Drova: Forsaken Kin - Review After 100%

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  • Опубліковано 5 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 214

  • @steveharmon3293
    @steveharmon3293 2 місяці тому +226

    This game absolutely pays you back for time invested in it. So many times I went off the beaten path, and almost every time I was rewarded for it. I played for 35 hours before choosing a faction. I was fully invested in the world. When I made that choice at the end of Chapter 1, I had already finished what I needed to finish for Chapter 2, and the game recognized that with a line of dialogue. That alone makes this one of my favorite games.

    • @sodapopinksi667
      @sodapopinksi667 2 місяці тому +6

      That's high praise

    • @steveharmon3293
      @steveharmon3293 2 місяці тому +12

      @@sodapopinksi667 it really is as high as I can personally praise it. The game has flaws, but there's almost always something when you go looking for it. I think that's fairly unique in our time.

    • @jehhuty
      @jehhuty 2 місяці тому +2

      Really? I really need a side hustle

    • @steveharmon3293
      @steveharmon3293 2 місяці тому +4

      @jehhuty if you're implying I meant that it pays real-world cash for time invested, that's awesome. Hahaha.
      If not, woosh (on me). But I'm old.

    • @martysonn
      @martysonn 2 місяці тому

      @@jehhuty Yea really. Haven't you heard? You're not spending money on games and time in them, you're investing! Start investing right now!

  • @thomaspickering2344
    @thomaspickering2344 2 місяці тому +123

    Really loved this game. Incredibly perfect on the steam deck.

  • @Esty568
    @Esty568 2 місяці тому +49

    Deffinitelly among my GOTYs. Such a well-crafted rpg. It made me feel like the old games of my childhood.

  • @Darkholow
    @Darkholow 2 місяці тому +41

    Really happy that you decided to 100% this game and release this video, because this game deserves it and it's in my top 10 for this year. The game was phenomenal and I hope other RPG enjoyers see this and give it a chance, because I want more games like these. Thus far for me in the indie RPG scene it was Skald, Drova and Withering Rooms in 2024 as hidden indie gems.
    I also wanna thank you Mort for making a "check out Drova" video, because without you I would've of had found one of the best games I've played this year. So thanks again for that and the review! :D

  • @juniorceccon
    @juniorceccon 2 місяці тому +441

    I quickly read the title. "Drova: Foreskin"🤦

    • @cunicelu
      @cunicelu 2 місяці тому +9

      same :))

    • @sainsburyshopper
      @sainsburyshopper 2 місяці тому +44

      Think they’ll remove the subtitle in the Israeli translation?

    • @spencero3278
      @spencero3278 2 місяці тому +1

      Same

    • @spencerstevens2175
      @spencerstevens2175 2 місяці тому +2

      Yup. That is an unfortunate title

    • @battlericky17
      @battlericky17 2 місяці тому +1

      Unfortunately i read “Drova: Unshaven) I DONT KNOW WHY

  • @szwajcer9862
    @szwajcer9862 2 місяці тому +120

    Interestingly enough the studio behind the game, Just2D, are college buds from Germany. Piranha Bytes was also a German studio so maybe Germans do love their jank.

    • @Estorium
      @Estorium 2 місяці тому +14

      Gotta love Euro-jank!

    • @3r0da
      @3r0da 2 місяці тому +12

      Yeah we do love our Jank xD

    • @hjparcins
      @hjparcins 2 місяці тому +29

      This game has flat-out zero jank, though. It's just a sick eurorpg.

    • @armelior4610
      @armelior4610 2 місяці тому +14

      From what I understand Gothic is beloved in Germany, it's not that surprising that some local devs try to emulate it

    • @szwajcer9862
      @szwajcer9862 2 місяці тому +19

      @@armelior4610 Yep, it has a cult status especially in Germany and Poland where it had a big influence on the first Witcher game.

  • @edt1201
    @edt1201 2 місяці тому +38

    Best indie I played all year. Was not on my radar at all until Splattercat played on his channel.

    • @steveharmon3293
      @steveharmon3293 2 місяці тому +4

      @@edt1201 splat first played it over a year ago, and it's wild how much improvement was made between that version and the final product.

