Outerloop, an independent game development studio, gained attention a few years back with their game “Thirsty Suitors,” which combined role-playing battles, cooking, and skating in a heartfelt narrative about a young woman reconnecting with her family and dealing with a quirky group of ex-lovers.
Their latest release, “Dosa Divas,” stays true to the essence of their previous game but refines the gameplay, offering a more polished experience. The game revolves around a story of family reconciliation set in a colorful and fantastical world, portraying realistic themes despite its whimsical backdrop.
One area where “Dosa Divas” falls short is in leaving players craving more content – more engaging rhythm-based battles, cooking challenges, and deeper character stories. It’s akin to a breakout TV series’ first season that ends too soon, needing more episodes to fully explore its components.
The game primarily follows the journey of sisters Samara and Amani, who reunite after Amani’s decade-long absence. Together, they aim to revive their family-run restaurant amidst the rise of a corporate empire led by their youngest sister, Lina, who promotes a meal replacement product, threatening traditional cooking practices.
The narrative highlights the contrast between familial bonds and corporate greed, delving into the complex dynamics among the siblings, their parents, and former restaurant colleagues. Additionally, the introduction of DIVAs – sentient robots aligned with the main characters – adds a mystical layer to the sisters’ tale.
In terms of gameplay, “Dosa Divas” offers three main elements: exploration, turn-based battles reminiscent of classic RPGs, and cooking dishes for various characters. Players engage in timed attacks during battles and partake in mini-games to prepare meals, requiring ingredient collection and culinary skill challenges.
While the battle mechanics are solid, the cooking segments may feel slightly less refined, with some players struggling initially due to minimal tutorials. However, as players acclimate to the mechanics, a satisfying loop of exploration, cooking, and combat emerges, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Despite the game’s engaging narrative and mechanics, some narrative threads feel underdeveloped, possibly due to time constraints. Certain themes like class disparities and ethical dilemmas raised within the story warrant further exploration, hinting at missed opportunities for deeper storytelling.
“Dosa Divas” succeeds in offering a heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics and reconciliation, presenting a refreshing take on storytelling within the RPG genre. While it may not boast the complexity of larger-scale games, its emotional depth and sensitivity set it apart, leaving players eager for Outerloop’s future projects.
“Dosa Divas” is currently available for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch platforms, inviting gamers to immerse themselves in its unique blend of storytelling and gameplay experiences.
