Review of Ravenlok

Ravenlok – Cococucumber’s Best Work Yet

Introduction

Indie studio Cococucumber has released their final game in the voxel trilogy, Ravenlok. Following their previous titles, Riverbond and Echo Generation, Cococucumber has created an action-adventure game that stands out as their best work to date.

The Visual Appeal

Ravenlok maintains the distinct 3D voxel graphics that Cococucumber is known for. The game’s art style shines throughout, whether it’s the vibrant farmhouse where players begin or the fantastical world of Wonderland where the majority of the adventure takes place. Drawing inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, Ravenlok presents a unique twist on the classic tale, with players taking on the role of the protagonist chosen to save the peculiar creatures of Wonderland from the evil queen.

The Combat Experience

Combat in Ravenlok is straightforward and lacks challenge. Players start with a sword and shield, but the shield proves to be unnecessary as enemies simply wait to be defeated. However, as the story progresses, players unlock new abilities that enhance their combat options. While the combat lacks difficulty, these special moves allow players to dispatch enemies more efficiently.

Engaging Boss Fights

The boss fights in Ravenlok are a standout feature. With eye-catching designs and increased health bars, these encounters provide some of the game’s most memorable moments. Players may even find themselves needing to use healing potions during these battles, adding a layer of strategy and tension.

Quests, Puzzles, and Variety

While combat may not be the main focus of Ravenlok, the game offers a satisfying experience through its quests and puzzles. Completing quests and solving puzzles is enjoyable, even though they are relatively easy and straightforward. The game offers a nice variety of quests, including collecting teacups for the Mad Hatter and crafting an acid bomb to progress through a mysterious laboratory. Stealth sections are also sprinkled throughout the game, although they are not particularly challenging.

The Inventory System and Camera Restrictions

The inventory system in Ravenlok has some quirks. Instead of assigning healing potions and bombs to specific buttons, the game pauses to bring up the corresponding menus. This can be cumbersome, especially when trying to use a bomb that is slightly out of range. Additionally, the camera in Ravenlok is restrictive, preventing players from rotating it fully, which can hinder visibility in certain sections of the game.

Achievements and Game Length

Ravenlok offers an abundance of Xbox achievements, making it appealing for achievement hunters. Players can earn multiple achievements within the first few seconds of the game, and they continue to unlock regularly throughout the experience. However, the game’s length is relatively short, with the main story and side content easily completed in around five hours. While some may see this as a drawback, the concise nature of Ravenlok ensures that the game remains engaging and free of filler content.

Conclusion

Ravenlok may not satisfy hardcore gamers seeking a challenge or lengthy gameplay, but it offers a delightful and accessible experience. Its short length and easy difficulty make it a perfect game to relax and enjoy, or a great choice for younger players. Being available on Xbox Game Pass enhances its appeal, and subscribers should not miss the chance to try out this charming adventure.

Ravenlok is set to release on May 4 for PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.