Vasilisa and Baba Yaga

About

Vasilisa and Baba Yaga is a single player casual action adventure game with a mystery theme. It was developed by Baba Yaga Games and was released on August 23, 2024. It received very positive reviews from players.

An action adventure game in which you, as a magic doll, will fight evil spirits at night. You will be met by malicious opponents - a bannik, a ovinnik and a kikimora. Find a way to defeat them in a fair fight and teach them a lesson so that they will remember it for a long time! • Explore the yard, the wheat field and the river bank • Collect a collection of strange objects • Learn more a…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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94%

Audience ScoreBased on 52 reviews

story12 positive mentions

The game features a stunning hand-drawn art style and a beautiful soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere.
It offers an engaging narrative based on Slavic folklore, with interesting character designs and a charming storytelling approach.
The game is well-crafted and immersive, providing a unique experience that appeals to fans of narrative-driven and atmospheric games.

Gameplay can feel repetitive, especially in the first half, with combat mechanics that may not be very engaging.
Some players found the controls awkward, particularly when using a controller, and noted issues with key mapping.
The game may not satisfy those looking for fast-paced action, as it focuses more on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than combat.

story
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
53%
9%
The game offers a captivating narrative experience rooted in Slavic folklore, particularly a Russian fairy tale, narrated in a charming old Russian dialect that enhances its storybook feel. Players appreciate the immersive storytelling, beautiful visuals, and atmospheric soundtrack, which together create a unique blend of enchantment and eeriness. While the gameplay is more focused on exploration and puzzle-solving than combat, the inclusion of an encyclopedic feature deepens the cultural context, making it a rewarding journey for those who value narrative-driven adventures.
- “This narrative-driven experience focuses on storytelling and immersion, weaving folklore, mythology, and traditional elements into every aspect of the game, from its environments to its gameplay mechanics.”
- “The game also includes an in-depth encyclopedic feature that educates players about Slavic myths, customs, and characters, curated with the help of folklorists, which not only deepens the player’s connection to the story but also enhances world-building.”
- “It offers a thoughtful, atmospheric journey into Slavic mythology, where exploration and puzzle-solving are intertwined with rich storytelling and cultural depth.”
- “The story is simple; it's a folk tale after all, but the remarkable atmosphere and odd characters keep you engaged.”
- “It's all fairly linear with only a handful of optional things to find, which makes sense since this is telling a story.”
- “The story is based on Slavic folklore and more specifically on a particular Russian tale, but character archetypes will be familiar even to those who don't know anything about Russian folklore.”
music
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
53%
37%
10%
The music in "Vasilisa and the Baba Yaga" has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, drawing inspiration from traditional Russian folk music to add authenticity and emotional depth. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, describing it as fitting, mysterious, and even mesmerizing, complementing the game's charming visuals and storytelling. Overall, the music is considered a significant strength, elevating the overall experience of the game.
- “The music fits the mood beautifully and surprised me with how elaborate it gets at times.”
- “The soundtrack draws inspiration from traditional folk music of central and southern Russia, lending authenticity and emotional weight to the experience.”
- “The visuals, the soundtrack, and the storytelling melted my heart.”
- “I'll give this a 4/10 for its soundtrack, art style, and its short runtime.”
- “The gameplay is quite simple; however, the music is so well done.”
- “The music deserves a special mention.”
gameplay
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
54%
23%
The gameplay is primarily focused on exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth, with a narrative-driven approach that emphasizes storytelling and cultural authenticity. While some players find the mechanics repetitive and simplistic, the immersive atmosphere and artistic elements, including music and visuals, enhance the overall experience for those who appreciate a contemplative adventure rather than fast-paced action. Despite its shortcomings in combat and engagement, the game is regarded as a charming tribute to Russian folklore.
- “This narrative-driven experience focuses on storytelling and immersion, weaving folklore, mythology, and traditional elements into every aspect of the game, from its environments to its gameplay mechanics.”
- “The gameplay is centered around exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth rather than combat.”
