A Gothic Inspired Dark Exploration RPG That Was Worth The Wait - DROVA

Drova gameplay with Splattercat! Let's Play Drova and check out a game where you'll slap on the armor of a novice warrior and adventure throughout the land doing great deeds and petting sheep.
Download Drova : store.steampow...
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[@UnusualEcho]

I’m like 40 hours in and this game is amazing. I highly recommend anyone try it! It’s super hard at first but the feeling you get when you start one shotting the dogs that were chewing you up at the beginning and start being able to hold your own against the really big baddies alongside the epic warrior NPCs is incredible

[@fleshtonegolem]

Ya when you are finally one shotting enemies that used to give you a ton of trouble it feels SO GOOD. I love the pacing of this game, it's a regular dopamine drip. The map is packed with secrets and things to interact with and find.

[@steveharmon3293]

And you can still get clapped. It's amazing

[@steveharmon3293]

​@fleshtonegolem the pacing is out of this world good

[@5Poisons]

Could describe Piranha Bytes games (Like Gothic and Risen) in the same words. Sounds promising.

[@TheAussieLeo]

40 hours is always a good recommend

[@Rui301]

That talk while chopping wood was so well done. The pauses to chop wood did so much for the pacing. Weird how the small things make such a difference some times.

[@Dave-ef5mv]

I wanted to comment that too. That chopping talk was so smooth and natural. It something rare and unique, becuase games usually go, "Take these logs to the workbench, convert it into wood" And that's it.

[@andreasmartin7942]

Like people spitting on the ground occasionally. Also, the characters love their food. And their beer😊

[@harvester_of_sorrow96]

From that moment on when I played it, I knew I was up for a great experience with this gem.

[@BiigDaddyDellta]

Stopping by to say this game is amazing. One of my favorite quirks is that enemies dont respawn. However, the corpses stick around, and as you learn skills, you can revisit old kills and retrieve new stuff. Allows you to maintain interaction with the world while relentlessly exploring.

[@TheAwkwardGuy]

Not only that, but as you progress through chapters, the corpses decay and you can slowly see bones show up.

[@BiigDaddyDellta]

@@TheAwkwardGuy we were talking about this in the discord. We weren't sure there for a while. Thats awesome

[@JohnSmith-bh8um]

So eventually there will be nothing left to kill?

[@BiigDaddyDellta]

@@JohnSmith-bh8um correct

[@TheAwkwardGuy]

@@JohnSmith-bh8um There's always something to kill by the time you beat the game

[@retroinspect]

“If you’re a fan of Gothic” sold!

[@fleshtonegolem]

This is my favorite RPG I have played in a DECADE!!! Easily. This brings me back to Heros Quest series from Sierra, with a Dark Souls infused combat. I am SO in love with this game right now.

[@alimoorad5998]

Id love it if you could share why this game is so good!? Is it the story or freedom in quests? The quests themselves? Im not getting the hype. Granted, im watcjinf this with barely any volume and its night time. ill watch it tomorrow

[@fleshtonegolem]

@@alimoorad5998 There are so many ways to solve the same quest or problem. This is VERY non linear. The combat is difficult, but NOT impossible. Each enemy type has attack patterns you can learn and exploit. With the exception that there are plenty of enemies that will one shot you if you venture off the beaten path too early before you level up. I have been playing with a controller and love it. That alone gives it a +1 out of 10 for me. I'd rate this a 9/10 only because I don't know the full game. The story itself is engaging and you don't go more than 15-20min of gameplay without something interesting happening. I am 5 hrs in and have never felt a grind set in. That being said there is ZERO hand holding. If you aren't a fan of exploring and trial and error, it might frustrate you. Just go in with the mind set that you are ALSO seeing this world for the first time like the protagonist and it makes sense.

[@alimoorad5998]

@@fleshtonegolem Thanks a lot for the detailed response. I am now intrigued to try this game. I love the fact that you said there is no hand holding. Thanks again man!

[@kormakrtv]

Happy to see you picked it up again Splattercat, what a gem of a game

[@300SonsofOdin]

Dude, I've been an OG Gothic fan and played each game (except Arcania, but that's not a real Gothic anyways!) so much, I know them by heart now. It's absolutely fabulous how this game turned out. 10/10

[@MinecraftMartin]

Stopping 9 minutes in. Buying this. Got a little Outward vibes from it as well. Just enough to pull me in for an insta-buy. Thank you for the video!