  • @vomm
    @vomm 2 місяці тому +20

    Drova is my personal Game of the Year. Of course it's Indie and it smells Indie but is so well made and polished without being fancy, a true RPG gem. I love games where you can feel how much the devs love it themselves. If it had better dialogues, and some characters to bond with, it would be in my top 10 RPGs ever, but so it is at least the best one this year for me.

  • @Paul.Nastasia
    @Paul.Nastasia 2 місяці тому +10

    On my second playthrough. And i'm still having a blast. If it wasn't for your video from some time ago and the Gothic community, i would bever have discovered it as i'm on console and thought it was only on PC

  • @jacoporegini8841
    @jacoporegini8841 2 місяці тому +18

    It was an absolute blast. Can't wait for the sequel.

  • @boburrides
    @boburrides 2 місяці тому +10

    My goty for sure! I absolutely adored every second of the 50 hours I've put into it. Once again an indie reignites my love for games. Can haardly wait for Drova: Elysium

  • @RobVespa
    @RobVespa 2 місяці тому +2

    Thanks, Mort. I enjoyed your impressions of Drova and this review has me more intrigued. Looking forward to trying this out. All the best.

  • @BasherFehnk
    @BasherFehnk 2 місяці тому +8

    This game is masterpice that we were missing. Pixel art is top notch. Combat us fluent and fun, character progression is simple and meaninfull, dialogs dont drang too much. Open world, a lot of secrets, the fine fine line where you are rewarded for exploration but not penalized for the lack of it. Its a game for all ages, really. Develop the sequal. Release tomorrow

  • @dhvandenb4208
    @dhvandenb4208 2 місяці тому +3

    Awesome! Excellent timing! I have been waiting for this review and I am really glad you just released it!

  • @Raketenkurt
    @Raketenkurt 2 місяці тому +7

    Great game. I didn't have this on my radar until a couple of days after it's release and it quickly became one of my favorite (maybe the favorite?) titles of the year. Exceptional work by the developers.

  • @lvdroast
    @lvdroast 2 місяці тому +9

    As someone who grew up on gothic, this was an unexpected throwback and my surprise GOTY, amazing game

  • @MangyB4033
    @MangyB4033 2 місяці тому +9

    I honestly think reviewing a game after the initial release is helpful sometimes. For gamers, games often get missed in the myriad of releases and it's almost a reminder like "Oh yeah! I wanted to check that out." I just wishlisted it after seeing this.
    For devs it brings the game back into the conversation while it's still new.

  • @mhjmstultiens
    @mhjmstultiens 2 місяці тому +4

    Lot of love for Drova here. Definitely should pick this one up.

  • @NotXsoXoptic
    @NotXsoXoptic 2 місяці тому +5

    Was on the fence but Mort’s words plus the glowing comments, imma pick this up

  • @Mereinid
    @Mereinid 2 місяці тому +7

    Thanks, Mortium. This had popped up on my *You might be interested in this." carosel, on Steam. I had it blocked as I don't tend to like blocky oldy style Isometric games. (Ultima type Isometric). But, thanks to you! I am probably going to purchase this for the upcoming weekend. I love me some Jank-Gothic.. So thanks for the upvote and well done. Have a good rest of the week. (I guess I'll get back to work 😉)

  • @Duskull666
    @Duskull666 2 місяці тому +13

    Indie game of the year!

  • @Arios189
    @Arios189 2 місяці тому +3

    I am very happy that you reviewed this title.

  • @spacemonkeyentertainment6413
    @spacemonkeyentertainment6413 2 місяці тому +3

    There's things that i would change, but it's genuinely one of the best experiences i had with a game this year. Almost done with the second playthrough and i can see where things are a bit "samey", but still having a blast. The lack of mapmarkers etc. (you can asign stamps on the map and create your own navigation, but no arrow pointing the way for example) was great and just reminds me how much i want this to be an option in other games.

  • @adriancoleman2876
    @adriancoleman2876 2 місяці тому +9

    I loved this game

  • @B0311Anakin
    @B0311Anakin 2 місяці тому +1

    I've been looking forward to your review! This is a game I'd love to pick up as a physical too.

  • @vit4mint685
    @vit4mint685 2 місяці тому +3

    Really great game. Enjoyed every single moment through it. Explored every nook and cranny (that i could find). The progression from start to finish is satisfying, the story elements flow well, world-building handled exceptionally well.

