Venba is a game that tells the story of a Tamil immigrant family living in Canada. The game is developed by Visai Studios and is available on PC. The game revolves around the life of Venba, a Tamil immigrant who wants to instill an appreciation for Tamil language and culture in her son Kavin. Venba does most of her talking through food. Whether it’s announcing her pregnancy or teaching Kavin about his country of origin, everything leads back to the kitchen.
As the player, you prepare a small number of dishes, all inspired by a battered recipe book brought along from India. Because the recipes have become hard to read in places, and many western players are unlikely to have seen some of the kitchen paraphernalia used to make Tamil dishes, making food isn’t so much about following a set of instructions as it is solving a puzzle. These puzzles are very forgiving and are likely to make you realize how approachable Tamil food is.
The game’s art style is simple but effective. The characters are well-designed and expressive, with their emotions conveyed through their body language and facial expressions. The environments are also well-crafted, with each location feeling distinct and full of life. The sound design is also excellent, with each dish having its own unique sound effects that make cooking feel satisfying.
Venba’s story is touching and heartfelt. It deals with themes such as family, identity, and cultural assimilation in a way that feels authentic and relatable. The characters are well-written and likable, with each one having their own distinct personality and backstory. The story is also well-paced, with each chapter feeling like a natural progression of events.
In conclusion, Venba is an excellent game that tells an engaging story while also teaching players about Tamil culture and cuisine. Its puzzles are fun and approachable, its art style is charming, and its story is touching and heartfelt. While it could have benefited from a longer playtime, it’s still an experience that’s well worth your time.
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