Venba

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. COGconnected
    Jul 31, 2023
    73
    Venba is a lovely, quaint tale that successfully captures the notion of an immigrant family struggling in Canada. The story is heartfelt and manages to tackle subjects in a sensitive and realistic manner. While the cooking aspects are a little awkward on the controller and its short run time means that certain story beats are not fully explored, the game maintains a level of charm that will keep you eager for the next dish.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. TechScope
    Aug 19, 2023
    8
    Venba is an interesting little game, it is on the short side but I don't hold this against them! This works in their favour.

    Without delving    Venba is an interesting little game, it is on the short side but I don't hold this against them! This works in their favour.

    Without delving too far into the story, including spoilers as such, I have to say that I'm impressed with the story. It has an interesting plot with a bit of emotion in it too. It's something that you feel people could go through realistically in their life.

    Onto gameplay. There isn't too much gameplay, this is a very story driven game but the select gameplay sections are fun. Some people may find them confusing, however, I believe that it's straightforward -- the game provides you a book that gives you advice how to cook a recipe alongside some quotes by the character to "egg" you on as it were. Should you get stuck despite this, the game has a built-in guide that will help you if you require.

    Graphically the game is unique in its style. Nothing breathtaking but it's certainly pretty and works well with the style of game; matched with the music and you can really feel the environment that the developers desired to create.

    In terms of shortfalls for this game I must say that there is a lot of dialogue between the gameplay portions of the game, the game is very short, just a few hours long, but given how little gameplay there is I wish they made it feel not so spaced out. The menu whilst cute does feel a bit and I feel that the game could have benefited from having various save game states for people who wish to go for achievements as opposed to having to replay the entire game or use the chapter select.

    Overall this is a very fun, unique little game. Whilst the downfalls do not outweigh the positives, this game may not be for everyone. It certainly depends on the type of games you enjoy. If story driven point & click games aren't your thing, you may wish to pass on this.    … Full Review »
  2. Kaykat
    Aug 15, 2023
    7
    Cute game with an interesting story. It’s a bit more point and click than I expected but I still enjoyed it. I think the dialogue could use aCute game with an interesting story. It’s a bit more point and click than I expected but I still enjoyed it. I think the dialogue could use a skip option or you should be able to re-do the recipes after completing the game as I had to click through all the dialogue again to get the achievements I missed.… Full Review »
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