RAVEN STAR

RAVEN STAR — A Wingless Crow's Journey to Find Its Place

RAVEN STAR is a small but emotional adventure game for the Game Boy Color, following the journey of a raven born without wings, who was banished from his village because of his differences. In a world where all ravens can fly, Raven's disability makes him an outcast.

An Emotional Tale of Self-Acceptance

In RAVEN STAR, you play as a raven born without wings, shunned and cast out by the village community. Your mission is to navigate through The Ravine in search of the legendary Wishing Star, in hopes of finding your way back home. The game is not just a physical journey, but also deeply explores themes of isolation, determination, and the search for identity. Many players have praised the way the game subtly conveys its message of self-acceptance, even in a simple pixel art format.

Simple but engaging gameplay

RAVEN-STAR uses classic platformer mechanics with running and jumping. Despite the main character having no wings, the raven still overcomes obstacles with agility and good timing. Intuitive controls (using the Z/X keys combined with the arrow keys on the keyboard or the A button and D-Pad on the Game Boy Color) make the game accessible, suitable for both new players and retro enthusiasts.

Attractive pixel art style

RAVEN STAR's pixel art graphics are meticulously designed, evoking a mysterious and lonely world. The image of the crow is commented on by players as "super cute", with small details that create a special appeal. The setting of The Ravine brings a nostalgic feeling, reminiscent of classic Game Boy Color titles, while also creating a feeling of closeness to the Waterfall area in Undertale.

Flexible gameplay options

A highlight of RAVEN STAR is the flexibility in gameplay. You can play directly in the browser without downloading, or download the ROM file to experience on an emulator or even on the original Game Boy Color hardware. This brings an authentic nostalgic experience to retro hardware lovers.

Positive Community Reaction

The game has received a lot of praise from the community on itch.io, where it is available for free (or at an optional price). Players appreciate the game's brevity and meaningfulness, along with its catchy 8-bit soundtrack. Some reviewers have suggested that the story could have been deeper if it had explored the consequences of changing oneself (such as the raven's desire for wings), but overall, the game is loved for its simplicity and meaningful message.

Inspiration from Crow Culture and Symbolism

Although not directly referenced in the game, the raven in RAVEN STAR can be related to many myths and cultures, where ravens are often seen as a symbol of mystery, wisdom, or loneliness. This adds depth to the game's story, making players ponder not only the character's journey to "belonging" but also their own.