Vaporum
Rating Summary
Based on 34 critic reviews
OpenCritic Rating
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Top Critic
Vaporum is an impressively authentic homage to a bygone era, but at a cost.
Part of me wonders what this game could have been like if it were a regular first-person shooter and not grid based. The game was good, but it seems like there is a lot more that could have been. I was let down by the lack of steampunk elements and how most of the unique and interesting parts didn't happen until the second half of the game, but It didn't take away from the fun of the puzzle solving. This game has some good puzzles and it is a lot of fun trying to figure them out. The diverse enemy types and combat make the RPG elements of the game more interesting and make you put some thought into the gear you equip. A story with voice acting is a real plus when it comes to indie games and this really helps bring the Vaporum to life and give a good sense of what went on in this place before your arrival. I would like to see another entry to this series in the future. Fumium has the potential for a lot more and It would be great to see another game around this in the future. If you like dungeon crawlers, then this game is definitely worth picking up.
Vaporum catches attention easily. We like steampunk, it’s cool, and ever since Bioshock brought steampunk back people have been trying to encapsulate that style.
Top Critic
Vaporum is a great throwback to the days of classic dungeon crawlers. The game is full of puzzles, exploration and a wonderful narrative all wrapped in some nice, basic RPG elements. If you're buying this Switch version purely to go mobile then be forewarned that it might induce eye strain, otherwise, it's a strong buy!
The most impressive aspect of the game goes beyond its effective console port. The game is “small” in the indie sense, not made by hundreds but by a core team of four developers. Nevertheless, the game's graphical presentation, attention to detail, and handcrafted design are all so instantly appealing that plenty of AAA gamers who give it a go will surely find themselves hooked. Also, definitely tell that friend who likes BioShock that another kick of spooky, clanking, clockwork mystery is available to jump into.
Vaporum has around 15 hours worth of gameplay to conquer and many secrets to discover. Will you solve the mystery of the tower and get out alive? or will you succumb to the monsters that lie in wait for you? Having played Dungeon Master when I was young lad along with gems such as Bloodwych, Eye of the Beholder, heck even the original Doom, I love grid-based dungeon crawlers. Playing Vaporum brought back the nostalgia and to have it in a gothic steampunk setting really made this game something special for me. Breaking from the shackles of PC and launching onto multiple platforms, Vaporum brings back the genre both immersively and beautifully. Vaporum earns the prestigious Thumb Culture Platinum Award!
It's not the biggest rip-off in the world, and Vaporum's neat little spins on dungeon crawling are respectable, with the combat being tactical and in-depth, and the story not being as rewarding as you'd think.
Overall, Vaporum is a wonderful homage to an age when games weren’t all Fortnite and memes.
Approached with calm and an open mind, Vaporum is stimulating and inspiring, and may make you like dungeon crawlers more.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Vaporum is slightly undermined by its weaker console port, but just very slightly. Even on consoles, it still offers a solid dungeon crawling experience.
Review in Czech | Read full review
