Ravenswatch

The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their beautiful art style, which combines dark fairy-tale aesthetics with smooth animations and immersive environments. Players appreciate the unique character designs and the overall visual presentation, which enhances the gameplay experience. While some critiques mention a lack of variety in visuals and minor graphical issues, the general consensus is that the game's art direction is a standout feature that contributes significantly to its appeal.

The game's story is primarily built around reimagined fairy tale characters, each with unique backstories that unfold gradually, adding depth to the gameplay. However, many players feel the narrative lacks cohesion and depth, with repetitive quests and limited variety in locations and bosses, leading to a sense of sameness across runs. While the art style and character design are praised, the overall storytelling is seen as minimal and in need of expansion to enhance player engagement.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players praising the variety of characters and their unique abilities, which contribute to a high replay value. However, some reviewers express concerns about the limited content and repetitive gameplay, suggesting that the current state lacks the depth expected from a roguelike. Overall, while there is significant potential for replayability, especially with future updates, the game currently offers a somewhat uneven experience in this regard.

The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its immersive quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, with many reviewers praising the dynamic soundtrack that adapts to gameplay events. The compositions range from epic battle themes to haunting melodies, effectively complementing the game's dark fairy tale aesthetic. Overall, the soundtrack is described as unforgettable and a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's appeal and emotional depth.

Character development in the game is highlighted by its exceptional character design, with each hero uniquely embodying their mythological backgrounds and offering varied playstyles. While the character designs are praised for their creativity and detail, many reviewers note a lack of long-term progression, as players primarily unlock new traits and skins without significant power growth, distinguishing it as a rogue-like rather than a rogue-lite. Overall, the game's character design is considered its strongest aspect, contributing to an engaging and replayable experience despite some limitations in character development depth.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and beautifully crafted environments, enhanced by a haunting soundtrack that complements the gameplay. Players appreciate the unique art style, which draws inspiration from folk tales and dark fantasy, creating a captivating and engaging experience. Overall, the combination of visuals, sound, and thematic elements contributes to a mesmerizing atmosphere that keeps players invested and eager for replayability.

The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed to negative feedback, with many players finding it excessively tedious and repetitive. While some appreciate the potential for character progression and skill variety, the slow unlocks and lack of engaging content lead to a frustrating experience, particularly in longer runs. Overall, the grind feels more like a chore than a rewarding gameplay mechanic, detracting from the enjoyment of the game.

The game's optimization is a mixed bag, with many players praising its smooth performance on various hardware, including older PCs and the Steam Deck, while others report significant issues, particularly in co-op play with high enemy counts. Some users enjoy the challenge of optimizing gameplay strategies, but there are calls for further improvements, especially regarding load times and balancing for solo play. Overall, while the game runs well for many, it still requires attention to performance stability and optimization across different configurations.

The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many players reporting significant issues in multiplayer, including buggy matchmaking, desyncing, and connection problems. While the single-player experience is generally stable and well-optimized, the co-op mode suffers from frequent glitches and lag, detracting from the overall enjoyment. Some users noted that despite these issues, the game shows potential and runs well on certain platforms, but the multiplayer experience remains a major concern.

The humor in the game is widely praised, particularly in multiplayer settings where players enjoy comedic moments and funny character interactions, such as the antics of a "funny rat man" and "monkey man." The dark, twisted-fairytale art style adds to the humor, with quests that cleverly parody classic tales, while the voice work contributes to the overall hilarity. However, some players feel that the game's difficulty can occasionally detract from the fun, leading to moments of frustration rather than laughter.

The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many reviewers labeling it a "cash grab" that relies on paid DLC and lacks meaningful content. While some appreciate the absence of microtransactions, others express concern that the game may not receive adequate updates unless they are paid, leading to a perception of it being shallow and unsustainable. Overall, the sentiment suggests a desire for more genuine engagement from the developers rather than a focus on monetization.

The emotional aspect of the game resonates deeply with players, evoking strong feelings such as nostalgia and joy, with some even expressing that it made them cry. While the visuals, audio, and character roles contribute to a heartfelt experience, some players feel a lack of significant achievements and character growth, which diminishes the emotional impact of their journey. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to connect with players on a personal level, despite some criticisms regarding progression.