Recently arriving on the Steam Early Access program is Innerverse Games’ first release, Pirates of Gravitae. Developed by Innerverse Games, the one full-time-person studio, after having their first game canceled, they finally get to release their first title. Pirates of Gravitae is an action roguelike that features fast-paced aerial combat. So how is the early access title from Innerverse Games? Check out our first impressions of Pirates of Gravitae.
Story: Nothing but lore as of yet
Made by a small indie team at Innerverse Game, Pirates of Gravitae has no story yet. However, there seems to be a plan since the developer has added a story description for the game. Commanding the gravity-defying pirate ship and her crew, they will work together to stop the malignant global trade empire, the Dynamic India Company, which threatens the earth itself.
Here is some of the lore from the developer’s website:
“Driving this massive change is a globe-spanning power unaccountable to any nation: the Dynamic India Company. It is rumored that the two DIC heads, only known as El Jeffe and Il Doge, are plotting to create an entirely new world in the heavens to rule by combining the stolen riches of the earth and the mass of the moon. Unstopped, this will spell certain and terminal disaster for everyone left on earth.”
But, as of yet, none of that is seen in the game. Instead, one stage for the player to play through is offered, selecting each battlefield as you move through the stage. The same stage layout can be found in games like Slay The Spire. But, as of yet, there is little to be found here. Expect more, though, as it continues to get updated.
Gameplay: Innerverse Games offers a new kind of aerial combat
Through Pirates of Gravitae, Innerverse Games is trying something new. The player will pilot a peculiar type of pirate ship. Instead of sailing the seas, this ship sails the skies in a rocket-like fashion. Taking to the skies, the player will have their primary cannons on each side of the ship.
The controls themselves are simplistic, only using a couple of keys and the mouse. But that is where it ends. Pirates of Gravitae’s aerial combat require learning not to have difficulty playing. However, there is plenty to assist the player as they master the controls of this game.
In each combat phase, the player is offered a variety of perks, such as grappling hooks, autocannon fire, or lightning, which adds an extra layer of strategy and thought to the gameplay. Additionally, the player can find up to 60 different randomized loot items to assist them. Innerverse Games is undoubtedly trying something new with their release of the Pirates of Gravitae. With the innovative aerial combat, our impression is that this small indie game is certainly interesting.
Graphics/Audio: A well-illustrated and straightforward indie game
The world of Pirates of Gravitae is simple, yet it does well to illustrate the world they’re trying to convey. Sure, you’re not going to find the kind of graphics that will push your system. But that doesn’t take away from what Pirates of Gravitae offers: a fun, but small indie game.
Flying through the ocean, you may see various small islands in the background, floating rocks that the player can use to their advantage or detriment. There are decent environmental effects, and the ships look pretty cool. The wind effects could probably use a bit of touching up as they look basic.
Ultimately, the Pirates of Gravitae is a quirky game made by a small team. But their game offers a clean experience, with no bugs or problems during play. So our impression is not to expect the world but to enjoy the work this small team has put in so far.
Conclusion: A game with potential
Pirates of Gravitae is a fun, quirky little game even though it’s in early access. While there is no story yet, the developers have created a fair amount of lore for this game. So in the future, there may be more updates that will look to craft a world in Pirates of Gravitae. While the graphics are not something you’ll find in a major studio, they function well with no problems. This game allows the player to understand the new kind of combat that Innerverse games are trying to do.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a game that will give you a new experience, Pirates of Gravitae will deliver. But, of course, be aware that you are getting in on the ground floor of a newly developed game. There is still much to be added to the Innerverse Games release.
For those interested in the Innerverse Games early access release Pirates of Gravitae, it’s now available only on Steam for $9.99. You can also download the demo for free before buying. Additionally, information about Pirates of Gravitae can be found on their website.