  • @KamSlom
    @KamSlom 2 місяці тому +1

    Was waiting for that review.

  • @OhQueso10291
    @OhQueso10291 2 місяці тому +3

    This game brings me back to gaming when I was a kid. Saving every 5 seconds because I don't know what a choice is gonna do. Also can't find guides worth a damn so it's the wild west of this title. Love it.

  • @Pintheshadows
    @Pintheshadows 2 місяці тому +1

    This, Beyond Galaxyland, and Bloomtown, are my favourites this year.
    They are all made with passion and it shines through despite any shortcomings they might have.
    Three indie darlings that knocked it out of the park.

  • @lovire2299
    @lovire2299 2 місяці тому +4

    So I hadnt played Gothic before but just loved the premise of the game is it was only 30 aud on the launch sale.
    I loved this game so much I have bought and started playing Gothic 1 and I can say it is a lot of fun despite being a 20+ year old game. There is something really appealling about the progression in these games, the fact that human enemies are terrifying at the beginning but then become easy later after genuinely improving combat talents and getting better gear is a really nice feeling.

    • @FalkFlak
      @FalkFlak 2 місяці тому

      If it's too janky give Gothic2 (my favourite) a try which is still quite playable even today.

    • @ivansmith6544
      @ivansmith6544 Місяць тому

      totally agree! Except for the bandits in one of the late sidquests who could eat all of the game's bosses for breakfast.

  • @garchomowner
    @garchomowner 2 місяці тому +3

    Honeslty goty contender for me. At least one of my favorite game this year. I couldn't just put it down when i played it. Some aspects like writing and choices fall short, but it was still an immensely enjoyable game. I played on release and there are relatively little bugs. The biggest was a side quest that wouldn't finish and it was resolved in the first major patch.

  • @stefeeNRG
    @stefeeNRG 2 місяці тому +9

    A really interesting title. I am not a big fan of the graphical style they went for but I absolutely understand that this is an indie game after all. Definitely gonna get this one

    • @vjekoslavranogajec1900
      @vjekoslavranogajec1900 2 місяці тому +3

      I love it because it runs on my shitty laptop with iGPU lol

    • @reinach77
      @reinach77 2 місяці тому +2

      Being indie isn't really an excuse for the style. They chose to do it like this because they are nostalgic.

    • @stefeeNRG
      @stefeeNRG 2 місяці тому

      @reinach77 Well I suppose you're right. But then again, the gameplay elements did receive a lot of praise and I am sure that the game is immersive and fun despite the visuals 😉

  • @Arxfatal1
    @Arxfatal1 2 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for taking the time to review this "small" game which nonetheless has a strong appeal for many RPG fans.

  • @LokiHades
    @LokiHades 2 місяці тому +1

    Drova and Elin are my two contenders for my personal game of the year. Fantastic love letter to Gothic with it's own charms, plenty of references to other games and even the Gothic community (Lorthiz should stand out as a cartographer for example), and active and passionate devs who engage well with the community. I cant wait for the major patches and for Just2D's future projects!

  • @ChuckS117
    @ChuckS117 2 місяці тому +1

    I can't be the only one that has always wanted to play the game from Mortismal's intro. I know it doesn't exist, but I want to play it.

  • @STACHUIANDRZEJ
    @STACHUIANDRZEJ 2 місяці тому +4

    high hopes for a sequel they rly did setup world well

  • @ecbrown6151
    @ecbrown6151 2 місяці тому +1

    Looking forward to jamming out on this one next weekend

  • @coconutologist
    @coconutologist 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for the video. It is impressive when games make "depth" optional content. Most games have it that just by completing the main game you will be familiar with 80% of the content. But when there's a lot to do before you beat the game, or even a lot more to do after you beat it, then you know you have a remarkable title. Onward to 400k. All glory to the algorithm.

  • @zulium
    @zulium 2 місяці тому +1

    I was skeptical about this game but I got it when it went on sale and oh man, I absolutely fell in love with it. Unlike Mortym I hardly ever 100% games, but I'm just a few hours away in my second play through in Iron mode before I get all the achievements. Really cool world, fun combat, and so many secrets and hidden things to uncover.

