CREA for Windows

Crea is an obscure but rewarding experience

There’s no shortage of indie developers out there, making everything from simple 3D games to mobile games and even 2D games which were popular back in the 80s and 90s. On the surface, Crea is another such game with graphics so simple that they could be mistaken for those decades, but within moments of playing this sandbox RPG you will be hooked on playing one more mission. Inexpensive and sporting rave reviews, this is an entry for the indie hall of gaming fame.

A 2D RPG with lots to discover

Crea is an action RPG, meaning that you can attack and move manually rather than being reliant on probabilities. It’s also a sandbox RPG, so rather than following a set story path, you’re free to explore wherever you like in pretty much any order. You simply go forth, explore, bring back loot and get stronger. You start out with very little, but it won’t take long to get better and the hook of exploring is a powerful one. This detailed game has a lot of things for you to tinker with, from crafting to character improvement. There’s also an interesting story to be unearthed, though it will take some exploring to find. This is not a very personal story as is often the case with RPGs that have very changeable characters, but it does tell you more about the world.

Old ideas but a fun new stylec

Crea’s core mechanic of exploring various sandbox environments is supported by procedurally generated levels, so that wherever you go, it’s never quite the same on the second play. This was a wise choice as it keeps the game fresh and gives it replayability. The combat system is pretty simple, with a choice of sword, spear, bow or magic but these choices are very distinct and create different styles in practise. These four types are varied further by combining them with over 80 skills and talents, so each character should feel pretty distinct. For defence, you have a roll and block system which gives the game an element of timing and action. Fans of difficult RPGs will also be glad to see tough enemies and some huge bosses to defeat. As you explore these random worlds and fight the monsters within, you will find new crafting possibilities in the form of recipe scrolls. You can then use the resources you’ve found to build and upgrade your equipment and home, a fun base of operations that grows as you get stronger.

Plenty of content for the price

All in all, there’s a lot to find, fight and make in Crea and all of this for a low price due to the indie sized developer. Though the game is not stunning visually, it has a certain style and the gameplay is more than compelling enough to make up for it. This is certainly one for true RPG fans and those who want a game experience that will keep growing with time.