What first caught my attention about Dosa Divas was the concept of a food-themed RPG, combining culinary elements with a combat system, along with a cooking mechanism for buffs and healing items – it was definitely a distinctive creation from Outerloop Games. However, did it all blend together like a Michelin star meal or was it more akin to fast food?
Dosa Divas narrates a colourful and touching tale of two sisters, Samara and Amani, who traverse a broken world in their impressive spirit-mech, resolute in their mission to take down a heartless fast-food empire that has stripped away culture and connection from communities. Throughout their journey, their quest evolves into more than mere defiance—it transforms into a reclamation of identity, heritage, and the unifying strength of food.
The gameplay loop combines turn-based RPG elements with timing-based inputs, resulting in a system that feels instantly recognisable yet offers a subtle twist. Attacks and defences frequently depend on precisely timed button presses, which introduces an additional layer of engagement beyond mere menu selection. In the early stages, this makes combat feel dynamic and interactive, rewarding players for their attention and rhythm. However, as the game advances, the initial novelty begins to fade, with encounters lacking sufficient variety to maintain the system’s freshness over time.
A notable aspect is the game’s “flavour” system, where enemies possess taste preferences that operate similarly to elemental weaknesses. Targeting adversaries with the appropriate type of dish—be it spicy, sweet, or otherwise—introduces a light strategic element to battles and aligns well with the game’s culinary theme. While imaginative, the system is quite straightforward, and once players grasp the fundamental patterns, it doesn’t evolve significantly, limiting the depth that seasoned RPG players might anticipate.
Beyond combat, cooking is pivotal to progression. Players collect ingredients and prepare dishes through simple mini-games, which are then utilised for healing, buffs, or story interactions. This mechanic reinforces the game’s identity and provides a refreshing change of pace from combat. However, the cooking tasks can become monotonous, with limited complexity and little increase in challenge, making them feel more like routine chores than significant gameplay moments as the game progresses.
Exploration is facilitated by the sisters’ spirit-mech, which enables traversal mechanics such as jumping, grappling, and light environmental navigation. These segments help diversify the structure and impart a sense of scale to the world, although they are relatively basic in execution. Levels tend to be quite linear, and environmental puzzles are scarce, so exploration seldom feels as rewarding or intricate as it could have been.
Essentially, the gameplay in Dosa Divas is imaginative and thematically unified, effectively blending combat, cooking, and exploration into a single concept. Nevertheless, despite the strong ideas, the execution falls short of fully realizing them, resulting in a feeling of repetition and unfulfilled potential. It can be enjoyable in short sessions, but throughout the entire experience, it tends to become something that feels adequate rather than genuinely exceptional.
Dosa Divas showcases a striking and vibrant visual style that instantly establishes its atmosphere. The game world is brimming with lively settings, dynamic character designs, and a whimsical blend of sci-fi and cultural elements, which distinguishes it from more conventional RPGs. The spirit-mech is a particularly striking visual feature, infusing personality into the exploration experience. Nevertheless, despite the strong art direction, the technical aspects can sometimes feel uneven, with certain areas lacking detail and animations occasionally appearing unrefined.
The user interface and overall presentation of the game are straightforward and user-friendly, enhancing its approachable gameplay mechanics. Visual cues during combat—especially for timing-based actions—are clear and effective, keeping players engaged without causing confusion. However, some menus and repetitive animations may begin to feel somewhat static over time, highlighting that the overall presentation does not fully evolve as the game advances.
On the audio front, Dosa Divas offers a suitable and culturally rich soundtrack that enriches the journey’s atmosphere. The music combines lively and mellow tones, effectively supporting both the adventurous and emotional aspects of the narrative. Sound effects are adequate and satisfying during combat and cooking sequences, though they may not be particularly memorable. While the audio design enhances the overall experience, it seldom shines on its own, ultimately serving as a reliable but not outstanding component of the game.
Dosa Divas is a vibrant, narrative-driven RPG that follows the journey of sisters Samara and Amani as they navigate a fractured world to topple a corporate fast-food empire. The game delves into themes of identity, culture, and the unifying essence of food. Its gameplay combines traditional turn-based combat with timing-based mechanics and an inventive ‘flavour’ weakness system, along with cooking elements and mech-based exploration. While these concepts are initially cohesive and engaging, they eventually lack depth and variety, resulting in repetition and a feeling of unfulfilled potential. Visually, the game is striking with its colourful art style, expressive characters, and a unique blend of sci-fi and cultural influences. However, some technical issues and a static presentation detract from the overall experience. The soundtrack enhances the gameplay with a suitable mix of energetic and emotional tones, but, similar to the gameplay, it seldom transcends being merely solid rather than truly memorable. In summary, Dosa Divas offers a delightful and imaginative experience that is enjoyable in short sessions, yet ultimately feels more average than outstanding.
Release Date: April 14th 2026
Developer: Outerloop Games
Publisher: Outerloop Games, Outersloth
Price: £15.99 / $19.99 USD
Reviewed On: Nintendo Switch 2
* Access Provided For Review *