  • @junk3996
    @junk3996 2 місяці тому

    im really looking forward to picking this up and diving in
    might not be before the holidays, but i'll try my best for it to be

  • @vagabondNS
    @vagabondNS 2 місяці тому +2

    Every game that looks like gothic make me happy 😊

  • @acquij
    @acquij 2 місяці тому

    So glad this game is getting attention, high up on my to-play-list. Awesome review as always.

  • @Eener1000
    @Eener1000 13 днів тому

    For some reason the game reminded me of Secret of Evermore. This game was SO worth the money. You just feel that this is something the devs put a lot of soul and love into. It is fleshed out, has a lot of content and is well rounded ( doesn't just focus on one gimmick like a lot of other "indie" rpgs)

  • @Mariofan7
    @Mariofan7 2 місяці тому +5

    You got me at the “indie gothic style game”. Take my hard earned money

  • @ropocop
    @ropocop 2 місяці тому +1

    Such a great game. Exciting exploration with nice RPG elements. Very atmospheric. Indeed a great game for the Deck-my only issue with the Deck was the default darksoulsy bumper controls, which are for my hands at least not optimal on the Deck. I mapped hit and block to the backpedals.

  • @SuperRainbol
    @SuperRainbol 2 місяці тому +2

    One of the best games I've played, they captured the piranha bytes experience better than even the later piranha bytes games like Elex

  • @painfullyaware5221
    @painfullyaware5221 2 місяці тому +2

    Re: combat; nothing wrong with a good ol' hack-n-slash game, imo.
    Great video!

  • @Fjuczers
    @Fjuczers 2 місяці тому +1

    RPG without level scaling but with perfectly planned and balanced world? No way... Must buy for me!

  • @TheRubsi
    @TheRubsi 2 місяці тому +1

    Feels like it was invented for the steam deck, lol. My dream Steam deck rpg, I will get it for the holidays.

  • @krimm
    @krimm 2 місяці тому

    Amazing game! Loved the exploration, you really got rewarded for it. Also love how NPCs screw you over and lie, like that whole kidnapping quest was so great - and totally missable. Breath of fresh air!

  • @KneadyBatch
    @KneadyBatch 14 днів тому

    Game is absolutely a gem, I don’t usually write reviews but holy moley I was so invested in the story

  • @GeeGeePrime
    @GeeGeePrime Місяць тому

    Great video thanks man

  • @GoMhCV
    @GoMhCV 2 місяці тому

    May I humbly recommend Elin? Newly released game, supposedly prequel to Elona. Would love a review of Elin! The Horizontal experience from skills to item crafting and traits, races are super diverse!

  • @jepeman
    @jepeman 2 місяці тому +1

    I find it weird to say there aren't a lot of choices and consequences, since picking a faction cuts you off most of the other factions quests.
    You can somewhat work around it (like in Gothic) by doing as many quests as possible for each of the factions before choosing the one you actually join.
    On top of all the different ways to solve things.

    • @FalkFlak
      @FalkFlak 2 місяці тому +1

      it's really weird. I haven't played Drova yet but in my experience most choices in CRPGs don't matter.
      What else could it be than "Game World looks different" and "different NPCs come and go"?
      Would be interesting to know what Mort sees as a proper RPG choice.

  • @sincere42O
    @sincere42O 2 місяці тому +1

    Chapter 3 punched me right in the gut. I was not prepared for those feelings.

  • @monanna3453
    @monanna3453 2 місяці тому +5

    Here we go another banger of a review, love the content mate keep it up! you certainly do set yourself apart from the rest. thank you sir!

  • @Kododie
    @Kododie 2 місяці тому +2

    Game is so open you can basically skip act 2 and go straigh to act 3. And you're not missing anything that way you simply done act 2 content in act 1. I managed to hit level 21 and get the legendary armor in act 1, that is before joining any faction.

  • @Haddomne
    @Haddomne 26 днів тому

    No overdramatic trailer, no movie stars, no 3D ultra realistic graphic, no voice. Just a good game

  • @a15an
    @a15an 14 днів тому

    Just 100% this one with good ending and oh god, what a masterpiece that was. indie goty of 2024 for sure.

