Creatures of Ava Review | A Story-Rich Cozy Non-Pokémon Game

Most people will assume that Creatures of Ava is your typical creature-collecting action-adventure game, similar to Pokémon. However, it is far removed from it. Creatures of Ava has its own unique twist to an ever-evolving genre, but is it in a good or a bad way?

Immersing in the Land of Ava

After the emotional rollercoaster of an intro, you’ll find yourself immersed in the land of Ava, where the people of Naam live. They have their own culture tied to a spiritual connection to the planet of Ava. They don’t have our typical concept of love or even gender. However, they make their connections through their native music, specifically a flute.

The Naam, as well as the creatures, respond and bond through the music. Music allows Vic, the main protagonist, to develop friendships and allows her to tame the creatures of Ava by replicating the creature’s preferred melody. This is one of the features that differentiates Creatures of Ava from Pokémon because you don’t actually collect these creatures.

You only tame the creatures, make them help you solve puzzles, cure them of their infections, and rescue them in the end. You don’t let them battle other creatures, and your main goal is to save every creature and preserve the planet of Ava.

Your adventure will eventually lead you to an ancient relic called the Nafitar. This is your tool to explore the world of Ava and rid the world of the Withering corruption that is infecting the planet.

Buckle Up; It is About to Get Cozy

Creatures of Ava distinguishes itself as a non-violent game. You don’t even battle the creatures, but instead, you cure them of their infection and then you can pet them afterward. The story-rich game borrows a lot of themes prevalent in many Disney films, such as hope, bravery, diversity, imagination, and, most specifically, preserving nature.

Focusing on the combination of these themes and its nonviolent approach restricted its possibility of adding more layers and features to its game design. Most action-adventure or open-world RPGs add variety to combat elements, but since there’s no combat, Creatures of Ava focuses more on puzzle-solving, making the game’s skill tree almost redundant.

However, the game does have its strengths, which stem mainly from its cozy nature. The game is simple enough to pick up, and you have other activities, such as gathering and growing plants. The joy of discovering the living and vibrant world of Ava easily captivates players to explore, interact, and discover things on their own.

All these features make up for a great cozy game, but it is far from what players expect from an action-adventure creature-collecting game.

8

Creatures of Ava

Creatures of Ava is a great open world action-adventure game with many Disney-like themes, but lacks variety in its gameplay elements. The world of Ava is rich, vibrant, and animated, buzzing with unique creatures to tame, nurture, pet, and ultimately rescue. You have the freedom to learn at your own pace and uncover more of the story through side quests and puzzles.

Pros

• A relaxing open-world game where nothing feels forced
• The setting is aesthetically beautiful and the cutscenes reel you in for some more
• Creatures are cute and well-designed

Cons

• Story is a bit dry and repetitive
• Gameplay lacks variety

A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review. Reviewed on PC.