Graven – Review

Graven for the PS5 is a love letter to the classic FPS titles of the late 90s and early 2000s. Stepping into the shoes of a disgraced priest named Jacob, you find yourself in the gothic town of Cruxfirth, tasked with uncovering a dark secret that threatens to consume the land. While the narrative itself might not break new ground, it serves as a solid foundation for what Graven truly excels at: creating an immersive and atmospheric world.

The first thing that grabs you is the game’s striking visual style. Leaning heavily on its retro influences, Graven boasts blocky textures and polygonal character models. However, these are cleverly combined with modern lighting techniques and environmental details, resulting in a world that feels both familiar and hauntingly beautiful. From the decrepit streets of Cruxfirth to the monster-infested swamps and forgotten catacombs, each location is meticulously crafted to ooze atmosphere.

Gameplay in Graven is a unique blend of genres. You’ll start with a humble staff for melee combat, but as you progress, you’ll unlock a variety of firearms and elemental magic spells. This creates a playstyle that encourages experimentation. Do you wade into battle swinging your staff, raining fire down on enemies, or take them down from afar with a well-placed crossbow bolt? The choice is yours.

While the combat system is functional, it’s not without its quirks. The controls retain a certain clunkiness that reflects the era it draws inspiration from. Movement feels slightly floaty, and aiming with weapons can be imprecise at times. However, this doesn’t necessarily detract from the experience. In fact, for those yearning for a return to the days of less forgiving shooters, it can be a welcome dose of nostalgia.

One of Graven’s biggest strengths lies in its world exploration. The PS5’s power allows for a semi-open world that feels vast and interconnected. Hidden secrets and optional side quests are tucked away in every corner, rewarding exploration and curiosity. Uncovering these secrets not only provides valuable loot but also helps flesh out the lore of the world and its inhabitants.

However, Graven isn’t without its flaws. The biggest culprit is the occasional technical hiccup. Frame rate drops can occur in densely populated areas or during intense combat sequences. While not game-breaking, they can disrupt the flow of the game. Additionally, load times can be lengthy, especially when transitioning between areas.

Finally, the voice acting, while competent, doesn’t quite reach the level of the visuals and atmosphere. Some may find the dialogue delivery a bit flat at times.

Verdict:

Graven on PS5 is a niche title that revels in its retro influences. If you’re looking for a modern shooter with all the bells and whistles, you might be disappointed. However, for those seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane wrapped in a hauntingly beautiful world, Graven offers a compelling experience. The blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, while not perfect, provides a solid foundation for a unique and atmospheric adventure. Just be prepared for some technical hiccups and a touch of B-movie voice acting along the way.