An Instant Classic
Indie games tend to air on the side of nostalgia. Whether it be notable titles such as Rogue Legacy channeling precision platforming or Paradise Killer, who relives the world of classic adventure games, the retro inspiration can not be denied within the indie space. Raji: An Ancient Epic by Nodding Heads Games takes this trope and pushes it to the next level. Taking a cue from its contemporaries, Raji nails a few key mechanics and combines them with a tried-and-true storytelling style to create an epic experience with a retro feel but in a style all its own.
An Inspired Journey
You are the titular Raji, a young circus performer who takes care of her little brother Golu. After a sudden attack by Demons, he is captured and taken away in the chaos of the melee. Blessed by Durga, the Hindu Goddess of War, she sets out to find her brother against the demon hordes that await her. You will go from ancient cities to lush cliff sides in this heroic story, with visuals that pop in every locale.
The paper-puppet style of the cutscenes complements the colorful 3D game world well and adds emotion to the storytelling. At times, it can be jarring to go from a sequence such as a boss fight into one of these cutscenes, but this does little to detract from the overall impact they have. The ancient Indian setting feels authentic with deep-rooted Hindu inspiration guiding Raji making it all feel like a modern-day God of War. This is also true for the action-based combat of the gameplay.
Chosen by the Gods
The combat in Raji is engaging and deep. The character herself is very agile and can wield a host of weapons in multiple ways and while she can take a beating, she isn’t invincible. Thankfully, her armory is upgradeable by finding hidden shrines off the beaten path and can enhance her weapons in wildly beneficial ways. Whether it be Durga’s Lightning enchanting her spear, or Vishnu’s Fire enchanting her bow, Raji’s weapons are always infused with elemental power. Even with such strength, she will still have to take full use of her acrobatic dodges, which thankfully work seamlessly with her attacks to keep the flow of combat fluid and action-packed.
This is to say nothing to the fantastic platforming in this title. Raji’s acrobatics brings a retro Prince of Persia style platforming which is a perfect fit in a world full of perils. You’ll wall run, climb and leap seamlessly from platform to platform using her skills. While the controls are snappy and responsive, PC players will want to use a controller for maximum platforming efficiency. These two elements combine in combat to make it even more of a diverse experience and each locale brings a new focus to the platforming to keep it all feeling fresh.
A Modern Fairy Tale
Without a doubt, Raji: An Ancient Epic will bring the retro gamer back to the PS2 era with its action-platforming feel. It will also feel fresh and engaging to the new player, with an emotional tale and stylish combat. The visuals are unique and beautiful, giving the game an undeniable sense of personality which is solidified by its eclectic gameplay. While it is a shorter game, it is the perfect title for anyone looking for an engaging and heartfelt experience. It is a mistake to overlook it.
