Drova: Forsaken Kin Review

Story: Ancient Spirits and a World on the Brink

Set in a realm inspired by Celtic lore, Drova begins with a cataclysmic ritual gone wrong, transporting the protagonist to a twisted, spirit-infused land. Here, two rival factions – the Remnants and Nemeton – vie for control over the ancient powers at play. As a lone wanderer, players must choose a side, with each faction offering a distinct perspective on survival and control over the spirits governing nature.

This dual-path narrative adds significant replayability, as the player’s alliance with either faction dramatically affects both the journey and the game’s ending. The choices in Drova aren't superficial; they influence the game’s world, NPC interactions, and even the types of resources and skills available to the player. This interconnected storytelling elevates Drova’s plot beyond standard RPG fare, blending mystery and survival with a strong dose of political intrigue​.

Gameplay: Tactical Combat and Survival Mechanics

One of Drova’s standout features is its “flow-based” combat system, which encourages players to chain attacks, blocks, and dodges with precision. Combat is punishing; mistimed actions can lead to swift death, especially in encounters with powerful spirits and myth-inspired beasts. This system forces players to learn enemy patterns and carefully manage stamina, evoking the intense, deliberate gameplay of titles like Dark Souls while keeping it grounded in classic action-RPG mechanics​

Survival in Drova is no easy feat. The game is built around an open world with minimal guidance, requiring players to learn from the environment and rely on visual cues rather than maps. The game’s difficulty extends beyond combat; poisonous plants, hostile wildlife, and lack of resources all add layers to the challenge, making every journey into unknown terrain a true test of survival. To aid exploration, players can unlock abilities from trainers scattered across the land, offering new moves and spells that fit different playstyles.

Faction Choices and Their Impact

Aligning with either the Remnants or Nemeton factions does more than change story details – it reshapes the entire experience. The Remnants believe in harmonising with the land’s spirits, advocating for coexistence, while the Nemeton faction seeks control and dominion, treating spirits as resources to exploit. This duality influences the type of quests, rewards, and even weaponry available, tailoring the gameplay experience to the player’s chosen path.

Such faction-based gameplay also enhances the game’s replay value. Players are encouraged to make careful choices, knowing that decisions have far-reaching consequences. This feature adds weight to every interaction and further immerses players in Drova’s morally grey world, where even the most well-intentioned choices can lead to unforeseen consequences​.

Visuals and Atmosphere: A Beautifully Grim World

The pixel art in Drova is breathtaking, presenting a hand-crafted world filled with eerie forests, ancient ruins, and shadowy swamps. It’s a game that leverages its visual style to evoke a sense of unease, often leaving players feeling small in a vast, uncaring world. The soundtrack complements this aesthetic perfectly, mixing haunting melodies with ambient soundscapes that heighten the tension in each area.

Despite its retro look, Drova has been designed to immerse players fully in its atmospheric landscapes. Each area is visually distinct, from fae-touched forests to decaying villages, allowing players to appreciate the meticulous detail while navigating the deadly open world. The pixel art, combined with carefully crafted sound design, creates an environment that is as foreboding as it is beautiful​.

Accessibility and Difficulty: For Hardcore Fans

Drova doesn’t pull any punches, and its unforgiving nature might deter casual players. The lack of a detailed map, reliance on memorising landmarks, and often scarce resources make it a tough experience that requires patience and a willingness to learn from trial and error. For players who miss the challenge of older RPGs, Drova is a refreshing return to high-stakes exploration.

Yet, this difficulty is also one of the game’s strengths, rewarding careful planning and exploration. Players willing to endure the hardships are met with a deeply satisfying experience, where every small victory feels hard-earned. Still, technical hiccups like framerate drops and occasional bugs have been reported, particularly on the Switch, which can slightly disrupt the experience​.

The Verdict

Drova: Forsaken Kin brings a refreshing blend of Celtic mysticism and challenging, choice-driven gameplay to the indie RPG space. With its intense combat, intricate faction choices, and captivating pixel art world, it stands as a testament to what small studios can achieve with focused design and passion. While the steep difficulty curve and limited accessibility may not appeal to everyone, it’s a rewarding journey for those ready to face the challenge.

Game Glitch Score: 8/10

For:

• Intricate faction choices with story-altering impact

• Beautifully grim, pixel-art world with haunting sound design

• Tactical, flow-based combat system that rewards skill and timing

• High replayability through multiple endings and choice-driven progression

Against:

• High difficulty may deter casual players

• Technical issues on some platforms, especially the Switch

• Limited guidance, requiring memorisation of landmarks and careful exploration

Drova: Forsaken Kin is a challenging journey through a world where survival depends on choice and skill. For those who appreciate dark fantasy and high-stakes gameplay, Drova offers a deeply atmospheric adventure that won’t be soon forgotten.