[@johnnygames857]

Gothic outwards and a little death trash mechanics mixed together? Sign me up game purchased :)

[@djebble1]

Outward was a great game, this is just as good. It filled the itch it left

[@SuperRedNovaDragon]

I never finished outward it was an incredibly complex game, i loved it but at the time when i bought it my life was hectic so getting immersed in its survival and rpg stuff was really hard... but i definitely want to finish it one day... the game was super difficult cause i kept trying to go in like its dark souls and its not. I think when i stopped i got trapped in an area that i couldnt escape and never had enough heals to push through.

[@jakeholmes9296]

@@SuperRedNovaDragonhonestly outward is one of my favourite games still. Would definitely recommend giving it a go again at some point. The devs are working on Outward 2

[@jakeholmes9296]

One of my favourite games. I was thinking the same thing!!! Love outward

[@daniell1483]

I love old school style RPG sandbox. I'll never forget the first time I went to a Daedric ruin in Morrowind at a low level, and this local Dremora came up and claps me hard. Later went back and took my vengeance, but still, that moment when you feel like a really tiny fish in a pond with many bigger fish, its excellent.

[@Dark__Thoughts]

That's not what a sandbox is.

[@AoMTitansTheTownBytheMountain]

My beloved Morrowind also reminds me of it. Two cool toys. Only here there is more emphasis on battles, and there on exploring the world.

[@grabeck666]

This game is incredibly good and is made in a way that I was missing for years. Gives freedom, is full of interactions, no level scaling or any shit like that. Also sling! Super fun. I highly recommend this game to every RPG fan out there.

[@gharn2594]

This game is fantastic. I'm about 25 hours in and loving every moment. Both the quests and the free roaming exploration are excellent, fun and rewarding. I'm not usually into pixel art games, but highly recommend this one.

[@rovingut5171]

One of the best indie RPGs I have ever played, it's such a good game, I got 12 hours in and it's filled with content. Highly recommend (I swear I'm not getting paid for this XD).

[@ItsYouAreNotYour]

Gotta be kidding me.

[@darkplasmo7921]

Totally agree, I played the Demo and love it. Didn't know the game was out, well that's what this channel is for after all.

[@C.CUMM1NGS]

Already bought it, only thing i don't like are the maps basically crap.

[@botousai]

I'm maybe 15 hours in and it's still really amazing. I found some rare skills and am wrecking people now.

[@joe125ful]

Lol then you not play much of RPG games..

[@paulmeier8852]

Incredible game for RPG fans. Not many of games like this out there. A "passion project gothic like" comes around once in two decades.

[@pepperidgefarms165]

“Is that another bandit right there?” The bandit immediately turns to face him as he opens the inventory screen lol

[@snakeplissken111]

When a six man indie does exploration better than multi gazillion Dollar projects too damn afraid of making anybody feel lost for but a nanosecond.

[@Dave-ef5mv]

Thanks for the review splat. I saw it with another youtuber, and didn't catch my attention, but when you play games, that's when I can say if a game is good or not looking. you give a fair chance and play that gives you a good concept of the game to take your own decision. Thanks!

[@roulio33]

18:38 : the mouse going over the chest to lockpick but he didn't notice, right in my looter heart

[@Lost_Hwasal]

Love the art style. Reminds me of some old sega genesis games.

[@andreasmartin7942]

It is possible to enjoy this game even if you don't like the style, and that means something.

[@Akymma]

If you're a fan of Gothic and you miss those harsh old times, you're gonna love this game. 100% recommended for fans of the dark rpg genre.

[@TheWarrbringer]

Looks super cool! I actualy grew up with Gothic3 and love this idea, think I might try it, awesome review!

[@Skoshtwo]

I played Archolos this year and now this came out of nowhere for me. As a Gothic fan, this was a fantastic year!

[@PeterParkerspideypicscom]

we salute Piranha Bytes. i loved theyr games since i was a kid you will be missed

[@marcvanberkel8512]

Playing this game with a big smile on my face, reminds me when I first played gothic 2 when I was a kid. Also first time skyrim vibes.

[@dbaker280]

The comments are GLOWING! and it even has Mac support ❤

[@EnCey2]

Thank you splattercat! I love gothic and I love Drova, but I would have missed it if not for you.

[@Darkholow]

Isometric Gothic = SOLD! I played and finished all of the content in 55 hours and it was a blast from start to finish.

