Based on Slavic folklore, the brand-new role-playing game Yaga is available digitally on the Xbox Store for an affordable £20.99, with a small launch discount dropping that down to £16.79. Or you can get it on the PlayStation 4, PC and Switch on their respective marketplaces right this very moment. It’s the developer’s – Breadcrumbs Interactive – first foray onto the video game development scene.
Earlier this year, we had a wonderful opportunity to interview Catalin Zima-Zegreanu, the Lead Game Designer behind Yaga. Being responsible for the game’s mechanics, story and dialogue, he kindly pointed out the main selling points of Yaga. He also revealed several inspirations for the creation of its characters and lore. Among these inspirations were classic stories, like “The One-Eyed Likho” and “Maria Morevna”, as well as artworks by renowned Russian illustrators – Ivan Bilibin and Nikolai Kochergin.
In Yaga, you play as Ivan, a one-handed blacksmith on an arduous quest for glory and a new wife. Guiding Ivan, you’ll complete quests within a beautiful, procedurally-generated 2D world and make difficult decisions. These decisions will define Ivan’s personality and alter quest rewards. Yaga also contains a number of endings to unlock and some choices will lead to a completely different conclusion.
Adventuring is further bolstered by a soundtrack featuring tunes from Subcarpati, a Romanian hip-hop band. Imagine a more upbeat The Witcher 3 to get the overall idea.
Of course, no journey is complete without monsters and Yaga features a plethora of beasties, including a bear with a wooden balalaika. To combat them, you’ll utilize Ivan’s ability to craft new weapons, like teleporting hammers. And his left arm is replaceable with a vast range of attachments: shields, crossbows, shovels and many more. Some of these tools will allow you to access previously inaccessible areas and discover treasure.
It sure sounds like developers spent a lot of time sourcing ideas and perfecting their first game. Let’s hope that Ivan manages to find himself a lovely long-legged lass and doesn’t lose his other arm in the process. And to find out whether or not he manages to score, make sure to stay tuned for our upcoming review.
Game Description:
Smash, clobber and bash the murderous legends of Slavic mythology in this darkly funny action role-playing game that changes every time you play. Play as Ivan, a one-handed blacksmith with incredibly bad luck, who must take on the impossible tasks given to him by the tzar. All the while the mysterious witch, Baba Yaga, watches over Ivan’s fate. The world of Yaga is a world steeped in Slavic folklore and ancient Pagan beliefs. Featuring a head-bobbing Romanian hip-hop soundtrack from Subcarpați and striking, hand-drawn 2D artwork. Yaga is an authentic love letter to childhood fables from Romanian indie developer, Breadcrumbs Interactive. • Bludgeon the ancient monsters of Slavic folklore using a vast arsenal of hammers and tools forged by Ivan’s own hands. • Your actions change Ivan’s story, his reputation, and the upgrades he can choose. • Experiment in the deep forging system to make weapons like teleporting lightning hammers and hookshot pitchforks. • Explore the combinations of talismans, magic items, blessings, perks, and curses to fundamentally change how Ivan plays. • Multiple endings, multiple ways of solving encounters, procedural map, lots of characters to encounter, and hidden secrets mean Yaga is meant to be played over and over again. • Ivan’s grandma just wants him to find a wife. Don’t disappoint her!
