GamesAdventureI feel like I’m living and breathing Slavic folklore in this mystical adventure game, and I never want to leave itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesAdventureI feel like I’m living and breathing Slavic folklore in this mystical adventure game, and I never want to leave itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Fireshine Games)
As the cool glint of autumn falls upon the woodland, an ancient magic stirs. A young girl, Reka, is about to awaken a dormant power within, just as her teacher and would-be confidant hoped it would. I burn the bones of a long-dead being with the searing touch of Svarog, the Slavic god of fire. From them, a life is born anew – as well as my brand new house.
Reka is a cozy game made for those who wouldn’t usually call themselves cozy gamers. Gnarled woods and whispering treetops do not always trigger the warm fuzzies in us all, but I’m already captivated. This sense of wonderment and fairy tale whimsy suffuses every inch of Reka’s spellbinding world, and though it’s still in Early Access, I’m more than convinced that Emberstorm Entertainment has created nothing short of magic.
A real Reka-ning
(Image credit: Fireshine Games)
Indie spotlight(Image credit: Panic)Turn-based fantasy RPG Arco packs big, branching decisions into a small and stunning not-Western world – now I see what all the fuss was about
Indie spotlight
(Image credit: Panic)Turn-based fantasy RPG Arco packs big, branching decisions into a small and stunning not-Western world – now I see what all the fuss was about
(Image credit: Panic)
Turn-based fantasy RPG Arco packs big, branching decisions into a small and stunning not-Western world – now I see what all the fuss was about
The old woman greets me with exasperation, as if I have been keeping her waiting. Immediately, I am put to task: gather mushrooms and honeycomb with haste. An important ritual is about to commence, and she will not stand for any more tardiness. You can read more about this particular moment of the game in ourReka previewbut suffice it to say that gathering honeycomb with the help of a murder of crows is one of the most unique scavenging mechanics I’ve ever seen. Everything about this dense woodland feels like a loving reminder of the folklore that the tale is based on, from the mischievous Lukti spirits dancing among the trees to the tense push and pull between the Old Gods and the new.
The ritual itself is a prime example of the sensitivity and reverence that Emberstorm has for Baba’s story. Shunned and alone out in the woods, all she has ever wanted is the return of her “friend, her love, her child”. The beautiful script writing encapsulates the pain that this old woman has gone through, and with the arrival of Reka in her life, she can finally be whole again.
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This fairytale introduction gives way to the base-building elements of Reka. Placing wooden planks, walls, and furniture is as simple as hitting the E key, with decoration and furniture items found hidden across this opening section of the game. Whether down the well, in return for services, or in locked chests peppered throughout the village and woodland, building a beautiful home looks like it will take a lot of time and TLC. Luckily, I have plenty of both – and set off with Baba Jaga down the river.
Reka is a stunning game, perfectly balancing its mystic narrative adventure with relaxing crafting, building, and other cozy game elements to create a truly unique experience. I’m only a couple of hours into my Reka journey, but the thrall of its power over me doesn’t feel set to wane any time soon.
Reka is out now in Early Access on PC. For more recommendations, head on over to ourIndie Spotlightseries.
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