Ravenlok is an indie action role-playing game developed and published by the Canadian studio Cococucumber. The game, released on May 4, 2023, is available for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
In Ravenlok, players embark on an adventure as a young girl named Ravenlok, who finds herself transported into a fantasy realm plagued by an evil Caterpillar Queen.
Gameplay
Combining voxel technology with pixel art, Ravenlok offers players an immersive action role-playing experience. The game is played from a third-person perspective, with players engaging in combat using a sword and shield combo. Notable gameplay features include arena-based boss fights, a leveling system that allows players to discover new weapons and items, and quests that uncover the stories of secondary characters.
Plot
Ravenlok presents a fairytale reimagining centered around a young girl's journey to fulfill a dangerous prophecy. The story revolves around Kira, a girl whose family inherits a countryside estate. While exploring her new home, Kira falls through a mirror and lands in a magical realm known as Dunia.
There, she takes on the role of Ravenlok and embarks on a captivating adventure. The game's setting is inspired by rural Canada, although it remains unspecified.
Development and Inspiration
Cococucumber announced Ravenlok and unveiled a trailer during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase in 2022. The game's unique art style, which combines voxel-based character designs with non-voxel 3D assets, garnered praise upon its initial reveal.
The storyline and character designs draw inspiration from Lewis Carroll's classic work, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. However, unlike other adaptations, Ravenlok does not delve into heavy subject matter like mental illness.
Ravenlok serves as the final installment in Cococucumber's Voxel Trilogy, following the successful releases of Riverbond and Echo Generation. The game represents the culmination of the studio's exploration into the 3D pixel aesthetic.
Before partnering with Microsoft and Xbox, Cococucumber's Echo Generation garnered positive attention from industry figures, including Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, and Sarah Bond, Vice President of Xbox, on Twitter.
The development team aimed to incorporate themes of family, identity, and finding one's home into a coming-of-age story. They also drew inspiration from various fantasy stories and Asian identities. Studio Ghibli's works, particularly My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Spirited Away, served as a significant influence.
The team also referenced stories such as Labyrinth, The Lord of the Rings series, The Neverending Story, and Over the Garden Wall. While comparisons to American McGee's Alice in Wonderland have been drawn, the team considers it more reflective of the demand for a new game from the renowned developer.
Building upon the gameplay elements of their previous titles, Cococucumber aimed to create an action role-playing game that combined turn-based combat from Echo Generation with Riverbond's dungeon crawling and arcade elements.
Release and Reception
Ravenlok was released on May 4, 2023, for Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S platforms. Upon its release, the game received mixed to generally favorable reviews for Xbox Series X, according to review aggregator Metacritic. The art direction, atmosphere, pacing, and incorporation of Alice in Wonderland iconography were particularly praised. PC Gamer described the game as an "absolute treat," with meticulously detailed environments filled with voxelized decorations and stunning lighting.
Game Rant's Dalton Cooper rated the game 4/5 stars, lauding its engaging story that maintains the momentum from start to finish. He described Ravenlok as a short, sweet, and easy game, making it perfect for players looking for a quick and enjoyable experience or a great entry-level game for children. However, he noted that the camera can be restrictive at times, which could be a minor hindrance to the overall experience.
FAQs
A. Ravenlok was released on May 4, 2023.
A. Ravenlok is available for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S platforms.
A. Ravenlok was developed and published by Cococucumber, a Canadian studio.
A. Ravenlok is an action role-playing game that combines voxel technology with pixel art. Players engage in combat using a sword and shield combo and can participate in arena-based boss fights. The game features a leveling system, quests, and the ability to interact with secondary characters.
A. Ravenlok follows the story of a young girl named Kira, who falls through a mirror into a magical realm called Dunia. In this realm, she takes on the role of Ravenlok and embarks on a quest to fulfill a dangerous prophecy.
