Stunning sights await you as you help the title heroine of Raji: An Ancient Epic find her brother, hopefully untangling you both from the divine war you’ve become mired in.
The game draws from Indian epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana to shape a story and world vision that is wonderful to take in, as I saw for myself at PAX East this year. Colossal statues and images of the gods and mythological figures of India laid among the ruins I explored with Raji (our heroine) as I sought her brother. I had previously wondered why the game showed the heroine at a distance when it had a focus on action, but this viewpoint gives this incredible sense of scope to the landscapes and artwork within it. The art, architecture, and statues loom so large and powerful from this viewpoint that it encourages a sense of well-deserved awe as you explore.
Freeing your brother from demonic capture is more of what you’re supposed to be up to, though, but you’ve received a powerful weapon to help with that. This tool works well with Raji’s acrobatic combat style, having her spring and whirl around her enemies as you lash out with this polearm-like tool. Combat feels a bit like a dance as you play, constantly staying on the move with this flowing attack style, but it’s a dance that can end quickly as your giant foes stomp you flat. Don’t get too caught up in your movements, as Raji is better suited to scoring hits and getting out of the way rather than going toe-to-toe with these creatures.
Raji: An Ancient Epic also features some complex platforming when things are more peaceful, having you do some Prince of Persia-like leaping and wall-running as you savor the ruins and temples. Between this, the dangerous combat, and the striking places and storyline, it looks to offer a lovely look at an ancient mythology rarely explored in games (that I know of) through a compelling game.
Raji: An Ancient Epic is currently in development, but in the meantime, you can add it to your Steam Wishlist.
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