Ravenbound Review: A Challenging Scandinavian Roguelite Adventure of Mythic Proportions | Side Quests

mmorpg.com:

Are you a roguelite fan that has always wanted to shapeshift into a bird? Ravenbound by Systemic Reaction is an action-packed roguelite game that catapults players into a world inspired by the rich tapestry of Scandinavian folklore and mythology. This third-person, action RPG game offers fast-paced combat, a permadeath system, and a mesmerizing fantasy open-world that will make you want to send a thank you note to the gods of gaming. However, be warned – its steep difficulty curve and occasional technical hiccups might leave some players praying to their inner ravens for mercy. Are you daring enough to venture into Avalt and embrace the challenge of being Ravenbound?

Ravenbound is a hybrid beast of a game, fusing action combat and a card upgrade system with a roguelite twist. You'll find yourself tossed into a brutal Scandinavian-inspired world, where your character may meet their permanent end – but worry not, your progress will still contribute to new cards and upgrades. The game begins with an opening cinematic that sets the stage: your character is merely a vessel for the power of the Raven, a force that continues to grow in strength even if the vessel (your character) dies. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to defeat the Wardens and claim their blessing, which will enable you to confront the Betrayer – an evil force that has filled the world with hatred and darkness.

The combat system in Ravenbound is the game's major highlight, and also pretty much the only real game mechanic available. There are very few quests, no crafting, and no grouping, but the combat and roguelike progression system are addicting enough to keep you hooked while you learn the ropes in the world of Ávalt.  Sure, it can be a bit