I first saw Venba on an indie games list to watch in January, and frequently checked in on its progress. Venba was pitched as “a narrative cooking game about an Indian mom who immigrates to Canada with her family in the 1980s.” Just over seven months later, I am thrilled to share that Venba is an absolute delight.
Have You Eaten Yet?
The game has seven chapters that feature various cooking puzzles. Protagonist Venba has her mother’s recipe book, but some of the instructions have been damaged.
The player can use a variety of techniques to solve the puzzles such as trial and error (which the game is very forgiving and gentle with), an optional “reflection” where Venba will share more about the dish’s origins that may give some guidance, and even their own cooking knowledge.
Venba is distinctly relaxing without falling into any of the saccharine pitfalls that cozy games often can.
Each level centers around a meal that is being made; it’s a soothing, centering experience. The art of the characters and locations are lovely, but the design really shines on the food. I got hungry making layers of biryani. I smiled rubbing spice mixes into a fish. I said, “Cool!” at the same time as Venba’s son Kavin when she finished making puttu, steam releasing out dramatically from a metal container.
Venba’s Powerful Story
Each level features a conversation between Venba and her family that illustrates heartwarming and realistic portrayals of the immigrant journey. There are a few dialogue choices here and there that reveal different things about the characters, but don’t affect the narrative. This removes stress from the player, allowing them to enjoy the journey without being afraid they’re accidentally going to ruin this family.
Clever design choices around language and translation gave me new insights on my own relationships with relatives and family. The game provides an intimate look at the choices surrounding immigration and heritage. The story will resonate with those who know, and may be elucidating for those who don’t. Food serves as a lens through which to process identity, love, loss, and time.
Venba is distinctly relaxing without falling into any of the saccharine pitfalls that cozy games often can. The writing and pacing of each level are powerful, and never over stay their welcome.
Cooked to Perfection: Venba’s Soundtrack and Visuals
Both the music and the sound editing of Venba are phenomenal. When I threw cardomom pods into hot oil, they sizzled so vibrantly that I smiled. I don’t often notice the sound design of games, but Venba blends effects with music effortlessly.
Venba features music throughout the game, oftentimes portrayed though a radio that protagonist Venba turns on as she begins to cook. One of my favorites is “TikTik” by The Casteless Collective, embedded below.
The overall artistry of the game is a stand-out already for 2023. There is a distinct, inviting color palette. I found myself noticing certain “shots” of the game, and certain cuts reminded me of film editing. Shots are well-framed. Thoughtful details evoke the old writing adage of “showing, not telling.” Throughout Venba, there is a deep intentionality around each and every aspect of the art.
Venba Is a Course or Two Too Short
My only beef (ha ha) with Venba is that I wish it was longer. From the beginning moments, Venba stands out as a worthwhile, beautiful game. Within 10 minutes of starting Venba, I whispered out loud, “This is so charming.”
As I made my way through the story, I noticed how the time jumps became larger and larger, and I had an uneasy feeling that the game was heading towards an ending sooner than I would like.
Furthermore, I started to wonder, as I played, if at one point the developers started to get burnt out. The puzzles felt more challenging earlier in the game. One epic meal sequence had no puzzles at all, just simple clicking, which was disappointing. Perhaps that particular sequence was meant to convey Venba’s confidence in cooking, but I wish then that I had the opportunity to feel as engaged as she did.
Is Venba Worth It?
Yes, though I recommend you think of the price-point* as equivalent to buying an independent movie ticket. You’re paying to be entertained for a few hours, and supporting artists doing different kinds of things. With Venba in particular, you’re supporting underrepresented developers. I bought the game on sale on my Nintendo Switch, and loved my time with it.
If you enjoy cooking and/or powerful stories of the human condition, you will love Venba… just know that the experience will be finite. I finished the game in about three hours or less.
Room for Dessert
Venba has seven chapters/levels; I would’ve loved if it had double that. Because the gameplay is episodic by design, perhaps more levels could be added in later or as a DLC. I certainly would be willing to pay for it. Venba is the first game from Visai Studios, and I can’t wait to see what they make next.
Venba is not only an excellent video game, but a powerful sociocultural message. At one point, characters discuss how a piece of art had the potential to make a stronger impact with an audience in the way than a protest or traditional statement. Venba meets this potential, and then some. I’m hungry for more.
Score: 9.0/10
*Venba released on July 31, 2023 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S; MRSP $14.99 or included on Game Pass.
