Outerloop, an independent game developer, gained attention in the past with their game “Thirsty Suitors,” which combined role-playing battles, cooking, and skating in a story about a young woman reconnecting with her family and dealing with a quirky group of ex-lovers. Their latest release, “Dosa Divas,” stays true to their previous work but presents a more refined experience, focusing on a tale of family reconciliation set in a colorful and fantastical world.
While “Dosa Divas” excels in storytelling, some players may find themselves desiring more content in terms of rhythm-based battles, cooking challenges, and character narratives. The game introduces us to Samara and Amani, two sisters managing a family restaurant passed down to them. Amani returns home after a long absence, aiming to mend relationships with Samara and the family. In contrast, their younger sister Lina has built a business around a product called Lina Meals, which threatens traditional cooking practices.
The narrative unfolds over approximately 10 hours, delving into the sisters’ intricate past involving retired parents, former colleagues, and the central conflict with Lina’s corporation. A secondary storyline involving sentient robots known as DIVAs adds depth to the main plot, offering challenging encounters and intertwining mythical elements with the grounded family drama.
Gameplay in “Dosa Divas” revolves around exploration, turn-based battles, and cooking diverse dishes for in-game characters. Battles draw inspiration from classic RPGs like “Final Fantasy,” incorporating timing-based mechanics for added engagement. Cooking segments require players to gather ingredients and prepare meals through various mini-games, offering a mix of challenges alongside the core gameplay loop.
Despite its engaging mechanics, “Dosa Divas” occasionally struggles with pacing and incomplete narrative arcs due to the limitations of Outerloop’s small team. Some character stories feel underdeveloped, while thematic elements like worker exploitation within Lina’s corporation touch on darker themes beneath the game’s vibrant surface. The game’s strength lies in its portrayal of complex family dynamics and the challenges of reconciliation, presenting a heartfelt narrative uncommon in the gaming landscape.
Overall, “Dosa Divas” may lack the mechanical depth of larger RPG titles but shines in its storytelling and emotional depth. While some aspects could benefit from further refinement, the game offers a unique and sensitive exploration of family relationships. Players can now enjoy “Dosa Divas” on various gaming platforms, including PCs and major consoles.