Vaporum Reviews
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.
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 Slovak | Read full review
Vaporum is a well-rounded RPG that properly executes a classic experience with a nice coat of paint. It takes what you commonly love in a more fantasy/medieval setting and interprets it into a steampunk setting. Vaporum looks the part and sound effects and environment ambiance also help sell the atmosphere. The combat is fast, but flexible. And the choices given for certain playstyles make it a worthwhile experience.
Vaporum is, in its beginnings, a harsh, hard and implacable game, but once we move through its corridors and levels and approach its entrails, the reward for being constant and learning from our mistakes is enormous. The entrance barrier of this game is great, but it is definitely worth overcoming it for the many hours of fun and challenges that await us. If you were expecting a dungeon crawler in which to lose you for hours, with an excellent atmosphere, a character customization system and deep skills, some excellent puzzles and a story that is followed with interest, Vaporum is a safe bet that you should not miss .
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Vaporum is a steampunk take on classic dungeon crawler genre. It is similar to Legend of Grimrock in many aspects, but features slightly worse motivation for progress and brand new set of enemies.
Review in Polish | Read full review
Vaporum is very much a thinking game, despite being labeled as a real-time dungeon crawler. If you actually want to use your mind a bit – or have no shame in using a guide at times – Vaporum has much to offer.
FatBot Games’ Vaporum is still, to quote myself, a Dungeon Crawling experience that fans will find plenty to love with the mix of the old schooled and new ideas alike. With solid gameplay mechanics and good shreds of information to keep you guessing as to what’s happened, the dive back into this tower was made even better with the fact that you can take it on the go with the Switch’s portability!
In the end, Vaporum was a welcome return to a world I had long been away from. Vaporum's role-playing and survival experience combine well with Duncan Crawler's style, and this game chains you to the end.
Review in Persian | Read full review
Vaporum is a classic and quality dungeon crawler that, although it achieves a fair balance between exploration, combat and puzzles, suffers from a difficulty typical of the genre that is not suitable for all audiences. The plot is interesting enough to invite you to move forward, and the setting is quite accomplished and inspired, but the size of the inventory, and the nature of some puzzles tarnish the end result. The Nintendo Switch version has also suffered significant technical cuts and the font is too small in its portable mode, perhaps it is not the ideal platform for this game.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
All in all, most of the issues addressed above happened in the second half of the game. Vaporum almost literally felt like it lost steam the farther I progressed. Which is, personally, the most disappointing aspect. The beginning and most of the mid-section was where I had an actual wonderful time, where the later half continually soured my perception. There was definitely heart put into the project, which only serves to disappoint me even further. The game is priced at $19.99 on both Steam and Humble Bundle, whereas it’s priced at $24.99 on Switch, PS4, and Xbox One. I am not sure why there are two different price sets, but even at $19.99 I recommend for the game to go on sale before purchasing. I appreciate Fatbot Games’ attempt, especially at the beginning, but I can’t in good faith ignore the second half of the game.
You’ll start out in the game entering a towering mechanical construct, not quite sure what’s going on...
Vaporum provides a good atmosphere and decent longevity, allowing console players to explore a lesser-known genre. Despite some technical and mechanical issues, it remains a valid and enjoyable game.
Review in Italian | Read full review
If Vaporum was more optimized for consoles then it would have been a must-play dungeon crawler.