Outerloop, an independent game development studio, gained recognition a few years back for their game “Thirsty Suitors,” which combined role-playing battles, cooking, and skating in a narrative following a young woman reconnecting with her family and dealing with past romantic partners. Their latest release, “Dosa Divas,” stays true to its predecessor but refines the gameplay experience, presenting a story of family reconciliation in a colorful and fantastical world.
One noticeable drawback of the game is that it may leave players desiring more content, particularly in terms of rhythm-based battles, cooking challenges, and further exploration of the endearing characters. It resembles a debut season of a popular streaming series that leaves viewers yearning for additional episodes to fully develop its plotlines.
“Dosa Divas” primarily revolves around the tale of sisters Samara and Amani, who once managed a family restaurant. Amani returns after a prolonged absence, aiming to reconnect with Samara and the rest of their family. In contrast, their younger sister, Lina, has established a massive food corporation selling a paste-like product called Lina Meals, which has garnered a devoted following. Lina’s agenda appears to involve eliminating traditional cooking practices, setting up a clash between familial bonds and corporate greed.
The game also introduces a subplot featuring Goddess, a sentient robot operating as a food truck that accompanies Samara and Amani. Goddess and other DIVAs, sentient robots aligned with the main characters, offer challenging boss battles and add a mythical layer to the sisters’ narrative.
The gameplay in “Dosa Divas” centers around three main components: exploration of various locations on the sisters’ journey, turn-based battles reminiscent of classic RPGs, and cooking dishes for the inhabitants. Players engage in battles against foes, utilize timing-based mechanics for attacks, and gather ingredients to prepare meals catering to customers’ tastes.
While the cooking mechanics may feel less polished than the combat system, they contribute to a satisfying loop of gameplay encompassing exploration, culinary challenges, and character progression through battles. Despite the game’s scope, some narrative arcs may feel rushed, leaving certain character stories underdeveloped.
“Dosa Divas” presents a poignant narrative of family dynamics and reconciliation within a vibrant and imaginative world. While it may lack the mechanical depth of larger RPG titles, its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced exploration of familial relationships set it apart. Players are left eagerly anticipating Outerloop’s future projects following this engaging and emotionally resonant gaming experience.