Ravenlok is looking like an intriguing Xbox Game Pass launch for the month of May, and ahead of its full release tomorrow, some early critic impressions have hit the web.
So, here's what folks think about this Xbox Game Pass fantasy adventure in the run up to launch:
GameGrin (7.5/10)
"Ravenlok is a short and gorgeous title, and if you go in knowing it'll be easy and simple, I don't see why anyone should have a problem with it. Despite the lack of in-depth story, the characters were absolutely adorable and the quests fun enough: I truly enjoyed my time with this charming new title."
XboxEra (6.8/10)
"In Ravenlok’s well-paced narrative and gameplay structure, I’m sad to say that I didn’t find the game to be very compelling. For every fun puzzle there was another quest or dull combat sequence that I button mashed out of with ease. Still, I could appreciate the expectations the game places on the player to simply figure things out on their own and having a straightforward, no-nonsense plot. A lost art in gaming (and arguably other mediums) today."
Press Start (6.5/10)
"Through its picturesque presentation, Ravenlok definitely captures the reverie and spirit we'd expect from a coming-of-age fantasy. Sadly, the game's one-note combat doesn't offer a challenge worthy of its world, while the cliched story devalues its charming cast of misfit critters."
Checkpoint Gaming (6/10)
"Ravenlok is not a bad game, but judged on its gameplay, it feels somewhat insubstantial. Those going into the game looking for an engaging and challenging action experience will likely be turned off by its simple and toothless combat and overreliance on fetch quests. That said, for younger gamers or those seeking a more straightforward adventure through a surreal world filled with memorable and strange characters, it's a decent time, and is worth checking out on those merits."
PC Gamer (51/100)
"It pains me to be as harsh on Ravenlok as I have, as clearly this is a game made with passion and clear artistic intent. But across its 5-6 hour runtime, I never shook the sense that this is an environment art showcase (and a beautiful, polished one at that) with the bare minimum of gameplay layered on top. It’s kid-friendly, both in tone and difficulty, but pales in comparison to other games aimed at the younger crowd. Like the very finest porcelain tea sets, it’s best left on the shelf to be admired, rather than brought out to entertain at the party."
Eurogamer (No Score)
"Ravenlok never sits in the moment, never bothers to ask if there’s any meaning to the madness, never twists language in the ‘curiouser and curiouser’ kind of way. Ultimately, my enduring memory of the game is a hazy collection of visual snapshots, and that was admittedly enough to hook me through an 8-hour playthrough. It’s endlessly alluring to look at and think about, although scratch beneath the surface and you won’t find much else to grab onto."
Ravenlok certainly isn't blowing folks away so far, but it sounds like an interesting, chilled out adventure that could be worth a look on Xbox Game Pass anyway. At the time of writing, the title is sitting at a 63 score on Open Critic ahead of its May 4th launch on Xbox.
Will you be trying this one out for yourself? Let us know your Game Pass plans for this week!
Comments 12
I've been looking forward to this one, i like the art style and the whole Alice in Wonderland thing sounds interesting.
The art direction is spot on
Well we'll see. 5-6 hr run time is worthy to check out.
Sounds way more interesting than Redfall.
It sounds like it's meant for a younger audience primarily, which is absolutely fine, but the reviews seem to speak about how it might serve that younger audience well as a detriment since it doesn't serve the reviewer as well personally. This seems to happen a lot with video games, but we wouldn't measure a Saturday morning cartoon as we would an Agatha Cristie mystery, or horror movie, or drama, or any other movie aimed at adults. So why don't video games get rated this way? I for one would like to know both how I might enjoy it and how my kids might enjoy it.
I might still give this a try just for the art direction, something that seems to be universally agreed upon being fantastic.
Its also a shorter game at about 6 hours.
I'm going play it purely on the basis of how much I enjoyed Echo Generation which I randomly played last year. Nice vibe and aesthetic, simple and short. Honestly sometimes that's nice.
Disappointing reviews but still going to give it a shot. Had been looking forward to it.
It looks fun and different, with a great art style. Between Ravenlok and Planet of Lana, I am pleased with this months Gamepass selection. Redfall is not the worst game I have played, but it is definitely mediocre.
Love the art style.
If it has a good storyline, this can overcome gameplay flaws.
Like a badly written film, a great actor can turn that film into a winner !!
So let's see with this game, I'll give it a try to see.
XboxEra gave redfall 8.5/10
@TheCrafter1578 Did you play the Planet of Lana demo? I'm hoping it was just a bad vertical slice, but the gameplay was VERY basic, it's tempered my expectations somewhat. Beautiful art though.
While it's not up my street surprisingly the best reviewed Game Pass entry this month is currently Cassette Beasts the Pokémon like, sitting at a VERY healthy 86% on OpenCritic from 19 reviews.
Currently hoping that Microsoft do a deal to get Vernal Edge on Game Pass. A very well reviewed (88% on OC) Metroidvania that released last month.
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