Unraveling the Mystical Inspirations Behind Ravenlok's Alice in Wonderland and Zelda Mashup

Ravenlok seamlessly blends elements of fantastical fairytales with video game influences, particularly drawing inspiration from The Legend of Zelda series. While the Alice in Wonderland nods are apparent with its whimsical characters and card-shaped minions, Director Vanessa Chia reveals in a recent interview with Game Rant that the game draws from a variety of sources, including the popular Lego Star Wars franchise. Fans of Ravenlok will undoubtedly appreciate the unique blend of influences that make the game so captivating.

Ravenlok’s Alice in Wonderland Fairytale Inspirations

Chia shared that Ravenlok's success on Xbox Game Pass can be attributed to its unique art-style and Alice in Wonderland-inspired theme that captures players' imaginations. The team at Cococucumber wanted to explore fantasy and fairytales in gaming, a shift from their previous sci-fi and supernatural horror direction with Echo Generation. Chia explained that Lewis Carroll's works served as a great starting point for the creative process as they were able to reinterpret the text and envision it in their own unique way.

Ravenlok takes inspiration from Alice in Wonderland, evident in the presence of Toppy, the top-hated white rabbit. However, the game distinguishes itself with its inventive take on the fantasy world. The tea party level, for instance, is a towering display of various tea cups and pots. Additionally, Queen Dreda transforms from a powerful, flying butterfly-style to a giant, ferocious caterpillar with razor-sharp teeth, adding a unique twist to the well-known story. In this way, Ravenlok pays homage to Alice in Wonderland while also subverting its conventions, much like Alice herself falling down the rabbit hole.

Ravenlok’s Video Game Influences From Zelda To Lego Star Wars

Ravenlok's combat style may be limited to only four abilities, but its weapons are comparable to the classic sword and shield combo used by Link in the Zelda game series. Chia, one of the creators, mentioned that the comparison between Ravenlok and Zelda is "fair" and that the team drew inspiration from The Legend of Zelda, particularly Twilight Princess. In addition to Zelda, Chia also named some unexpected sources of inspiration, including NieR Automata, which influenced Ravenlok's boss fights. The team even looked to the family-friendly Lego Star Wars games to create an enjoyable gaming experience for all ages.

Ravenlok's protagonist embarks on a classic hero journey, drawing inspiration from Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away and Alice in Wonderland to showcase the heroine's growth of abilities. Despite its stunning visuals, Ravenlok offers more than meets the eye, incorporating influences from classic fairytales and major video games to create a fun and imaginative experience that is greater than the sum of its parts. If you're seeking a short, creative adventure on Xbox Game Pass, Ravenlok is definitely worth checking out. It's currently available on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.