Venba

 Switch
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5

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  1. pepcorn
    Aug 4, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A truly beautiful game, with many touching scenes and ruminations on roots and culture. I'm Middle Eastern–European, so it was a nice voyage into Tamil culture, of which I know little. But I wish there had been just a little bit more to the game. The most touching part of the story happens off-screen. [!!! SPOILERS AHEAD !!!]

    I would have liked to fix the recipe book alongside Kavin. But I'm glad he did it. He was able to find courage and embrace what makes him unique in a Western society that seeks to make us all bland.

    I think another touching aspect to the story is that it delves into how parents can't base their life around their children. It's a temporary task. But if you were kind, and you live long enough, maybe they'll come back to you one day.

    Lastly, I appreciated that Kavin breaks the gender mould touched upon in the opening scene of the game. He learned to cook, even after growing up with the example of his father never applying himself to it. It was an admirable and aspirational moment. Food is a deep part of our identity, and preserving and celebrating the recipes handed down to us is beautiful work because of that.    … Expand
  2. AnnoyingDog
    Aug 30, 2023
    10
    Wow, I loved this! It's short but packs a punch! The story gets quite sad and I was crying by the end. However, the art is stunning and the cooking mini games are cool. I'm so glad I gave this a go!

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Best Switch Game of 2023
61
#61 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. KeenGamer
    Aug 14, 2023
    80
    All in all, I really enjoyed playing Venba. I just wish it was a bit longer. Saying this, I was pleased with what I was offered. Venba isn't like other cooking games I have played. If you make a mistake, you have to start again, but you don't feel frustrated or embarrassed. I also liked the puzzle element thrown into the cooking gameplay. The story of Venba and her family helped me to be further engaged in the game. I also enjoyed learning about Indian culture and cuisine, and loved how the story explored keeping hold of the cultures of your homeland while in a new country.
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  2. Video Chums
    Aug 3, 2023
    80
    Venba is a short, impactful, and beautifully presented look into the lives of an immigrant family that'll likely stay with you for a long time.
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  3. TouchArcade
    Aug 2, 2023
    90
    Barring the few features I’d like to see in potential patches, Venba delivered in spades, and I can’t wait to see what Visai Games works on next. Venba is a great 1 hour or so long experience that will definitely have you salivating at some of the food while probably thinking of your own family or friends while playing.
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