Vendetta Online

 PC
Metascore
62

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
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  1. GameSpot
    71
    A decent sim that does things mostly right. It provides a solid framework for an online space sim, but it needs additional content to build and sustain its appeal.
  2. PC Gamer
    68
    Early missions can be a bit of a grind, and you can't buy anything fancy right away, even if you have the cash. [March 2005, p.66]
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  3. IGN
    65
    To the casual gamer though who just wants to be among a bunch of other players in the same game, almost every other MMO is recommended over this one.
  5. PC Gameworld
    65
    Space fans should use the free trial, and science fiction fans might want to read the story, but paying for the game probably isn’t worth it in the long run.
  6. GamerFeed
    60
    Vendetta Online is not really worth the time or the money. It's boring a lot of the time, and most players will probably lose interest long before anything exciting happens.
  7. Gamers' Temple
    60
    If you really, really must play a MMORPG space sim, then you should give VO a trial run as it does deliver the very basics. Otherwise, it is hard to recommend that you spend your MMORPG time and money on this one.
  8. G4 TV
    60
    The Vendetta Online community, though small, is fantastically helpful and supportive. The VO forums are not filled with whiners. The game is not filled with jerks.
  9. Worth Playing
    60
    If you’re looking for a lot of polish here, you’re not going to find it. If you like space sims, and "Star Wars Galaxies" isn’t doing it for you, it’s worth at least downloading the free client and checking it out.
  10. Game Chronicles
    60
    The game succeeds too well in creating the emptiness of space—I want to feel the emptiness of space, not feel like the game is lacking way too much content.
  11. Computer Gaming World
    30
    A lot like "Freelancer," only boring and with a monthly fee. [May 2005, p.94]
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Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed PC Game of 2004
27
#27 Most Shared PC Game of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 7 out of 25
  1. truetester
    Oct 21, 2016
    1
    Good FPS control and twitched base combat, but barely anyone ever online -- so to call this an MMORPG is a stretch (i.e. seeing 3 or moreGood FPS control and twitched base combat, but barely anyone ever online -- so to call this an MMORPG is a stretch (i.e. seeing 3 or more people in your vicinity is a rare encounter). And those that are online are rarely helpful. In game chat is often overwhelmed with toxicity between players and there is never any moderation. The developers have focused the majority of their efforts and resources on mobile and VR development instead of content and fixing bugs. Customer support is pretty lackluster as well, often met with delayed responses ranging from vague to annoyed.

    A surprisingly long lasting game that has always had far more potential than it has ever been able to take advantage of. Since it was released the manpower keeping it afloat has steadily shrunk and development has been almost entirely focused on satisfying various contracts with other companies to keep the lights on rather than improving gameplay, solving long standing issues, or updating and adding new content.

    Getting access to content in game requires incredible amounts of mind-numbing grinding which gets old very quick and is not likely to keep the average gamer interested long enough to subscribe. Those that do end up playing have fairly solitary experiences due first and foremost to the vastness of the universe, and secondarily to the low player count.

    Visually the game is reminiscent of the 1990s, but it can easily be ignored if you get involved in pvp. In recent years mobile players have emerged as the majority of the player base, and with them has come an increase in latency issues that have been a struggle for the developers to address.

    Overall worth trying, but once you do you'll quickly see why more people haven't stuck around.    … Full Review »
  2. LongTimePlayer
    Jul 8, 2020
    1
    I have played on and off for over a decade, rabid censorship, poor administration, game has had little to no traffic for the last 5 years orI have played on and off for over a decade, rabid censorship, poor administration, game has had little to no traffic for the last 5 years or so, lots of empty promises by Guild Software that never happened, not worth the subscription fee whatsoever.… Full Review »
  3. Phaserlight
    Aug 31, 2011
    10
    Vendetta Online remains a true diamond in terms of gameplay, survivability, and fun. There is no other gaming experience that has come closeVendetta Online remains a true diamond in terms of gameplay, survivability, and fun. There is no other gaming experience that has come close to reproducing the effect that Vendetta Online's multiplayer space twitch combat deftly inspires. The company Guild Software also deserves applause for their dedication and vision in bringing this experience to users in the face of overwhelming odds, and for their honesty and innovation in maintaining and developing their remarkable end product. I was fortunate enough to meet the lead developer, John Bergman, and this furthered my confidence that Vendetta Online will continue to grow and come into its own as the years continue. As a subscribed user since the Alpha stages of June 2003, I highly recommend this product to anyone with an interest in coruscating and intuitive combat in a rich and believable world, or to anyone with an interest in games in general.… Full Review »
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