  • @The-Anti-Midas
    @The-Anti-Midas 2 місяці тому

    Never heard of this till now, looks really cool.

  • @warrend2880
    @warrend2880 2 місяці тому

    Of course another game I hadn't seen and Mort reviewed and looks great to me, picking it up after work tonight...

  • @patatacaliente8270
    @patatacaliente8270 29 днів тому

    I still hope that the devs behind Piranha Bytes will somehow start a new studio and win the funding to create a worthy new instalment of the Gothic series. For the time being, though, we will have to do with this title and the upcoming Gothic 1 Remake ...

  • @Xalantor
    @Xalantor 2 місяці тому +2

    So this is how I find out Piranha Bytes shut down. :(
    Gothic was my first serious video game and completely sucked me in. Also the first game I played 24 hours straight. No surprise to be honest, it was just a question of time. In the end they never figured out why people liked their games and tried to focus on the wrong things.
    I put Drova on my wishlist. More gothic-like RPGs need to exist. But my personal hang up is the top down perspective. Third or even first person allows a much closer connection to the character you're playing and the world you move in. The Immersion is just much higher. Seeing some interesting PoI in the distance or emerging from a cave/dense wood to finally see your goal are just impossible in 2D and IMO a big part of RPGs. I hope they find success, build upon their accomplishments and at some point move beyond their studio name into the 3D world.

  • @murdockreckless88
    @murdockreckless88 2 місяці тому

    The review I’ve been waiting for.
    I hope Gothic Remake won’t get cancelled.

  • @veespa_
    @veespa_ 2 місяці тому +3

    8:13 “presser-veer-ance”? I think you meant “perseverance”? 😅 sorry I’m totally being “that guy”, I just had to give you a hard time lol. I’m liking this game a lot! Thank you for the review my friend.

  • @ska187
    @ska187 2 місяці тому

    This game is awesome. I too 100% the game and even got the vortex mask. That’s how I much I loved it. My biggest gripe is that it’s labeled a CRPG on steam when it’s most clearly not. The choices are superficial and don’t really matter. The devs have a story to tell and want to tell it their way. There is the secret ending which is rewarding to get but that doesn’t change that the choices you make like what faction you choose doesn’t affect the plot very much up to the end. RPGs are about choices and drova has very few that matter.

  • @chrisfrolik4014
    @chrisfrolik4014 2 місяці тому

    Curious if you're planning on doing a full review of Alaloth: Champions of the Four Kingdoms.

  • @lorgren4002
    @lorgren4002 2 місяці тому

    As a big gothic fan I'm going to buy, hope they continue and make sequel :)

  • @mattheworman7779
    @mattheworman7779 2 місяці тому +2

    Do you not link to the steam store? I’d like the devs to know I got it based on your review

  • @nwahally
    @nwahally 2 місяці тому +2

    Interesting. I have heard the sentiment that Drova's combat is pretty much the best RPG combat system from other creators multiple times now. Seems a least that did not hook you.

  • @Howaboua
    @Howaboua 2 місяці тому

    I am desperately waiting for the community feedback patch which is coming at the end of November.
    It's honestly rather hard.
    Edit: To clarify. I haven't bought it yet. I don't wanna play it before the patch drops 😅

  • @ignaciogobet605
    @ignaciogobet605 2 місяці тому

    Think maybe you can drop the 100% requirement eventually. You are still informative and nice to listen to. I think your fan base respects you. And some games must be a pain to 100%.

  • @clifcorcoran9917
    @clifcorcoran9917 2 місяці тому +2

    Drova UA-cam Jazz 🎶

  • @deadlykitten1158
    @deadlykitten1158 2 місяці тому

    I haven’t had to time to beat the game yet, I’ve visited each faction (including some secret underground one)
    I intend to make time for it though it is a fun game.

  • @parttimehero8640
    @parttimehero8640 2 місяці тому +1

    Honestly fast travel should always come at a cost and be limited to key locations

  • @0oidiedinatimemachineo024
    @0oidiedinatimemachineo024 2 місяці тому

    I like the style and the art. Reminds me of like an action JRPG but with european looking design

  • @onatgz
    @onatgz 2 місяці тому +2

    hello,
    free comment.
    best regards,

  • @Cassandra112
    @Cassandra112 2 місяці тому

    everyone in my friends list playing this, is raving about it.

