Heaven's Vault

 PC
User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 29
  3. Negative: 8 out of 29

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  1. garbeige
    May 12, 2019
    10
    This game scratches an itch I didn't know I had. The characters are compelling, the gameplay is fascinating and the art style grew on me throughout the course of the game. I love the depth of thought that has been put into the language decoding puzzles, which gives you enough freedom to feel like a genius when a translation comes together while also subtly supporting you towards thatThis game scratches an itch I didn't know I had. The characters are compelling, the gameplay is fascinating and the art style grew on me throughout the course of the game. I love the depth of thought that has been put into the language decoding puzzles, which gives you enough freedom to feel like a genius when a translation comes together while also subtly supporting you towards that conclusion. I started playing after the quick travel was implemented, so I didn't notice this being as much of an issue for me.… Expand
  2. Aldrenean
    Aug 21, 2019
    9
    Heaven's Vault is definitely a niche game. The main gameplay is talking to people and translating an ancient language through a semi-realistic symbol matching activity. Problems come in the form of limited animation, slow and sometimes frustrating navigation on the ground and even more annoying sailing off the ground. But if you can look past these imperfections, there is a fantasticHeaven's Vault is definitely a niche game. The main gameplay is talking to people and translating an ancient language through a semi-realistic symbol matching activity. Problems come in the form of limited animation, slow and sometimes frustrating navigation on the ground and even more annoying sailing off the ground. But if you can look past these imperfections, there is a fantastic experience here. You get to uncover the history of the world around you, slowly piecing together fragments of language and mystery and being rewarded with some pretty cool reveals. The dialog and role-playing is also surprisingly robust -- conversations aren't stuffed with decisions, but those that you do make have real effects and the ways in which characters and even the world can react are impressive. Even after beating the game, I'm immediately interested in starting another run to find things that I missed and see an alternate ending, although the aforementioned slowness of the navigation does make that less palatable than it could be.

    Overall if you have any interest in archaeology or history this is a must-buy, and if you like talking/walking simulators and generally being immersed in a world, you'll definitely enjoy it. Playing this after Outer Wilds has been one of my best months in PC gaming ever.    … Expand
  3. Lefarien
    Apr 25, 2019
    10
    A game that achieves what it's trying to. If the core conceit of translating an ancient language excites you, the game will really land. Really a triumph of translating interactive narrative concepts into an adventure game with puzzle elements. It won't be for everybody, but if it's for you: it will delight you.
  4. Dubeau
    Apr 21, 2019
    5
    I played several hours of this game and still do. It's an interesting study in language translation. I like the dialogs in general and the way they are presented. But they can be too fast sometimes. The weak part is surely the exploration. The boating thing doesn't have good control and is excessively boring. I like the, on foot experience and finding items but it's very sluggish becauseI played several hours of this game and still do. It's an interesting study in language translation. I like the dialogs in general and the way they are presented. But they can be too fast sometimes. The weak part is surely the exploration. The boating thing doesn't have good control and is excessively boring. I like the, on foot experience and finding items but it's very sluggish because there is no option to go faster then walk, and walk slowly. The 2D drawing is a mix bag. I don't like them too much. They just don't fit that well. Update: I give it a 55%. Not the kind of game for everyone. If you like puzzles and exercising your brain, it's not that bad. The auto saving was a big problem in the end, since I found myself stuck in the main quest. The lack of any way to come back on saves is a big problem in this game. I saw many bugs with Huang interactions too.… Expand
  5. MarcioCavalcant
    Apr 17, 2019
    4
    I really tried to like this game but it's TERRIBLE! I'm only giving it a 4 and not a 0 because it has a nice soundtrack and a good artistical touch in the drawings but it's not only pointless and boring, but also also choices don't really matter at all in the end. This game reminded me of that joke about games having multiple endings: all the same thing, but in different colors!
    Gameplay    I really tried to like this game but it's TERRIBLE! I'm only giving it a 4 and not a 0 because it has a nice soundtrack and a good artistical touch in the drawings but it's not only pointless and boring, but also also choices don't really matter at all in the end. This game reminded me of that joke about games having multiple endings: all the same thing, but in different colors!
    Gameplay is mediocre at most. Too bad, because the iniatial idea sounded pretty good.    … Expand
  6. blakeguthrie
    Dec 8, 2019
    8
    Massively satisfying game with some the best art and writing in 2019. Honestly am underrated title that didn't get the marketing budget that it deserves. Nearly a masterpiece.
  7. edxtan
    Jul 10, 2023
    8
    Deciphering a dead language in Heaven's Vault serves both as unique gameplay and as environmental storytelling. It has many clunky design choices that frequently interrupt game flow.
  8. PlayroomVandals
    Jun 15, 2021
    10
    This won't be a game that everybody will enjoy, as it's text heavy (there's a dialogue literally every couple of steps). But if you like getting into the lore aspect of a game, and you like archeology, space, and a good story, you will absolutely love this game. If I really had to take one point off, it would be because moving around feels clunky and the camera gets stuck in weirdThis won't be a game that everybody will enjoy, as it's text heavy (there's a dialogue literally every couple of steps). But if you like getting into the lore aspect of a game, and you like archeology, space, and a good story, you will absolutely love this game. If I really had to take one point off, it would be because moving around feels clunky and the camera gets stuck in weird positions at times; also, the woman at the Elboreth marketplace is a real cow.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Everyeye.it
    Nov 24, 2019
    90
    With Heaven's Vault Inkle offers us another extraordinarily packaged adventure, able to concentrate on very few playful elements, decorated with overflowing aesthetic and artistic qualities.
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  2. Meristation
    Jul 29, 2019
    75
    It's refreshing to see a game that doesn't inspire itself in any previous title but try to establish its own ways of doing things. Some aspects, like the moments travelling the space, are however a bit bland and can become boring. But overall, it's a recommendable experience.
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  3. Games.cz
    Jun 24, 2019
    80
    You won’t find a better game about archaeology, and you’ll be hard-pressed to unearth two protagonists with more chemistry. The story is excellent, save maybe the very end. The rivers are waiting for you, as is the ancient language!
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