Toward Dawn Review
Hen Gymru Fynyddig, Paradwys y Bardd
Toward Dawn is the debut title of solo developer Devi Serene. While very much built on a traditional RPG base, the game distinguishes itself through both its narrative’s heavy influence from Welsh mythology and the tweaks to its ATB-style battle system. While not a particularly deep game, it’s a very strong debut offering that provides an enjoyably rewarding ten-hour-or-so experience.
Toward Dawn follows Carys, an Incanter at the temple of the Two Dragons and follower of the red dragon Ddraigoch and white dragon Ddraigwen. One day in the night, the temple is assaulted by an unknown force and all of Carys’s fellow Incanters are killed. Carys is saved through an encounter with a local Gwyllgi, Bleddyn, who helps her escape and offers her a place to rest at his forest home. Carys sets out with Bleddyn to find people to help, which leads the pair to a journey that ultimately uncovers their interconnected pasts while they deal with their shared traumas.
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While Toward Dawn certainly tempers some of its ambitions, it is nonetheless an impressive debut title from a solo developer. It displays a fine understanding of what makes RPG tick, and its efforts to showcase and raise interest in its Welsh mythological inspirations are effective. The game is a fun and worthwhile spending of time, and I look forward to seeing what Devi Serene has in store next.
Score: 3.5/5
