Graven is a game that embraces a multitude of genres, with varying degrees of success, but none resonate as profoundly as its distinctive aesthetic and overall tone. This first-person Metroidvania, featuring Boomer shooter combat, confidently carries its 2000s PC game appearance, and its somber atmosphere permeates the gameplay. The initial quest tasks players with reducing the body pile in the sewers, allowing water to flow and alleviating the ongoing plague in this joyless world. While the path forward may occasionally be ambiguous, Graven's captivatingly ugly world and its robust combat mechanics offer a gratifying gaming experience.
Having spent 16 hours exploring the 1.0 build of Graven, we find ourselves still immersed, only about 60% through based on the game's stated world count. Departing from our usual approach of completing the game before reviewing it, we share this transparent acknowledgment as it aligns with one of Graven's key themes – its deliberate obscurity. The game warns players upon file creation that they'll spend considerable time deciphering its intricacies, and we, too, await community guides to navigate some particularly enigmatic sequences.
For those raised on heretic, especially hexen, Graven's structure feels familiar. Divided into three small-scale Metroidvanas rather than one expansive world, each section has a central hub connecting quests and vendors, with hostile zones branching out like spokes on a wheel. Navigating these areas devoid of a compass or markers enhances the game's tone, reinforcing the sense of helplessness in this mysterious world. While exploration is often rewarding, Graven's obtuse nature becomes challenging when attempting to decipher vague journal entries outside real-time, hampering progress.
The other hat Graven proudly wears is its fast-paced combat, offering high mobility to outmaneuver foes. With various spells drawing from different mana pools, players must balance ammo and mana counts, creating a dynamic combat experience. Graven excels in delivering punchy spells and effects, supported by stellar animation work. The combat system, coupled with the progression of upgrading spells, enhances the sense of empowerment as players navigate through the game.
Despite its strengths, Graven is not without its shortcomings, notably in the technical department. Minor yet consistent technical issues and traversal awkwardness mar the overall experience. The autosave and checkpointing system, transporting players back to the town hub upon restarting the game, proves cumbersome, disrupting the flow and necessitating repeated treks. Additionally, the protagonist's agility is compromised by obstacles that should be easily surmountable, creating occasional frustration.
Graven's captivating world, atmospheric tone, and engaging combat make it a compelling experience. While flaws exist, the game's unique strengths shine through, making it a satisfying journey for those willing to embrace its challenges. Graven is a testament to perseverance, demanding players to fight for progress in its magical, yet gritty, universe.
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