin Review
Drova - Forsaken Kin is widely praised as a compelling action RPG that brilliantly combines old-school pixel art with modern gameplay mechanics. Players appreciate its open-world design that encourages exploration without handholding, offering a rich world filled with secrets, lore, and rewarding quests. The combat is challenging and requires skillful dodging and timing, reminiscent of Souls-like games but approachable. The narrative is engaging with meaningful choices and multiple endings, supported by deep world-building and character development.
However, some players find the combat can become repetitive and occasionally unbalanced, with enemies that feel either too weak or excessively tanky. The map, while dense, can be tedious to traverse due to elevation changes and lack of fast travel options. The story pacing slows in later chapters, and some feel the game could benefit from more post-game content. Despite minor interface quirks and a steep learning curve, Drova is celebrated as a hidden gem that delivers a nostalgic yet fresh RPG experience.
Highlights
Players highly praise Drova's dense and rewarding exploration, with a world rich in lore and secrets that invite curiosity. The combat system is engaging, blending real-time action with strategic stamina and dodging mechanics. The pixel-art graphics are charming and atmospheric, enhancing immersion. The story offers meaningful choices and multiple endings, providing a satisfying narrative depth. Many commend the game’s old-school RPG feel combined with modern polish, making it a standout for fans of Gothic and classic RPGs. The music and sound design also receive positive remarks for complementing the game’s ambiance.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include occasional combat imbalance where some enemies feel overly tanky, leading to frustrating encounters. The map’s layout and lack of fast travel options can make backtracking tedious, especially in late-game. Some players note the story pacing slows down after the first half, with certain side content feeling less rewarding. The interface, particularly hotkey bindings for abilities and magic, is considered clunky by some. Additionally, the game lacks voice acting, which may affect narrative immersion for some players. A few mention the game is on the shorter side and could benefit from more post-game content.
Pros
- • Engaging combat system requiring skillful timing and stamina management.
- • Rich exploration with a dense world full of secrets and lore.
- • Meaningful player choices affecting story and multiple endings.
- • Charming and atmospheric pixel-art graphics with detailed environments.
- • Strong world-building inspired by classic Gothic RPGs.
- • Rewarding progression system with impactful gear and skills.
- • Well-written quests blending puzzles, combat, and storytelling.
Cons
- • Combat difficulty can feel uneven with overly tanky enemies.
- • Map traversal tedious due to elevation changes and no fast travel.
- • Story pacing slows in later chapters; some side content less engaging.
- • Clunky hotkey system for abilities and magic usage.
- • Lack of voice acting reduces narrative immersion for some players.
- • Limited post-game content and replayability features.
- • Some quests and interactions can be obtuse or confusing.
Rating Criteria
Drova is an Action-RPG that marries the dark grim tones of its genre with the mysticism of Celtic mythology. Encounter a society where ancient restless spirits and divided factions battle for dominance. Uncover forgotten abilities and unravel the secrets of a past shrouded in mystery.
