We know there is an abundance of roguelike games out there, but it’s still always worth highlighting the standouts that either introduce fresh and exciting new elements or simply feel exceptionally polished and satisfying to play. Vellum, a recent addition to the genre, manages to deliver on both of those fronts, and on top of that, also boasts an absolutely stunning visual presentation thanks to its distinctive inky art style and the charismatic fountain pen-wielding protagonists at the heart of its adventure.
Given the game’s clear fondness for calligraphical motifs and aesthetics, it should come as no surprise that Vellum tasks players with fighting their way through a variety of different books. Each book is divided into distinct chapters, and within each chapter, there are unique rewards to be unlocked by the intrepid player. Some of these rewards might involve empowering the player’s tome-bound wolf companions, granting them access to special attacks and abilities. Others may be in the form of quests that need to be completed in order to unlock new and potentially game-changing buffs. The progression and customization systems in Vellum are also quite robust and engaging.
Players start off with a limited suite of movement, special, and standard spell options, but as they delve deeper into the game’s content, they’ll be able to unlock and acquire a steadily expanding arsenal of magical abilities. Each of these spells can then be further refined and enhanced through various upgrades, as the player completes different levels, overcomes specific enemies, or uncovers hidden objectives. On top of that, players are also able to experiment with a variety of distinct signature ink colors, further allowing them to personalize and imbue their magical attacks with a touch of visual flair.
Vellum’s commitment to offering a fresh and polished roguelike experience, combined with its visually striking calligraphic aesthetic, make it a title that is well worth the attention of both seasoned and newcomer fans of the genre. Its intricate systems of progression and customization, as well as its diverse array of challenges and rewards, ensure that each playthrough will feel dynamic, rewarding, and uniquely tailored to the individual player’s playstyle and preferences.
Original passage: which is a damage-over-time effect and you can unlock new ones as you progress, like the yellow one that allows for critical hits, or the red one that lets you steal the life of your enemies. And to build on things even further, you have to choose buffs to bestow on your enemies as you progress. You get to pick your poison and make things harder for yourself or choose the one that’s going to be the least awkward to deal with, adding a lovely layer of strategy into the mix. The systems all wrap around each other to make for a truly exceptional action roguelike.
Plus, and this is one of our favourite bits, it’s also co-op! Elaborated passage: The game features a unique and engaging damage-over-time mechanic that allows you to unlock new and increasingly powerful effects as you progress through the game.
These unlockable effects include the yellow one that grants you the ability to land critical hits, as well as the red one that enables you to steal the life force of your enemies, further empowering your character.
But the depth and complexity of the game’s systems don’t end there. As you venture deeper into the action-packed, roguelike experience, you are presented with the unique challenge of choosing buffs to bestow upon your adversaries. This strategic decision-making process forces you to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each buff, as you can either make things significantly harder for yourself by selecting a more powerful buff, or opt for a less troublesome option that may be easier to manage. This added layer of strategy seamlessly integrates with the game’s other mechanics, creating a truly exceptional and cohesive experience.
What’s more, the game also features a co-op mode, allowing you to team up with friends and tackle the challenges together. This cooperative element is one of the developers’ favorite aspects of the game, as it adds an entirely new dimension to the already captivating gameplay.
Overall, the game’s intricate systems, strategic decision-making, and cooperative gameplay combine to deliver a truly exceptional action roguelike experience that is sure to captivate players for hours on end.