Outerloop, an independent game developer, gained attention with their game “Thirsty Suitors” a few years back. The game combined role-playing battles, cooking, and skating in a narrative about a young woman reconnecting with her family and facing a colorful cast of ex-lovers. Their latest release, “Dosa Divas,” builds on this formula, offering a more refined experience while exploring themes of family reconciliation in a fantastical setting.
“Dosa Divas” focuses on two sisters, Samara and Amani, who are reuniting after a decade apart. The game delves into their family dynamics as they navigate the return of their youngest sister, Lina, who has become a corporate mogul selling a popular food substitute. The contrast between traditional cooking and familial bonds versus profit-driven corporate interests forms a central conflict in the story.
The game introduces a subplot involving sentient robots called DIVAs, one of which accompanies Samara and Amani on their journey. These DIVAs add depth to the narrative, offering challenging boss battles and a touch of mythology to the storyline.
Gameplay in “Dosa Divas” revolves around exploration, turn-based battles, and cooking dishes for characters in the game world. Players engage in battles reminiscent of classic RPGs, with timed mechanics adding a layer of strategy. Cooking mini-games require players to gather ingredients and prepare dishes, providing a satisfying loop of exploration, cooking, and combat.
While the game’s narrative is engaging, some storylines feel underdeveloped, possibly due to time constraints. Themes of class disparity and ethical dilemmas are touched upon but not fully explored. Despite these shortcomings, “Dosa Divas” offers a heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics and leaves players eager for Outerloop’s future projects.
“Dosa Divas” is available on various platforms, including PCs and home consoles.