One of the more surprising reveals from Gamescom 2021 was an open-world creature-capturing game titled DokeV, produced by Black Desert Online developer Pearl Abyss. The trailer was a whirlwind of impressive gameplay and visuals that were hard not to be struck by, though it also seemed to lack structure, resulting in a chaotic and even overwhelming display of colorful graphics, particle effects, and a reveal that left some viewers unsure of what the game is even about.
Primarily, DokeV seems to bring in features of open-world exploration games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or the upcoming Pokémon Legends: Arceus. In the reveal trailer, characters skate, drive, and even fly across an impressive Korea-inspired landscape seemingly populated with not just a variety of different creatures to battle and capture, but other human NPCs as well.
Given the game was initially revealed as an MMO when it was first announced, it isn't entirely surprising that there are so many different ways to engage with the world. Different mounts and career paths are common in other MMO games, but it seems that these elements may have been left in when DokeV's development shifted directions away from the MMO formula.
DokeV's Reveal Trailer Is Everything All At Once
DokeV's reveal trailer seemingly wanted to show off everything the game had to offer in one sitting, and the result is simultaneously pleasingly overwhelming and lacking in concrete details. Characters are seen conversing and playing games with NPCs, fishing, surfing, flying kites, and fighting against robotic creatures that are as yet unexplained. It isn't until about halfway through the trailer that DokeV's core creature-collecting gameplay is even introduced. According to Pearl Abyss' official website, the game is an action-adventure title that revolves around befriending Dokebi, creatures that "gain strength from and encourage people's dreams". The website also contains a wide selection of screenshots and concept art from the game's development process.
From the look of things, DokeV will likely include extensive customization options, at least in terms of outfits and gameplay styles. Characters are seen fighting with giant hammers, blaster guns, rocket-powered shoes, shoulder cannons, magic hats, and more, all in a beautiful environments the trailer fills accents with Kpop tunes and an overwhelming number of particle effects. It's difficult at times to keep track of what the trailer is trying to show the audience, and it provides little time to parse one detail before moving onto another, such as the extensive amount of ways to explore the world, which seem to vary from mundane things like jet skis, skateboards, and cars to grappling hooks, high-tech parasols, and rocket skates. On paper, it sounds as though DokeV will essentially serve as a Pokémon-esque explorative adventure, especially given how much the reveal trailer's characters interact with the environment. What's been revealed thus far, though, is perhaps more confusing than informative - even if it's undeniably full of possibility.
DokeV is scheduled to release on PC and unspecified consoles sometime in 2022.
Source: Pearl Abyss