Graven

May 16, 2025

Neith

Release: January 23, 2024

PS 5 Xbox Series X/S PS 4 Switch PC Xbox One

“Graven whispers to the curious, promising tales of shadow and light in equal measure.”

Arcane Systems and Puzzle Depth

Graven’s world invites curiosity with arcane tools, alchemical spells, and environmental puzzles that often require lateral thinking. The game rewards players who experiment, mixing fire and water, ice and oil to alter their surroundings and solve intricate challenges. This gives exploration a magical, sandbox-like feel, especially in co-op.

Exploration and Immersive Sim Design

Drawing from immersive sim traditions, Graven encourages nonlinear progression through semi-open zones connected by environmental logic. Players may stumble upon new areas, puzzles, and narrative fragments organically. However, the lack of an integrated map or quest markers may leave some lost in the swampy sprawl.

Dark Fantasy Atmosphere and Art Direction

Visually, Graven strikes a compelling balance between classic dark fantasy and modern retro stylings. Its moody lighting, chunky architecture, and minimalist UI create a world both bleak and beautiful. The soundtrack subtly enhances this, with droning tones and ambient dread that rarely overpower but always linger.

Cooperative Experience and Shared Discovery

Up to 8 players can explore together, tackling puzzles and foes with shared ingenuity. Cooperative play can elevate the experience, especially when encountering multi-step challenges or enemy gauntlets. However, scaling and quest tracking can become messy without good communication.

The Strain of Ambiguity

While narrative ambiguity and mechanical experimentation are core strengths, they can also hinder clarity. Players may find themselves unsure of objectives, or repeating sections due to unclear progression logic. This friction can break immersion, particularly when solutions feel more opaque than clever.

Game Mechanics

Graven mixes old-school fantasy FPS design with modern immersive elements. Its mechanics center around creative spell use, exploration, and environmental interaction.

Environmental Puzzle Solving

Spells interact with the environment, requiring players to combine elemental effects to unlock doors, ignite paths, freeze enemies, or bridge gaps.
Nonlinear Exploration

Players navigate interconnected zones without quest markers, often solving problems through observation and trial-and-error.
Spellcasting and Alchemy

Various magical tools and alchemical upgrades let players tailor their approach to combat and exploration.
First-Person Combat and Tool Usage

Players wield medieval weapons and spell-staffs in real-time combat, while also interacting with levers, wheels, and glyphs.

Gameplay Tips

Graven's open-ended structure and puzzle-heavy progression reward attentiveness and experimentation. These tips can help you avoid frustration and uncover hidden depth.

Take Notes

There’s no quest log. Use a notebook to track goals, symbols, and locations.
Use the Environment

Fire, water, and magic interact with objects. Think creatively when stuck.
Don't Rush

Exploration is key. Many paths are optional but hide critical upgrades.
Coordinate in Co-op

Assign roles for puzzle solving and cover each other in combat.

Playstyles

Graven offers flexible builds suited to solo or cooperative play. Players can specialize in elemental magic, potioncraft, or frontline combat depending on their preferences.

The Pyromancer

Focus on fire-based magic and ignite oil traps. High burst damage, ideal for ambushes.
The Alchemist

Maximize potion crafting and use buffs/debuffs. Great for solo survival.
The Crusader

Emphasize melee and shielding. Durable frontliner in co-op runs.

Inspirations and References

Graven draws from classic shooters and dark fantasy to build a unique world steeped in mystery and danger. Its influences are woven into every aspect of gameplay and tone.

Hexen and Heretic

Graven’s visual style and combat feel pay direct homage to these classic fantasy shooters from the 90s.
Dark Souls and Immersive Sims

Environmental storytelling and exploration reward patience and curiosity like Soulsborne titles and immersive sims.
Lovecraftian Themes

Insanity, forbidden knowledge, and crumbling worlds echo cosmic horror influences.
Medieval Mysticism and Alchemy

The game draws heavily from medieval esoterica and theological imagery for its spells and lore.

Fair

Final Verdict

Graven est une aventure en vue subjective qui rend hommage aux classiques des années 90, tout en intégrant des éléments modernes de RPG et de simulation immersive. Son atmosphère sombre et son monde interconnecté séduiront les amateurs de dark fantasy. Cependant, une conception de niveaux parfois confuse et des mécaniques de jeu inégales peuvent entraver l'expérience. Pour ceux prêts à embrasser son charme rétro et à surmonter ses imperfections, Graven offre une plongée intrigante dans un univers mystérieux et oppressant.

Strengths

Atmosphère immersive mêlant dark fantasy et esthétique rétro.
Exploration non linéaire avec des environnements interconnectés.
Système de sorts et d'éléments environnementaux offrant des solutions créatives.
Mode coopératif en ligne jusqu'à 8 joueurs pour une expérience partagée.
Direction artistique et bande-son renforçant l'ambiance oppressante.

Weaknesses

Conception des niveaux parfois déroutante, sans carte intégrée.
Progression peu intuitive avec des choix de design discutables.
Attaques magiques manquant d'impact et de satisfaction.
Manque de direction claire pouvant frustrer certains joueurs.
Bugs persistants et mécaniques frustrantes malgré les mises à jour.

Editorial Review

Graven thrives on its hidden systems, where the manipulation of environment and sanity keep players teetering on the edge of control. The design is a dance between fear and logic, a testament to the power of horror mechanics.

– VOSS

Graven is a melancholic journey through the shadows of the soul, where the cost of uncovering secrets is a burden on the heart. Its reflective narrative invites players to ponder the price of knowledge.

– MORWEN

Graven presents a tactical challenge with its survival mechanics, where every decision matters. The systems in place punish mistakes and reward strategic thinking, creating a no-nonsense approach to horror.

– THORNE

Graven's world is a canvas of ethereal beauty, where wonder and horror coexist in harmony. The game invites players to see the magic hidden within the shadows, a journey of both fear and awe.

– LIRAEL