Outerloop Games is returning to the turn-based genre with Dosa Divas, a new RPG that pits sisters Amani and Samara against corporate food monopolies. The title, which features a 10-hour campaign, blends emotional storytelling with tactical combat mechanics inspired by classics like Super Mario RPG.
While the game excels in its combat systems, it suffers from mechanical inconsistencies in its central cooking loop. According to a review from Kotaku, the game's ability to provide emotional depth is frequently undercut by a repetitive gameplay loop of fetch quests and minigames.
Tactical combat meets narrative depth
The combat system utilizes elemental weaknesses—specifically sour, sweet, spicy, savory, and salty—to allow players to "stuff" enemies. Players can use boost mechanics and timed button prompts to break enemy defenses and open windows for massive damage.
Kotaku reports that the mental gymnastics required to deploy techniques against powerful enemies represents the most exciting part of the experience. The review notes that the challenges posed by standard mobs often proved more difficult than the game's bosses.
However, the game's core theme of culinary rebellion lacks mechanical support. The narrative follows Amani's attempt to replace corporate 'LinaMeals' with traditional cooking, but the actual cooking mechanics feel stiff and mechanical.
Outerloop Games' latest effort features top-notch art direction and a layered cast, but the implementation of its cooking systems fails to match the quality of its battle system. The game is scheduled for release on April 14, 2025, for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