[@yamasaa]

Damn the sprite art is gorgeous

[@liamsinestra2902]

I am 13 hours + in and I love it so far! I've played Gothic before so this has been a treat. (Also my recommended said it was similar to Dragon's Dogma and Hollow Knight so I had to give it a try as I love both those games dearly!)

[@Opus_Fluke]

"Pirhana Bytes"? Now there's a name I haven't heard in a long time! Knew *exactly* what you were saying, man. Old School "don't turn left at the bridge or you'll die again" gameplay.

[@michalbezdek543]

I need to say this, Ive played this game for about 60 hours and I cant describe how good that game realy is. So i will say it... Its one of the best RPG that I ever played and I love it. Buy it, Its gothic without the clunky combat, old game controls and weird ending, it has one of the best worldbuilding and factions in a videogame history.

[@1981patx]

Fantastic Game and long time Gothic-Fan here, loving it 🙂

[@tunnfisk]

The game looks amazing. I love 2.5d pixel art style. I wish they would make an MMORPG in this theme. They would have to simplify the combat a little bit, and by that I mean, lower enemy HP and maybe a little bit of damage (if it was to be an MMO that is). Because it looks like every fight is a Dark Souls fight. Which isn't great for MMOs when you are going to spend 1k hours killing enemies. I wish listed it, and we'll see if I ever get around to it. 🙂

[@patches_]

One of the best games I've played in a while.

[@MeganDelacroix]

Splat's comparison to Piranha Bytes games is accurate: no respawning monsters.

[@maduit]

Some do respawn after certain chapters. But not after sleeping, yeah

[@MrGreekstatue]

I absolutely love it. It's really addictive and looks brilliant on switch oled. So far I find the mechanics easy to follow.

[@AoMTitansTheTownBytheMountain]

It looks like the coolest toy. There's everything I like. I would also like to be able to choose different game races, but it's already top-end.

[@Bajso84]

Incredible game. Love the soundtrack too.

[@BOKKENMMB]

That's a Polish person (me) dream seeing Diablo like Gothic game ! Lol even combat and non combat stance ... I'm so intrigued rn !

[@ryanbeattie9508]

Just got this on launch day and it is super fun so far and yea I also love Gothic, Risen and even Elex. So happy to have another game that’s similar but different:)

[@bodobagger38]

Super sweet Design!

[@chaosandcoffee]

Absolutely love this game. It's insanely good and full of content

[@Wolfsheim23]

Wow 40+ mins? I don't think I've seen a Splatty video this long!

[@witekmarcinow4030]

Man Goithic was so peak, shame what became of PB, Definitely will be checking this out

[@BigMek667]

I'm 15 hours in, love the gothic vibes, the game glues me to the screen

[@xspaniki]

this looks like perfect steam deck game !

[@Chronomatrix]

I bought this game but haven't played it yet. I didn't really think about it that much, saw it and was instantly sold.

[@Wastelandman7000]

That was one insanely tough wolf. A club would either put down or drive off a wolf. Skulls crack.

[@steveharmon3293]

I am obsessed with this game.

[@papiertje2261]

I'm already finished with my first playthrough, now I just want to play again and join the other faction haha and go as deep into mind/magic/focus as possible. This game is so amazing, the best game I've played since Gothic 2.

[@kolosmenus]

38:19 Missed the giant axe laying right there lol It’s needed for a quest later btw

[@Hexblithe]

Started watching the video expecting to be just another enjoyable watch but I'm genuinely interested and I wishlisted it. Never got to play Gothic because I didn't have the hardware that could run it and now I'm waiting for the remake. But this game could be a nice way to spend the time until that one comes out.

[@TheRealXartaX]

It looks pretty interesting, I also loved Risen (one of my favorite RPG's of all time). Will wishlist and look for a sale.

[@MrChaosCL]

This is one of those games that I saw, and I was like "okay I won't enjoy this, but I have literally nothing else to play, so why the fuck not". God damn, I loved this game. I had my rage moments with it because I just straight up suck at gaming, but I did love this game. Considering playing it again to get a different ending, but at the same time I was hoping that the ending I went with would have had more options. If you want a game you can finish in one run, or even play it twice, then it's fantastic. I personally pirated it, but once I get to a point where I can once again afford food, I'll be buying this game on Steam just to support the devs.

[@mr.strugglesnuggle6668]

Hungry devs die from caffeine withdrawals thanks to evil pirates like you. Shame on you

[@MrAlwaysRight]

Aw frick yeah, heckin stank toots.

