Let’s be real here. When you think of the “next great game”, you’re probably thinking BIG: big budget, produced by a well-known company, and guaranteed to top the eShop charts. This is understandable. But I’m about to change your thinking as I tell you about a game called Zarvot. Because a great game is so much more than any of that stuff mentioned. In fact, it’s the personality of an amazing game that makes you fall in love with it!

So, your first two questions are probably, “What the heck is a Zarvot?” and “Can I eat it?” Because, let’s face it, those are the real questions to be asked. Don’t worry though – I can give you answers. You won’t have to wait either, because here they are! The correct and accurate responses to those questions are, “it’s a bad Russian interpretation” and “no . . . I don’t think so anyway”. Zarvot is actually a game about cubes.

No, that’s literally what you’ll read. To quote the Nintendo eShop, it is, “A game about cubes”. A description just vague enough to pique my interest, but not specific enough to know anything about it. Hmm, do go on. “Where cubes find love, shoot lasers, and lay waste to handcrafted arenas.” Okay, so I’m supposed to assume this game is going to be a story-driven tale of love, but also involve laser battles between cubes? Would you believe me if I said that actually isn’t far off at all? Because, let me tell you, it isn’t.

As your mind tries to comprehend what is going on right now or what I’m even talking about, just relax. Let’s ease into what’s about to happen slowly. Let’s begin with what your first taste will be. Booting up Zarvot will lead you to a beautifully lit start menu with options set at a slant (think isometric view). It gives you a few options to choose from. Do you want to dive straight into the story mode or some of the other available options? This includes a myriad of manic multiplayer game modes.

Strategy

Just keep it simple. Since more options are unlocked through completing the story mode, my suggestion would be to start there. For one, by the time you’re through with it, you’ll be an expert. Your cube-controlling reflexes will be ready to deliver destruction to anyone who dares challenge you. Secondly, you’ll get to know the characters more as well as their . . . unique story.

This is the main single-player mode, aside from the arcade mode, and provides a great basis for basic controls all the way through more advanced techniques. Upon highlighting the option to start the story mode it will provide a short synopsis of what it has to offer. Which is, more specifically, what you will be offering – an amazing birthday gift for your friend named Red. Aw, how sweet.

It sounds like a simple story overall, right? But before confirming the choice of starting the game, just do me a favor and take a moment. You’ll most likely notice there are seemingly random objects that decorate the screen. Oddly enough, they don’t really appear out of place at first glance. This is because the music is so mesmerizing. As each note plays forget about your personal anxieties and insecurities for a moment. Let it happen – let the mood-set lighting and lounge-appropriate soundtrack take over.

Woo-sa

It’s relaxing . . . almost therapeutic. These vibes will carry you as you transcend to a higher plane of existence . . . One in which reality is not as we know; a life where anthropomorphic cubes ride subways, drink coffee, transform into rubber ducks, and contain an arsenal of powerful offensive maneuvers. Do you feel it? You’re ready. Now press start and keep your mind open as you dive in!

The story goes like this: you, a cube named Charcoal, and your yellow cube friend, Mustard, have a third good friend. They are an appropriately named red cube. Red’s birthday is coming up soon and you have THE GREATEST gift almost complete. But you have one last item to procure – a certified organic banana (yes, you read that correctly). The adventure begins!

With hearts full of hope and energy, Charcoal and Mustard set out in search of this perfect plátano (that’s banana in Spanish!). But as every tale ever told, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. In this case, an emergency situation involving a hard-to-reach snack brings an abrupt and disastrous end to an epic skateboard session. Due to the extent of the damages, the gift is ruined! The setback lights a newfound fire in the dynamic duo. They must replace all the items, fix this mess, and get Red the gift they intended to give.

Little do they know, even good intentions can bring about undesired (and unspoken) consequences . . .

Just Cube Things?

Basically, what I’ve been explaining this whole time shows you this game is much more than just a game about cubes. This is literally the most simple explanation and for good reason. I believe, based on the humor in this game, that this was done purposely. It is meant for you to dive in blind. Discovering each new crazy scenario and being a part of the conversation, it all adds up to a pleasantly surprising sum – an indie title full of sheer randomness! This game definitely brings players a unique experience.

Pure Comedy

If you couldn’t tell, I was thoroughly engaged in the comedic style of Zarvot. It’s very conversational and situational. The humor is something you would expect to see in one of those shows that are aimed towards adults, while being animated – you know, to create that childlike façade. However, it does a great job of omitting the typical crudeness of said adult shows, which I can appreciate. Being an adult that proudly admits to loving those types of shows, I couldn’t put it down! From scene to scene, I looked forward to seeing what crazy antics were brought in. Some of my favorite parts were the small scenarios that showed those tangential conversations between Charcoal and Mustard. I burst out laughing more than a few times!

