Outerloop, an independent game development studio, gained attention a few years back with their creation “Thirsty Suitors,” an eclectic game blending role-playing combat, cooking, and skating, set against a story of a young woman reconnecting with her family and confronting a quirky lineup of former lovers.
Their subsequent release, “Dosa Divas,” stays close to the style of its predecessor but refines the gameplay to exude a sense of assurance. The game narrates a tale of familial reconciliation in a vivid and fantastical world, presenting a realistic portrayal amidst the colorful backdrop.
One notable drawback of “Dosa Divas” is that players may find themselves craving more depth — yearning for additional rhythm-based battles, cooking challenges, and further insights into the endearing characters. It’s akin to the debut season of a popular streaming series that leaves viewers wanting more episodes to fully explore its components.
The central narrative of “Dosa Divas” revolves around two sisters, Samara and Amani, who used to operate a family restaurant inherited from their parents. Amani returns after a prolonged absence, aiming to reconnect with Samara and the rest of the family.
Simultaneously, their youngest sister, Lina, has established a thriving business selling “Lina Meals,” a substance akin to soylent, causing a dependence among consumers. With an army of legal and tech personnel, Lina appears determined to eliminate the tradition of cooking real food entirely.
The game sets up a stark dichotomy between the sisters’ values: culinary artistry, relationships, and unity versus profit-driven motives at the cost of humanity. Throughout the approximately 10-hour gameplay, players uncover the intricate histories of the siblings, intertwined with retired parents and former colleagues from the restaurant.
Additionally, a subplot featuring Goddess, a sentient robot and food truck companion of Samara and Amani, adds a layer of complexity. The other DIVAs, sentient robots connected to the main characters, present challenging boss battles, contributing a mythological aspect to the sisters’ saga.
The gameplay of “Dosa Divas” revolves around three main components: exploration of various locations on Samara and Amani’s journey, engaging in turn-based battles reminiscent of classic RPGs, and preparing dishes for hungry denizens.
Combat mechanics involve strategic choices and timing-based actions akin to renowned titles like “Super Mario RPG.” Players control the trio of Samara, Amani, and Goddess in battles against adversaries aligned with Lina’s corporation and the formidable DIVAs.
To satisfy the hunger of patrons, players scavenge, fish, or purchase ingredients to concoct dishes with specific flavor profiles. The cooking process incorporates mini-games, such as precise button presses for chopping vegetables or joystick rotations for dosa batter spreading.
While the cooking elements may lack refinement compared to the combat mechanics, they contribute to an engaging loop of exploration, culinary creation, and combat encounters to enhance character progression.
Given Outerloop’s modest team size and resources, the narrative of “Dosa Divas” occasionally feels constrained, with some storylines left underdeveloped due to time limitations. Despite the vibrant aesthetics, certain narrative arcs delve into somber themes, such as the plight of overworked miners in Lina’s employ.
The game’s focus primarily centers on the sisters’ intricate dynamics and their mechanical companions, offering a poignant reflection on family dynamics and unresolved conflicts. “Dosa Divas” presents a candid and authentic portrayal of familial discord, resonating with players through its sensitivity and emotional depth.
Although “Dosa Divas” may not match the complexity of high-budget RPGs, its narrative richness and thematic exploration set it apart. While some aspects could benefit from further polish, the game’s heartfelt storytelling leaves players eagerly anticipating Outerloop’s future projects.
“Dosa Divas” is currently available for various platforms, including PCs, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch consoles.