- “Many appreciate its dedication to cultural authenticity and storytelling, while also enjoying the puzzle and stealth gameplay that keeps the experience engaging without relying on combat-heavy action.”
- “Some players note that the gameplay can feel somewhat repetitive and might not appeal to those looking for fast-paced or more varied mechanics.”
- “Some can say it has primitive and boring gameplay, but the game is not about mechanics, it's about the atmosphere of traditional folk tales.”
- “All in all, while gameplay-wise the game is clunky at times and combat definitely could use more consideration, artistically Vasilisa and Baba Yaga is a small gem that is absolutely worth the couple of hours you will spend playing it.”
graphics
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
43%
14%
The graphics of "Vasilisa and the Baba Yaga" have been widely praised for their unique hand-drawn art style, which combines whimsical and dark elements to create a visually stunning experience. Players appreciate the detailed environments and atmospheric design that effectively evoke Slavic folklore, enhancing the overall storytelling. The game's visuals, complemented by an excellent soundtrack, contribute significantly to its charm and appeal.
- “The art style reminds me of painted paper dolls and is a joy to look at.”
- “One of the game’s most striking features is its hand-drawn art style, which uses muted, earthy tones to evoke the gloomy, mystical ambiance of Slavic folklore.”
- “The visuals are detailed and thoughtfully designed, with each environment telling its own story through its textures, lighting, and environmental storytelling.”
- “I'll give this a 4/10 for its soundtrack, art style, and its short runtime.”
- “Cute artwork and history.”
- “I recommend it to anyone who likes creative art projects with standout graphics and sound design.”
atmosphere
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
31%
19%
The atmosphere of "Vasilisa and Baba Yaga" is richly immersive, drawing players into the depths of Slavic folklore with its dark, fairy-tale aesthetic and compelling narrative. Critics and players alike praise the game's unique art style, atmospheric sound design, and the way it intertwines exploration and puzzle-solving with cultural storytelling. While some may find the gameplay mechanics rudimentary, the focus on atmosphere and thematic depth creates an enchanting experience that captivates fans of folklore and mythology.
- “It creates an atmosphere that completely immerses you in Slavic legends.”
- “The game challenges players to think strategically, using stealth to avoid hostile creatures and clever tactics to progress, creating a steady tension that complements the dark, fairy-tale atmosphere.”
- “An utterly enchanting game that immerses you in an unusual atmosphere of Slavic horror.”
- “The story is simple, it's a folk tale after all, but remarkable atmosphere and odd characters keep you engaged.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky, puppet-like mob movements and designs that blend spooky elements with comedic moments, providing an enjoyable contrast to the horror theme. Players find the gameplay, including stealth and combat, to be amusing, often eliciting chuckles despite its rudimentary execution. Overall, the game successfully incorporates humor, making it a fun experience even amidst its darker atmosphere.
- “I found the mobs to be a tiny bit frustrating because they don't have the most discernible tells in when they will attack sometimes, but their movements are funny and puppet-like, and their designs, like the rest of the game, are very interesting and also a bit spooky.”
- “Nice tiny (about 2-2.5 hours long) game, based on Russian folk tales, but nevertheless featuring a nice gloomy atmosphere, gameplay containing elements of stealth, combat, and even boss fights, all of them quite hilarious (while a bit rudimentary, to be honest), but still enjoyable.”
- “Very funny game (might not be the point of a horror game, but it had me chuckling at some moments), also kind of fun to let out your frustrations by just beating everything in sight!”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is significantly enhanced by a soundtrack inspired by traditional Russian folk music, which adds authenticity and depth. Players have reported strong emotional reactions, including tears, particularly in response to touching details, such as the doll comforting Vasilisa while she sleeps in Baba Yaga's house.
- “The soundtrack draws inspiration from traditional folk music of central and southern Russia, lending authenticity and emotional weight to the experience.”
- “I cried so much when I saw the cute detail added when Vasilisa was sleeping in Baba Yaga's house and the doll could pet her.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Character development is highlighted through the striking designs that embody the mythical essence of figures like Baba Yaga, effectively blending an eerie menace with a haunting beauty that enhances the overall narrative experience.
- “The character designs capture the mythical qualities of Baba Yaga and other creatures, balancing menace with an almost haunting beauty.”