Outerloop, an independent game development studio, gained recognition a few years back with their title “Thirsty Suitors,” a unique game blending role-playing combat, culinary arts, and skateboarding, featuring a compelling narrative centered around a young woman reconnecting with her family and facing a colorful array of ex-lovers.
Their latest creation, “Dosa Divas,” maintains the essence of its predecessor while refining the gameplay for a more assured experience. The game revolves around a tale of family reconciliation set in a vibrant and fantastical world, offering a realistic portrayal despite its whimsical setting.
Critics note that “Dosa Divas” may leave players craving more content, particularly in terms of its rhythm-based combat and cooking mechanics, as well as the captivating stories of its charming characters. The game unfolds the story of sisters Samara and Amani, who once managed a family restaurant but are now on a journey to rebuild their bonds after a decade of separation.
Meanwhile, their youngest sister, Lina, has taken a different path, spearheading a corporation that promotes artificial food products, aiming to eliminate traditional cooking practices. This contrast sets the stage for a narrative exploring themes of connection, community, and corporate greed, intertwined with the complicated history of the siblings and their relationships.
In addition to the central plot, “Dosa Divas” introduces a subplot involving Goddess, a robotic food truck companion accompanying Samara and Amani, adding depth to the storyline. The game features turn-based battles akin to classic RPGs like “Final Fantasy” and “Dragon Quest,” where players strategically control characters to combat various foes, including corporate entities and sentient robots.
Players must also engage in cooking mechanics, sourcing ingredients to prepare dishes for the game’s inhabitants. This aspect involves mini-games that challenge players to create culinary delights by mastering tasks like chopping vegetables or spreading dosa batter, contributing to the immersive gameplay experience.
Despite its smaller development team, Outerloop’s narrative-rich approach in “Dosa Divas” showcases glimpses of intricate storytelling, although some narrative threads may feel underexplored due to time constraints. The game’s thematic depth delves into complex issues such as class disparities and ethical dilemmas, framed within the context of the sisters’ personal conflicts and their interactions with the DIVA mechs.
“Dosa Divas” strikes a balance between gameplay simplicity and narrative depth, offering a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics and personal growth rarely seen in the gaming landscape. While the game may benefit from further refinement in certain aspects, it presents a compelling story that resonates with players, setting the stage for future releases from Outerloop.
“Dosa Divas” is currently available for various gaming platforms, including PCs, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch consoles.