Outerloop, an independent game developer, gained attention a few years ago with their game “Thirsty Suitors,” blending role-playing battles, cooking, and skating in a heartfelt narrative about a young woman reconnecting with her family and dealing with a colorful array of former lovers.
Their latest offering, “Dosa Divas,” stays true to its predecessor while refining the gameplay for a more confident experience. The game revolves around a tale of family reconciliation set in a fantastical world, offering a realistic portrayal despite its whimsical backdrop.
One notable drawback of “Dosa Divas” is that it may leave players craving more content, particularly in terms of rhythm-based battles, cooking mechanics, and further exploration of its endearing characters. It’s akin to the first season of a popular streaming series that could benefit from additional episodes to fully explore its elements.
The storyline of “Dosa Divas” primarily focuses on sisters Samara and Amani, who reunite after a prolonged separation to run a restaurant inherited from their parents. Meanwhile, their younger sister, Lina, has become a prominent figure in the business world, promoting a food substitute while targeting traditional cooking practices.
The game introduces a subplot involving Goddess, a sentient robot-food truck accompanying Samara and Amani on their journey. Other DIVAs, sentient robots allied with the main characters, present challenging boss battles and add a mythical layer to the narrative.
“Dosa Divas” gameplay centers around three main aspects: exploration during the sisters’ journey, turn-based battles against adversaries, and preparing dishes for hungry individuals. The battle mechanics involve timing-based actions reminiscent of classic RPGs, requiring players to execute attacks strategically.
Players gather ingredients from the game world to craft dishes catering to specific tastes, engaging in various mini-games like chopping vegetables or spreading dosa batter. While these cooking segments lack polish compared to the combat system, they contribute to a satisfying loop of progression and character development.
Despite its mechanical simplicity compared to larger RPG titles, “Dosa Divas” offers a poignant exploration of family dynamics and reconciliation. The game’s narrative, though occasionally rushed due to time constraints, presents a candid portrayal of complex relationships and unresolved conflicts.
In conclusion, “Dosa Divas” may have room for improvement in certain gameplay aspects, but its sensitive approach to storytelling sets it apart. Players can access “Dosa Divas” on PCs, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch consoles for an immersive gaming experience.