[@scott-dt8zx]

My man Splat shows me another game I gotta buy n play!😂

[@galloe8933]

You've played Gothic in the mines, with Dragons, and Paladins, you've played the buggy mess that is Gothic 3 for the talking Orcs, you've played Gothic on a pirate ship, you've played Gothic in Space, but now it's time for ISOMETRIC Gothic! Ready to get your butt handed to you by random wildlife, until suddenly you don't? Did you beat Night of the Raven? I mean, really, have you tried at least to play the retranslated and updated version of Gothic 3 out of morbid curiosity? Then this may be the game for you. I think I'm sold.

[@flonkplonk1649]

Gothic 1 and 2 were the best RPGs I ever played.. it was so immersive and the world and characters so alive

[@Kveldred]

Wait what games are Gothic-on-pirate-ship and Gothic-in-spacr

[@galloe8933]

@@Kveldred Risen II, and the space one starts with an X. Just look up similar games to Gothic, I think it was the same team as Risen, as well but I'm not 100% if it was Parana Bites or now. The space one though takes place in space, but you crash on a planet that operates like Gothic, but with jet backs and guns and stuff. But also, like Gothic so you better believe there are axes and swords and stuff too, because hell yeah! I don't know though, it may not be that great because I didn't play it too long, or it could have conflicted with another game, and I forgot about it. Even so, I never forgot about the other Gothic/Gothic style games, even the part 3s, but something about it didn't click with me. I don't know what made it like that to me, but if you track it down, just know that something just seems off. At least to me, and I was psyched to play the Nameless Hero with guns.

[@Woeboez]

@@galloe8933 You mean Elex?

[@galloe8933]

@@Woeboez Yeah, that's the X one, I just have dyslexia of the memory, it would seem. Still, that's the one.

[@rodneybray5827]

Looks really cool but I'll be damned if my old reflexes are going to handle this.

[@aryman6589]

Looks awesome, hits close to Gothic and also Outward!

[@mauree1618]

Pretty neat.

[@plumbthumbs9584]

my sprigga. excellent!

[@sicotic2897]

What I loved about Gothic was Ctrl+Keys combat system. That was the best combat system I ever played. Risen and other games like witcher are just not interesting for me in combat... While story and graphics and everything else was superb, without entertaining Combat it is all shallow. I wish some game brings back Ctrl+Keys system, where weapon swings as you click as was G1/G2

[@kinghoodofmousekind2906]

This looks like something out of a dream...I may have to buy it, ngl.

[@Skinny_Norris_13]

Game of the year for me ❤

[@Syrin23]

This game is truly amazing

[@ATZag135]

ThankYouSirSpla77!

[@mangaas]

This games demo sold me on it, gonna pick this up for sure.

[@AjsanZ]

TIP!! You can use that thorny bushes to make those bandits bleed , just make sure to last hit them for the xp,,, welcom😊

[@jmillz4135]

Def gonna get this on sale

[@theswamps6589]

If you like gothic or action rpgs that are challenging, get this, got it 2 days ago and im 11 hours in having a blast, its so reminiscent of gothic the people arent lying! 38:12 imma just act like u didnt miss the main prize in that tent hahaha

[@carstenh3924]

You can break some of the crates if you hit them for extra loot.

[@Thanos1908]

The first Gothic is one of the GOATs

[@fabriciopenna1187]

Love the Gothic series and I'm loving this game, 20 hours in and so much stuff to do (If you like gothic, just buy this game, its NOT an early access title)

[@Ondar007]

Looks nice, wishlisted 😁

[@gilney.mathias]

already on my wish list for when i have the time for it 👍

[@Cuestrupaster]

This looks amazing.

[@razercore7591]

I bought this game but I can't recommend it if you hate spongy enemies. My biggest gripe in games is huge health bars and dealing very little damage. The fight at 36:00 is about what you can expect for a long long time (unless you're fighting more than 1 NPC at a time). Look forward to doing no damage and taking big damage for hours and hours. I gave up around level 6 and never actually found a point where this is not the case. I can beat enemies, but the fights just take too long to hold my attention. If you can get passed that, it's probably a decent game. I just couldn't.

[@OrcHunter-yb4ie]

When one gets older one beer can give one a good hangover in 2 to 3 hours. I know, sounds fishy, but it happened.

[@LaserGadgets]

Demo was so friggin great!

[@joe125ful]

What demo???

[@pb-bd9iv]

Yum. Thanks Splat.