If you want an idea of it, picture the humorous demeanor of Patrick Star from Spongebob Squarepants. Now mix that with the energy and enthusiasm of Chowder from Chowder – that’s more or less what I envision for Mustard. The game never specifies or truly alludes to any square being of a particular gender (if that’s even a thing in this “universe”), and it’s harder to say for the other two main characters, but I definitely pictured that hilarious yellow square as a male.

It’s open to your own interpretation though, which is a beautifully nuanced detail that allows the player to enjoy that part as their imagination sees fit!Personally, visualizing him as a dude only adds to his position as the comic relief, in which he already excels. Despite his goofy yet surprisingly assertive nature, he is able to provide the humor while still contributing meaningful content when needed. It’s a fine balance that I appreciate from the character development of Mustard.

Characters with Character

It is quite amazing to me how well each cube represented emotion and character. They all express distinctive personalities despite not being voiced or even having a true face (okay, yeah . . . they have six; I know, ya nerds). But seriously, with no real physical qualities, or even vocal qualities to convey something such as complex as human emotion, Zarvot blew me away with how skillfully it set the tone. And it did this through a clever use of its art.

Where do I start on the art style? Perhaps the 60 frames per second, 1080p animations (on high quality settings, docked)? Or should I mention the incredible use of shading and lighting in its Unity-created 3D assets? The colors specifically placed to influence the mood and tone? Either way, this game is gorgeous to look at with sound effects to boot! Even the damn text is crisp. Don’t even get me started on the attack animations; truly a work of art.

On top of all this, all battle areas have a destructible environment that both serve as a line of defense and something nice to look at. I’ve seen videos of it in its early pre-alpha stages and, my God, what an incredible process it’s been. I tip my cap to the developer on the obvious hard work and love that has been put into this game. This game is well deserving of all the praise I’ve given it.

Imperfectly Perfect

You know there’s no such thing as a perfect game though. So let me give you the short list of the downsides. First off, the game is linear. Most areas only allow you to travel one way, and the levels are structured the same way. Though the environments are completely different, each level, typically, consists of this: one path to follow, some dialogues, a few battle sequences that get progressively more difficult, and then a boss. It helps to familiarize the player with the control scheme and more advanced mechanics as you progress, but there is essentially no veering off the path.

Secondly, there is a slight slow-down in very graphically intensive areas. It is typically only noticeable when fighting large groups of enemies. Though it did not affect the gameplay negatively, it is apparent. I found it to be a little funny actually, because the game does seem to slow down on purpose when destroying a large group of enemies or defeating a boss. Perhaps to show you your triumph? This is probably the most minor negative in my opinion.

The biggest complaint I have for this game is the lack of online gameplay. You CAN play multiplayer couch co-op, which is great (just not in story mode – yet). However, I really feel I could be pretty competitive in this game and would love to prove that against some randoms on the internet! Perhaps include a little cube customization, a few unique attacks, and some snarky defeat message options and hot damn there goes my weekend. Let’s get this in, Sam (the developer :))!

Closing Thoughts

Overall, Zarvot was an amazing experience. It’s not very often I enjoy a game this much. There are games that are known for their tight controls – looking at you Dead Cells. Some games are great based on their game mechanics (such as Wasteland 2). Others are great based on “moods”, such as Stardew Valley or Portal Knights, which I can sink countless hours into while melting into my bed or couch when I want to escape. Zarvot contains a little bit of each, but it is not what will stick with me as I journey on in my passion of gaming.

Zarvot made me feel like a kid again. But not in the nostalgic way that makes you reminisce on old games like The Messenger. It evokes the joy of a game feeling new and magical, if that even makes sense. It’s as if all of your adult responsibilities no longer exist and you are just that kid enjoying a carefree life. THIS is what I will remember. It’s also why I highly recommend this game and would consider it one of my favorite Nindies of 2018!

Thanks for reading this review essay! I hope you enjoyed what I had to say and can make a sound decision on whether or not this game is for you. If you enjoy casual conversation on games and other things gaming related, we have a Discord and subreddit! If you are curious as to what I sound like IRL, we have a Youtube as well (I don’t make all the videos though)! Should you feel so inclined, we also have a Patreon and Ko-fi for those who don’t mind providing a little bit o’ financial love to Nindie Nexus! Thanks again; until next time!