GRAVEN
Developer(s)Slipgate Ironworks
Publisher(s)3D Realms
Fulqrum Publishing
EngineUnreal Engine 4
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 4
PlayStation 5
Xbox One
Xbox Series X/S
Release
  • Microsoft Windows
  • 23 January 2024
  • Consoles
  • 2024
Genre(s)First-person shooter
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Graven is a 2024 dark fantasy first-person shooter video game developed by Slipgate Ironworks and published by 3D Realms and Fulqrum Publishing. Often described as a spiritual successor to Hexen II, Graven incorporates elements of the action role-playing game and immersive sim genres to create an "action-adventure puzzler".[1]

Gameplay

Graven is an open-ended journey through three expansive regions, where the player will encounter both dangerous enemies and friendly townsfolk. Various hints, quests, and upgrades are obtained from the world's non-player characters. The player can find a wide variety of weapons and spells, each of which must be put to novel use in order to progress. While some spells may be used offensively, most of the combat involves using medieval weapons against eldritch monsters.[1][2]

The game supports solo play, split-screen co-op, and up to 4-player online play.[3]

Plot

Players assume the role of a faithful priest of the Orthogonal order, exiled for a crime of retaliation against the order for sacrificing his adoptive daughter. The game begins with the priest adrift in a swamp, ferried by a stranger to solid ground. He bestows vague instructions, along with a mysterious staff and book. The priest embarks to hunt down the foul heretical sects responsible for conjuring plagues and twisting the natural order of the seasons.[3]

Release

Graven was announced by 3D Realms and Slipgate Ironworks at the Realms Deep 2020 event on September 6, 2020.[2] The announcement included a 30-minute gameplay reveal.[4] The game was released on Microsoft Windows via early access on 26 May 2021. In September 2023, it was announced that the Windows version would be released in full on 23 January 2024, with console versions to follow later that year.[5]

Reception

Graven received "mixed or average" reviews for the PC version, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b Chalk, Andy (September 5, 2020). "Graven is what Hexen 3 would have been if Raven Software had a time machine". PC Gamer. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Knight, Shawn (September 6, 2020). "3D Realms announces Graven, the spiritual successor to Hexen II". TechSpot. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Wilson, Mike (September 6, 2020). "FPS Classic Hexen II Receiving Spiritual Successor in Graven". Bloody Disgusting!. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  4. ^ Lang, Brad (September 8, 2020). "Graven is 3D Realms' attempt at a spiritual successor to Hexen 2 and it looks rad". Critical Hit. Retrieved September 8, 2020.
  5. ^ Romano, Sal (September 30, 2023). "Graven launches January 23, 2024 for PC, later in 2024 for PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch". Gematsu. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Graven". www.metacritic.com. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
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