REKA is a simulation video game developed by Emberstorm Entertainment and published by Fireshine Games. It was released in early access on September 12, 2024, for PC on the Steam platform.
REKA catapults players into a world inspired by Slavic mythology, rich in magic and mysteries.In this adventure, the player takes on the role of a young apprentice witch who, under the guidance of Baba Yaga, explores enchanted forests and builds a very unique dwelling: a hut on chicken legs.
Magical Atmosphere and Slavic Influence
One of the most fascinating aspects of REKA is its atmosphere, which appears deeply rooted in Slavic folklore, creating a unique blend of past and magic. Every element of the game, from the soundtrack to the mysterious beings in the forest, contributes to evoking an ancient and enchanted world that pulses with mystery. The detailed and immersive graphics, combined with the warm colors of autumn, manage to transport the player into a peaceful and nostalgic environment, rich with references to legends and stories passed down through generations. The music, characterized by haunting tones and melodies that “speak,” further enriches this experience, giving the sensation of being in a living and breathing nature, as if every leaf and tree had its own soul.
Gameplay Mechanics: Building and Crafting
At the heart of REKA’s gameplay lies the construction of your own house and resource gathering. These mechanics offer the player a sense of freedom and creativity. Players must explore the surrounding environment to collect essential materials such as wood, stones, and plants. They also need to complete a series of missions assigned by non-player characters. Among these, Baba Yaga and various magical creatures of the forest offer quests. These quests expand the narrative and invite players to immerse themselves in the traditions of the Slavic world.
The customization of the house is a distinctive element of the game. It is extremely detailed and allows players to add functional furniture and decorations. These decorations reflect the player’s personal taste and style. The items unlock progressively, encouraging exploration and interaction with other characters and creatures. Additionally, the ability to gather resources using spells adds a touch of magic to the experience. This makes the gameplay even more immersive and engaging, creating a sense of true mastery over the magical arts as players explore the enchanted woods.
Optimization and Limitations
As REKA is still in early access, it exhibits some technical limitations that could affect the overall gaming experience, a common aspect in unfinished titles. Many players have reported frame rate drops, which can sometimes make sessions less fluid and compromise the visual and immersive quality of the game, especially during exploration in more detailed or element-dense environments. This aspect poses a challenge for players who prefer an uninterrupted visual experience, but the creators are aware of these issues and are working to optimize the game.
In addition to frame rate problems, some occasional bugs have been encountered, including interaction errors with objects or visual glitches, which require patches to resolve. While these bugs are not frequent, they can sometimes disrupt gameplay flow, necessitating frequent fixes from the developers.
Furthermore, the building mechanics, although creative and well-thought-out, present a certain level of complexity, especially for those unfamiliar with sandbox building systems. Managing architectural elements like roofs or walls can be cumbersome, requiring some time to learn and master. This can be a frustrating aspect for less experienced players, who may struggle to construct coherent or aesthetically pleasing structures.
However, the developers are showing great attention to community feedback, gathering suggestions to improve these features and constantly updating the game with new patches. This transparent and receptive approach is a positive sign that suggests a commitment to ensuring a high-quality final experience that meets the needs and expectations of the community.
Conclusion
REKA is a promising game for those who appreciate tranquil atmospheres infused with mythology and a relaxing gameplay experience. Despite some technical limitations, the evocative setting and the opportunity to explore a world inspired by Slavic myths make it unique. With further improvements in performance and greater ease of use in the building mechanics, REKA has all the potential to become a standout title among simulation and adventure games.
REKA is available on Steam.
REKA
PRO
- Atmosphere rich in magic and details inspired by Slavic folklore.
- Extensive customization of the house and interaction with the surrounding world.
- Engaging music that enhances the immersive experience.
CON
- Optimization still needs improvement with frame rate drops.
- Building mechanics are complex for less experienced players.
- Only one female character is available, limiting customization options.
6.5/10
