Outerloop, an independent game development studio, made a notable impact a few years back with their game “Thirsty Suitors,” a unique blend of role-playing battles, cooking, and skating intertwined with a heartfelt narrative about a young woman reconnecting with her family and dealing with a quirky array of past lovers.
Their latest release, “Dosa Divas,” stays true to the essence of its predecessor but refines the gameplay, presenting a more confident experience while exploring a story of familial reconciliation set in a colorful and fantastical world. One of its drawbacks is that players may find themselves craving more content – more rhythm-based combat, culinary challenges, and deeper character stories. It’s akin to the initial season of a hit streaming series that left viewers wanting more episodes to fully flesh out its components.
The core narrative of “Dosa Divas” revolves around two sisters, Samara and Amani, who once operated a family restaurant. Amani returns after a decade away, aiming to reconnect with Samara and the rest of their family. On the other hand, their younger sister, Lina, has built a massive empire centered around selling a food substitute called Lina Meals, leading a movement to eliminate traditional cooking practices.
The game delves into the contrasting worlds of the sisters: the values of cooking, connection, and unity versus profit-driven motives that disregard human connections. Through approximately 10 hours of gameplay, players uncover the intricate history of the siblings, including interactions with their retired parents and former colleagues from the restaurant.
Additionally, a secondary plotline features Goddess, a sentient robot-food truck accompanying Samara and Amani, serving as the third member in battles. The other DIVAs present challenging boss encounters while adding a mythical layer to the grounded narrative of the sisters.
“Dosa Divas” gameplay revolves around three main aspects: exploration during the sisters’ journey, combat mechanics reminiscent of classic role-playing games, and preparing dishes for the populace. Players engage in turn-based battles against adversaries, employing timing-based actions for enhanced effectiveness. The culinary aspect involves gathering ingredients to craft meals, requiring players to master various mini-games for dish preparation.
While the battle system mirrors classic RPG mechanics, the cooking segments may feel less polished, occasionally lacking sufficient guidance on mini-game mechanics. Despite initial challenges, players gradually adapt to the gameplay loop, balancing exploration, cooking, and combat to progress through the game.
The narrative depth of “Dosa Divas” reflects Outerloop’s modest team size of 14 employees spanning global locations, including Canada. However, some storylines feel underdeveloped, leaving intriguing characters with untapped potential. The game occasionally delves into darker themes, such as exploitative labor practices within Lina’s corporation, underscoring the complexities of family dynamics and societal issues.
In conclusion, while “Dosa Divas” may not match the mechanical intricacies of larger RPG titles, its poignant storytelling and thematic exploration of familial bonds set it apart. The game offers a sensitive portrayal of reconciliation amid fantastical circumstances, hinting at future potential projects from Outerloop.
“Dosa Divas” is currently available for PCs and popular gaming consoles.