Jamie C
Recently it has become apparent to me, that it is becoming increasing difficult for me and many others to find joy in modern video games. Modern AAA games follow a set guidance on what sells and what reviews well, but in following these guides we as gamers lose out of a sense of wonder and excitement. Many gamers long for a fun experience that drives home that sense of nostalgia, for a time where games were simple, rewarding and memorable. With Gravelord, that spark will return.
Gravelord is being released in a structure similar to how the original Doom from 1995 was released. Shareware contained the first “Episode” and it was encouraged to swap that free floppy disk with your friends or even create copies to give away. If you wanted more, you would need to buy a full copy of the game direct from ID Software. Fatbot Games emulates that time in gaming, by giving us the first batch of levels in it’s first “episode” and plans to release more as development continues. All while taking in feedback from their community and reviewers alike. By doing this, Fatbot Games has unknowingly put themselves in a huge advantage as I can confidently say this game is worth the purchase on the first Episode alone and here’s why.
Gravelord mixes, the dark gritty nature of Doom and the run and gun action from games like Quake and Unreal Tournament. I can confidently say this is the most fun I’ve had in an Early Access title in a long time and that’s all because it feels like a complete experience.
The game is extremely light on story but it doesn’t need to be anymore than that. You play as Queedo the Gravedigger, which the developers describe as “dumb as hell (poor guy) but strong as an ox”. His mission is simple; avenge his father while using his trusty “Total Uber Shovel” to beat the living crap out of his enemies and give them a first-class ticket to the underworld. That’s all you need.
Gunplay is exactly what you would expect from a team that deprives from seasoned Quake Modders. The guns all feel unique and play to their strengths in situations. Combine that with some quick moving and you have the run and gun experience you miss from games of yester-years.
What sets Gravelord apart from other retro shooters, is the inclusion of a Tarot Card system, which brings a rouge-like experience with each playthrough. Picking these up will pause the action and give you a choice of 1 of 2/3 cards. Each card offers unique abilities that affect either your character, or the weapons you wield. Extra health, extra damage, elemental abilities etc. Here we have concept that sounds great on paper and should offer some reply-ability; however, I feel it’s execution could’ve been handled a little better. You are running around at breakneck speeds, enemies surrounding you then… pause. The game freezes to make you choose an upgrade and it kills the momentum you have. Despite these upgrades taking place outside of combat and acts almost like a loading screen in quiet areas, when you are brought back into the game it feels dirty, you feel disorientated and need to reposition the mouse. Best solution for this is to maybe take a page from Doom 2016 where cycling through the wheel of weapons, doesn’t stop the game but slows down time so it gives the illusion you are still in control allowing you to decide on a weapon, or in this case, an ability.
Levels are beautifully hand crafted, where nothing looks or feels the same and it’s difficult to get lost. With how the run and gunning has been designed, you need great level design to be able to pull off some of the feats you are expected. And even when you die, it never feels like it was level or game design fault, but a legit and fair loss against tough opponents.
While this build doesn’t include it, the developers have confirmed the full release will include a level editor so you can create your own maps and share with friends and the community. That is awesome and will be a great addition to this game!
Gravelord is still an Early Access title, so we will not be providing a review score, but I can confidently say, I have faith that the final release will be the game I am excited to have in its entirety. I look forward for it future episodes and full release.