  • @Jean-LucPicard85
    @Jean-LucPicard85 2 місяці тому

    Drova was a pleasant surprise for me.

  • @Atilolzz
    @Atilolzz 2 місяці тому

    I was hoping you would review Drova first and then Dragon Age Veilguard, but better late than never!

  • @Dracobyte
    @Dracobyte 2 місяці тому

    I hope you can do another video about "Songs of Silence", now that the game launch its 1.0 version.

  • @Elvendertig1130
    @Elvendertig1130 2 місяці тому

    Absolutely loved this game.

  • @razvanambarus7905
    @razvanambarus7905 2 місяці тому

    Man i have a voucher on steam and i wanna but rogue trader drova and age of wonders 4 when they go on sale next time....
    ty for the review
    Also again trying to help the dev and spread the word there is a mobile game Paign 2 that has a very good copy of Gothic mechanics and feel.

  • @cardassa
    @cardassa 2 місяці тому

    I read the name as Drova's Foreskin, laughed my ass off and now can't unsee it. I need help!
    PS: Not interested in the game. Now that I am actually worried that my mammoth of a rotting library on steam might actually outlast me, I have to get critically petty about the games I have to add to my library. Never been much for nostalgia but that art direction reminds of games on the gameboy, the only difference is that back then I had to force myself to look past the art to enjoy the game not the other way around.

  • @kaidorade1317
    @kaidorade1317 2 місяці тому

    This guy doesn’t sleep

  • @Obiwaz
    @Obiwaz 2 місяці тому

    Foreskin looks like a great game!

  • @TheFlauah
    @TheFlauah 2 місяці тому

    I'm really enjoying this game, I'm having a hard time choosing a faction though rofl. I'll just decide randomly at this point.

  • @CvntForceDrama
    @CvntForceDrama 2 місяці тому +1

    I wish it would release a physical for switch

  • @Erosgates
    @Erosgates Місяць тому

    I just purchased this & Dragons Dogma 2. Not sure as to which one I wish to play first…

  • @Teapode
    @Teapode Місяць тому +2

    Was enjoying the game for first 20 hours. Armour in that game is most important thing, and I had Hewer and was dying all the time. All because I wanted to return Filthy ring later, when I don`t need it. And you need to return it to get armour. It is just a unintuitive way to give player the most important item in the first act. You get tonns of weapons everywhere, but not armour. After dying all time, I started to look for hints on internet and after that it became just wiki walkthrough game for me.

  • @danielstarr8957
    @danielstarr8957 Місяць тому

    is 21:9 support planned on the roadmap?

  • @JavisoGaming
    @JavisoGaming 2 місяці тому

    Please include the Steam link to the games you review. Thanks!🙂

  • @emoboy163
    @emoboy163 Місяць тому

    I always wanna play through Gothic but man the controls are wild nowadays lol so this is probly the next best thing

  • @joshuadickey4894
    @joshuadickey4894 2 місяці тому

    Awesome Game. I only wish enemies would respawn after a time. It sucked not having much to fight in later acts.

  • @soggie7157
    @soggie7157 2 місяці тому +1

    Nice review. But isn't this just top-down thought? Isometric is a very specific definition.

    • @MortismalGaming
      @MortismalGaming  2 місяці тому +5

      There is indeed technically a very specific definition for isometric but seeing how almost no games actually use a truly isometric angle (most of them are dimetric) the term is used to broadly refer to the practice. Top down is also used broadly but usually refers to camera that is more directly above the character as compared to the more diagonal view here. Certainly some room for interpretation though.

  • @Blasted2Oblivion
    @Blasted2Oblivion 2 місяці тому

    Piranha byte shutting down hurt. Not least because I really wanted Elex to keep going.

  • @AA-ke5bd
    @AA-ke5bd 2 місяці тому

    Given the name, playing this on the deck is most ideal.

  • @erikskoog8415
    @erikskoog8415 2 місяці тому

    Good show sir

  • @pninnan
    @pninnan 2 місяці тому

    What games do you think have the best combat?

  • @asham868
    @asham868 2 місяці тому

    Isometric gothic. Sounds like a great time for me