Revita

You look at games like Revita and realize that the 21st century might be defined by retro-style roguelike action gaming. There are so many titles with the same aesthetic and genre, offering little to set them apart. Perhaps this is because we see today more confined to the limits of what indie developers can do? Maybe it's just the popularity that drives their development?

Whatever the case, Revita has landed in early access to bring us some classic arcade gaming with an artsy narrative and modern roguelike mechanics. Again, it feels like it's all been said and done before. However, there are always some pleasant surprises when you dive into the detail with games like these. Will Revita add anything to the standard modern-retro title?

Tick-Tock on the Clock(tower)

So it's important first to set the scene for Revita to understand whether it's going to add something that spices up the retro-roguelike games of late. It's safe to say that the narrative is intriguing and sets the game up for some interesting mechanics. You are a mystery child trapped in a clocktower who needs to ascend the floors to piece together a series of lost memories.

The pixelated retro graphics don't ever paint a happy picture, as Revita attempts to shroud gameplay in darkness and existential thought. But that twisted nature sets up the game for a series of challenges involving strategic twin-stick movement and high-octane run and gun combat. While that would seem like that standard build of a roguelike game, the intensity makes Revita stand out.

Two draws make Revita one that would capture minds instead of fob it off as another indie game. The first is the intensity of gameplay that gradually gets trickier as time goes on. The second is a solid emotional factor tied to the narrative. There's something the developers want to get off their chests here, but we'll leave it to the player to soak in the message.

What's good about Revita is that it's fast, fluid, and certainly provides a challenge to the players. It's not the most accessible game, but the intensity and drive behind gameplay will certainly engage players and encourage them to continue to piece together the storyline. For something that looked sort of standard, it's a bit of a surprise this one.

The Complete Cycle

So would you tell people that you should give Revita a try? Absolutely. It's a nice thing to discover when your expectations have been surpassed. It's a game that doubles down on the concept that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, considering the initial view had all the earmarking of another standard retro-indie game.

mark value="8" comment="Suppose you need more encouragement to play Revita. In that case, we'd argue it has the same surprise and appeals factor as Noita, a game that certainly took the indie scene by storm on release. We'd also imagine that Revita can only get better, considering it's still in early access. So we look forward to seeing what developments are in store for this nifty little number!"]

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Action-packed level design excites the senses
• A strong narrative that will spark an emotional journey
• Nostalgia factor with pixelated visuals

Cons:

• The intensity may deter some players
• It takes some time to engage with the game fully