A year or two ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Damien Crawford, a practicing witch, about how video games represent magic. Today, I find myself recalling his insights as I delve into Emberstorm Entertainment’s latest creation, Reka. Published by Fireshine Games, Reka has just been given a Steam early access release window of Q2 2024. In this unique and moody survival-adventure game, players assume the role of an apprentice witch traveling through picturesque landscapes in a chicken-legged cottage provided by their mentor, the Baba Jaga. While Reka offers a whimsical and enchanting experience, some aspects could be further developed to fully immerse players in the magical world.
One of the standout features of Reka is the ability to explore the world in a mobile chicken-legged cottage. Players have the option to expand their cottage with second-floor extensions and decorate the interior with charming wooden furniture. However, it is worth noting that the game currently lacks the option to utilize gingerbread during construction. Additionally, the absence of a broomstick for aerial travel is a missed opportunity. Hopefully, these features will be added in future updates to enhance the gameplay experience.
Reka can best be described as a combination of the popular games Valheim and Black Book. Apart from building and expanding your cottage, the game offers a variety of activities, including taming creatures, mastering nature and earth-based magic, and gathering ingredients for potions and herbal concoctions. Villagers provide quests that allow players to either heal and assist them or unleash curses and poisons, embodying the fantasy of being a fierce witch in the woods. The forest landscapes in Reka are awe-inspiring, with sunlight filtering through lush foliage and ethereal deer gracing the surroundings. Moreover, the procedurally generated landscapes alleviate any guilt associated with traversing them in a colossal avian abode.
While combat is not explicitly mentioned in Reka, it is uncertain whether it would be a suitable addition to the game. The idea of confronting a rival enchantress in her very own walking house is intriguing, although the introduction of combat mechanics might compromise the overall atmosphere. Nevertheless, players may be curious about the potential for mounting harpoon launchers on the cottage roof or equipping the chicken-house with spurs for close encounters, drawing parallels to the legendary Baba Yaga and her Armored Core.
Potion-Brewing and the Occult Aesthetic
The game’s potion-brewing UI is visually appealing, featuring an animated hearth fire, a chopping board, and beautifully illustrated recipe cards. However, the recipes offered thus far seem rather mundane and lack the occult allure one would expect from a witch’s repertoire. Making porridge does not necessarily require magical expertise, as I can personally attest to having prepared it countless times myself. Perhaps future updates will introduce more intricate and mystifying recipes to truly capture the essence of witchcraft.
Emberstorm Entertainment, a young indie team based in Berlin, comprises passionate individuals who met while studying game design at university. Their aim is to develop games that are inclusive, enjoyable, and visually stunning. Based on the glimpses of Reka showcased so far, it seems they are well on their way to achieving those goals. Reka was even featured during RPS Magic Week in February, receiving positive feedback from Rachel (RPS in peace) and garnering attention from the gaming community. With their commitment and ambition, Emberstorm Entertainment is poised to achieve success with their upcoming early access release.
Emberstorm Entertainment’s Reka has all the makings of an exciting and enchanting adventure game. While there are areas that could benefit from further development, such as incorporating more magical elements into construction and potion-brewing, the game’s unique concept and immersive forest landscapes offer a promising experience for players. With its early access release approaching, Reka is poised to captivate gamers with its magical world and imaginative gameplay. As an aspiring witch myself, I eagerly await the opportunity to embark on this whimsical journey and explore the depths of Reka’s mystical realm.
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