As a seasoned gamer who’s navigated through the cosmos and countless worlds, I can confidently say that Creatures of Ava is a breath of fresh air. After battling alien hordes, surviving post-apocalyptic wastelands, and outsmarting AI overlords, it’s refreshing to find a game that prioritizes wholesomeness over chaos.
Gaming can offer various forms of relief or catharsis. Sometimes we seek destruction by blowing things up or setting them ablaze. At other times, we yearn for a sense of accomplishment from a job well done. Occasionally, we crave a calmer experience to unwind with. And that’s where games like Creatures of Ava, developed by Inverge Studios, Chibig, and 11 Bit Studios, come in handy. They provide a relaxing, low-stress environment with enough engaging content to unwind and enjoy without too much challenge.
As a longtime fan of video games with deep narratives and engaging characters, I found myself utterly captivated by “Creatures of Ava.” Written collaboratively by the exceptionally talented Rhianna Pratchett, this game tells the story of Vic and her friend Tabitha, who find themselves crash-landing on an alien planet. The planet, Ava, is in a state of decline due to a terrible corruption, and Vic and Tabitha are determined to save as many creatures as they can before it’s too late.
As a seasoned anthropologist and explorer with extensive experience among indigenous communities, I’ve learned that cultural sensitivity is paramount when interacting with these unique societies. The Na’am, a people who have lived in harmony with their environment for centuries, are no exception. Their connection to the flora and fauna of their world is profound, reminiscent of the Na’Vi from Pandora in the blockbuster film “Avatar.”
As I grasp the ancient Nafitar, a mystical staff that whispers tales of long-forgotten beings who ruled before the Na’am, and a magical flute that sings melodies of Ava’s very soil, stirring the beasts within, I embark on a deeply personal, critical journey. In this realm of Creatures of Ava, there are no traditional battles to wage. Occasionally, I encounter twisted creatures that lunge at me with fury, but against them, I can only purify the corruption enveloping them using the Nafitar’s power. Once cleansed, each creature hears my flute’s melody resonating with their unique song, compelling them to follow me like a symphony of companions.
After you’ve trained an animal, there are several options available. You can certainly stroke them, a delightful action that most animals seem to enjoy endlessly. However, if you’re skilled enough, you can also establish a mental connection with them. This psychic link lets you exert direct control over the animal. Each creature possesses unique talents that can open up specific routes or aid in acquiring resources. For instance, some can chew through substances obstructing bridges, while others can burrow or climb to help Vic explore new locations. The ultimate goal is to guide them towards a rescue robot and transport them off-world for rehabilitation in safer environments.
The Nafitar is adaptable, offering a progression similar to Metroidvania games. To access new areas, you’ll need to cut away infected roots (some of which are challenging and may necessitate an upgrade). Similarly, you’ll encounter platforms that must be raised and secret vines that open when you’re not focusing on them. Fortunately, the Nafitar can aid you in navigating these obstacles. Additionally, Vic’s skills are limited to jumping or dodging at this point.
Occasionally, you’ll encounter basic riddles that hinder your progress, especially when you stumble upon deserted research facilities. These places are always worth exploring since they often contain fast-travel teleporters and valuable loot. Items like health kits and backpack upgrades enhance your health points (HP) and inventory capacity, while there’s a plentiful supply of materials for crafting diverse healing potions and stamina-boosting balms.
In your adventure, you’ll encounter various creatures, solve intriguing puzzles, uncover hidden locations, and finish optional tasks which grant Experience Points (XP). You can utilize these XP to acquire skill points that enhance Vic’s toughness, introduce new combat maneuvers such as transforming a dodge into an all-out roll, or even amplify the abilities of your Nafitar. This could mean increasing the strength of its powers or extending the duration of their effects.
In Creatures of Ava, you’ll find yourself spending much time discovering the vast world. Convenient fast travel spots are scattered throughout, making exploration stress-free, except for occasional groups of corrupted creatures that need to be handled. It’s worth noting that some might argue the absence of combat could have been used more effectively in this game. While I’m not advocating for violence or increased conflict, the straightforward taming system seems ripe for further development. In many aspects, it shares similarities with Kena: Bridge of Spirits in theme and structure, but lacks its level of challenge.
In some instances, animals can assist you with tasks, but imagine if we could harness their ability to ride them or utilize their unique skills for something more thrilling! However, I’m not discussing what the game doesn’t offer; it’s simply disappointing that there isn’t a bit more excitement or challenge in Creatures of Ava.
It is gorgeous, though, with a warm, welcoming colour palette that starts to become just a little bit samey after a while. But the animation is great and the environments are highly detailed with a small variety of locations to adventure through. And each new biome is host to strange new creatures, crafting materials, and puzzle elements that do enough to keep you pushing on, just to see what’s coming next. It plays wonderfully well on Steamdeck, too, and I noticed no frame drops or stuttering, and very little in the way of graphical concessions.
In the enchanting world of Creatures of Ava, Vic plays a significant role in adding to its charm. Occasionally, I found myself questioning if the game had overlooked her heart-wrenching past hinted at in the introductory film. However, Vic’s resilience is remarkable; she rarely stays downcast for long. She stands out as an exceptional protagonist – a young woman who isn’t perpetually agitated, doesn’t resort to sarcasm excessively, and isn’t shy about admitting her confusions. Moreover, she has a knack for humor, occasionally cracking a joke but always maintaining an authentic concern for the Na’am and a desire to learn more about them.
In many side missions, you frequently aid unique characters for diverse purposes, and the humor derived from Ava’s fish-out-water predicament is mutual, as she often stumbles more than once. The Na’am’s general confusion about human ideas and traditions adds to this, creating a delightful, humorous narrative. This tale effectively communicates themes of teamwork, empathy, and ultimately, the acceptance of loss in a way that leaves you feeling uplifted emotionally.
Although Creatures of Ava may not push boundaries or present much difficulty, it remains a delightful, comforting game that encourages you to delve into its world and empathize with its characters. The narrative, while not fully spoken, is well-crafted and performed, offering a heartwarming and engaging tale that keeps you invested. It’s a great choice for those seeking a stress-free experience brimming with optimism, vibrant colors, and plenty of affectionate gestures like belly rubs. I wholeheartedly suggest it!
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2024-08-05 17:17