While Xbox Game Pass is often associated with first-party titles, it consistently delivers quality indie and AA games on their release date. Creatures of Ava, developed by Inverge Studios and 11 bit Studios, is the latest addition to this lineup, offering a unique blend of gameplay mechanics that create a special and engaging experience.
Inverge Studios describes Creatures of Ava as a “creature-saver” game. Players take on the role of Vic, part of an expedition to the planet Ava, tasked with saving its species from a planet-wide infection known as The Withering. The game unfolds as a third-person action-adventure, where Vic tames alien creatures, utilizes their abilities alongside a magical staff to solve environmental puzzles, and ultimately collects them to safeguard them from the dying planet.
The narrative of Creatures of Ava is nuanced, avoiding common colonialist tropes often associated with such premises. It delivers a powerful message about the importance of environmental harmony, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things with their planet. These themes are reflected in the gameplay, which focuses on cleansing and documentation rather than destruction. Vic utilizes a staff to purify corrupted plants and animals, opening up new pathways for exploration. While withered enemies may attack, the focus lies on dodging and waiting for the staff to purify them, a gameplay mechanic comparable to capturing ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion.
After creatures are cleansed of the Withering, Vic can photograph them for documentation, similar to Jade in Beyond Good & Evil. She can also guide them to safety by playing a flute, which induces a trance state that allows Vic to control them through “Ava Vision”. This mechanic enables Vic to use the creature’s abilities, such as clawing down obstacles, creating a unique and engaging gameplay experience. While camera control with Ava Vision might feel slightly wonky, Creatures of Ava handles this mechanic better than other animal possession games like Tchia.
The interconnected nature of these systems creates a captivating adventure. Even between story beats, players are motivated to discover and collect creatures encountered during exploration. Much like the best Pokemon games, Creatures of Ava understands that the element of surprise and the mystery of what awaits in the next encounter are key to its sense of exploration.
While Creatures of Ava draws inspiration from other games, its success lies in the unique blend of these elements. This experimental game might have struggled to gain traction on its own, but its inclusion in the Game Pass lineup makes it an inspiring addition. Combined with vibrant visuals that make the alien planet feel welcoming and beautiful, and a well-written story, Creatures of Ava is a must-play day-one addition to Xbox Game Pass.
Although first-party releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle will be dominating the service this fall, don’t overlook smaller-scale day-one additions like Creatures of Ava. Available now for PC and Xbox Series X/S, it’s a captivating experience waiting to be discovered on Xbox Game Pass.
