Developer – Emberstone Entertainment

Publisher – Fireshine Games

Platforms – PC (reviewed)

Review copy given by publisher

NOTE:

The following game is being reviewed in an Early Access State, the game may change after the release of this review, this review reflects the game at the time of publishing.

Reka, developed by Emberstorm Entertainment, is a game that wears its charm on its sleeve. Set in a gorgeously crafted world inspired by Slavic lore, it embraces an enchanting aesthetic that makes it the perfect autumn title for those craving a cozy, mystical atmosphere. In the little over four hours that I spent with the game, I experimented with the sandbox house-building mode, explored two visually stunning areas, and completed a small number of main missions and side quests. The game is still in its early access phase, so it has some rough spots, but it also has a lot of potential. Let’s get into it!

Pros

Visuals: The visuals are gorgeous, first and foremost. Despite its minimalist aesthetic, the game’s use of lighting and fog gives the environment a haunting beauty befitting its mystical and natural setting. Slavic folklore and witchy, earthy autumnal vibes permeate the setting, which is one of the most captivating aspects of the experience. You can tell that a lot of thought and care went into every aspect of the game, and the soundtrack does a great job of enhancing the serene and immersive atmosphere. This is a love letter to nature and it really shows on screen.

Storytelling: Even though it is still in its early stages, the story is already captivating. The side quests add depth and purpose, making it more than just a fetch quest loop. Particularly endearing are the minute details, such as the non-playable characters (NPCs) that have unique personalities and travel the world, giving the towns and villages a sense of life. You get a better understanding of the world’s precarious equilibrium and your role in preserving it through every conversation you have, whether it’s for the main quest or a side quest. Hopefully character animations and voice work are added at a later stage to help lift the material and allow it to resonate with the player more.

Base Building: The sandbox building mode is fun, and I’ve surprised myself with how much time I’ve spent decorating my house. Despite the clumsiness of some of the mechanics, there is a serene beauty to creating and personalizing your own little world. Building your house on top of a waling skeletal bird is quirky to say the least but also a whole lot of fun. The game does a great job of gifting you many rewards and collectables, that you can use to turn your home into your own personal space. Adding furniture, lighting and funky ornaments to your space to make it your own.

Cons

Bugs: There are a few bugs in Reka due to it being in Early Access. Quest markers stay on your map even after completion. Characters may be standing in mid air on occasion. Also, this was rare but I did have a full crash twice while mid quest. This is all typical stuff that I’m sure will be ironed out quickly by the developers. In the meantime, I would suggest saving your progress frequently to avoid disappointment.

Fiddly Build Mechanics: The building mode is enjoyable, though it can be unpredictable at times. Some parts of the system aren’t very user-friendly; for example, you can’t put ornaments on some pieces of furniture, so your house will look incomplete. It can also be really difficult sometimes to get a floor tile or a wall piece to snap to the position you want it to. Sometimes it feels like the mouse is fighting against you and your creative flair. It’s too bad, because personalization is key to the experience, and the gameplay would be even better with a more refined system.

Lack of Magic: This is a game where one of the main characters is Baba Yaga and you yourself play the role of an apprentice witch. So why the lack of magic then? I was taken aback by the absence of “witchy” aspects in a game centered around witches and magic. So far, the game lacks the ability to cast spells or make potions, which would be fitting for an experience immersed in folklore and mystical themes. With any luck, this will get more attention and hopefully we will get a lot more features added as time goes on.

Final Thoughts

There is no denying the potential and beauty of Reka, despite its current roughness. Subtly woven into the world’s story and gathering mechanics alike is the game’s central message of balance, which is to give back to the earth as much as you take. The world is diverse and interesting, and the Slavic-influenced mythology makes for an almost dreamlike mystical gaming experience. Bugs are a major problem that can ruin an otherwise interesting experience, and while the sandbox/building parts are entertaining, they could use some more work.

I would recommend Reka—with reservations—to anyone who enjoys games with rich lore, cozy environments, and exploration. While it’s in Early Access, you should definitely keep an eye on it and check for regular updates. It has the potential to become a standout title with additional polish and content, in my opinion. Right now, I’m really enjoying the world-building and can’t wait to see where this adventure goes from here.