[@SteveAkaDarktimes]

played it without knowing ANYTHING. I got the genuine Gothic vibes 15 minutes in. NPCs feel like people, you're a nobody, and you can't blindly trust anyone. in the beginning you're terribly weak, and have to pick fights, do quests, and be clever. NPCs react to stealing, animals warn you before attacking. its good! buy it and play it!

[@SolantisA]

3 minutes in and I had to close the tab... I'm sorry Splat, but... I can't let you spoil it for me any more than that lol Instant Buy!

[@Atilolzz]

I heard there is a secret boss fight in Drova which unlocks some amazing stuff, and some easter eggs in the Credits 👀

[@lupinschocolate]

this game slaps.

[@Mage-Andrey]

Ended up buying it, sank around 60 hours (single playthrough). The game is not without it's flaws, biggest one being sponginess of monsters. Another one - if you want to be a mage you can only become one very late. Aside from this - great game, sucked me right into it. Great atmosphere, music. Enough build variety without cluttering the game too much. 8/10

[@poppaexo]

Agree with every word. Only on chapter 3 though lol

[@EnCey2]

Sponginess: I decided that's a good / immersive thing. Yes I can kill a bear if I hit it 200 times and reload 50 times because it one shots me - but perhaps I shouldn't try to kill it when I'm a weak noob with a club, perhaps I should be wise enough to pick my battles, grow stronger and come back later, when I can kill it in 10 hits. I fully agree that health sponges are bad design, but here it's your call whether to waste your time because your gamer ego demands that you win that fight way earlier than you're supposed to, or whether you play a non-suicidal character that knows he can't possibly kill an undead harpy monster when a malnourished dog is giving him trouble and be on your way

[@Mage-Andrey]

@@EnCey2 That's a fair point. Thing is - even when you're on par with mobs they still feel spongy. All in all it's not a dealbreaker for me, and at least there's no mechanics that basically prevent you from damaging mobs if you're few levels behind.

[@Gigusx]

I'm a simple man, if it reminds me of Gothic it's a good game (and video).

[@alimoorad5998]

Wow! The comments section is full of praise for this game and im watching this at night on low volume and just based on the visuals I can't seem to understand why! Ive got this on my history now and will watch it tomorrow... But to all commenters that are reading this. Id love it if you could share why this game is so good!? Is it the story or freedom in quests? The quests themselves?

[@Bimbamboum555-r6b]

atmosphere, music, difficulty well balanced, choice you make/consequences later...

[@WorkwithMe287]

Theres a part in splat’s video showing the wood cutting bit. I remember playing that part and was like wow, i dont really find immersion in games that much especially pixel art ones, but the way they were having a conversation while chopping wood, the dialogue, it resonated with me. I fell in love with this game after that.

[@LOLchemmy]

All of them, especially the interaction between those npc, and also you can selling weed in drova lmao

[@5Poisons]

Art style specially with that stamina bar below character reminds me so much of Children of Morta. That starting area you're fighting the wolf in too gives me strong Risen 1 vibes. Looks interesting. Another game to the wish list. Thanks , Splat!

[@LearningRaven95]

The game looks great it reminds me of gothic too

[@Alwaysmoving1]

Bought this after seeing this. Unreal game, almost stopped playing an hour in, now im 15 in and completely hooked. Had a really bad save game problem where it asked me to pick my cloud or local save, but wouldnt let me see what data was in each i picked cloud, and it deleted 6 hours of my gameplay, but it was fine had fun replaying.... would love if this was coop.

[@Chimuposu]

It reminds of first time playing a baldurs gate dark alliance on GBA

[@soapy4821]

"If you do not like Piranha Bytes games" welp that's it for me then

[@noscopemonkey3369]

Stoneshard BIG UPDATE ON 16TH DECEMBER

[@Cuthawolf]

It's not my thing, but I love seeing something unique pop up like this. Hope it does really well :)

[@tipsluchaen]

It's Stone shard, but actually good.

[@Timmettie]

Bought it! But dude, it's so much way easier if you just play the game correctly. I can't really imagine how good you are at micro at dealing with these minions without just getting the right gear.

[@wolfieinu]

Death Trash, but fantasy. Sign me up dude!

[@GameTimeWhy]

It is available on GOG as well.

[@EffToyz]

wish-listed, thanks!

[@TheAussieLeo]

Looks interesting

[@extracheeseguy]

1:21 bought it. will run and finish the video on mute in the background since i think it helps the algorithm

[@kekipark77]

looks fun