Volume

 PC
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. Ars Technica
    Dec 9, 2015
    Try it if you’re OK breezing through the stealth-action gameplay while enjoying a competent story.
  2. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Dec 8, 2015
    There’s a clever stealth game here, without question. I’d just like it so much more if it ramped up faster and cooled it with all the chest-thumping.

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best PC Game of 2015

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 57 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 32 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 57
  3. Negative: 9 out of 57
  1. soullessclover
    Jul 15, 2016
    10
    Well, I'm sure I'm not going to be able to do this game justice, but with sales rolling around and me continuing to enjoy it, I felt the needWell, I'm sure I'm not going to be able to do this game justice, but with sales rolling around and me continuing to enjoy it, I felt the need to strongly recommend Volume.

    First of all, it's got excellent gameplay that is expanded greatly due to the driven community content. Stealth elements contribute to some fantastic puzzles, both from Mike and also from the tons of talented geniuses that make full use of the level editor. The gameplay relies a lot on sound, using tools to distract enemies or get them to move, rather than taking them down. In case it isn't obvious, I'm a huge fan. It was quite the experience, finding the Bugle for the first time and having to use it in the refreshing situations that really utilize it. Of course, the game does get more complicated. One small complaint from me would be that eventually the tons of elements don't completely bring out the best in each other, and tend to get separated quite a bit in the level design. Again though, there are plenty of examples of that not being the case, if you play levels made by players. The level editor is available and relatively easy to use. I haven't had any breakthrough ideas yet, but I did try it out at least :P

    In case you didn't know, this game had a pretty big update - again responding to the community and feedback - maybe a week after it released. This expanded the checkpoint system to set up 3 "gamemodes" - differing at whether or not you could use checkpoints (and fixing the main complaints surrounding around being able to hit a checkpoint while running from a guard!)

    The whole top down perspective thing is cool, a virtual simulation basis is brought to life by a distinct art style and surprisingly subtle storytelling. Volume is gorgeous to look at, listen to, and overall just take in. The voice actors did a phenomenal job, the soundtrack is sublime, and the premise really makes the most of artistic concepts along the way.

    Now, since this is Mike Bithell's next project after finishing Thomas Was Alone, obviously there will be comparisons drawn. But the thing is that Thomas's story was the drive of the gameplay in TWA. With Volume, things are much more game-y, meaning they are arguably a little less artsy in the process, but I don't see that as a bad thing. Volume's gameplay is what drives the plot. It's nothing exceptional, but it's exciting and fits the game perfectly. That's what I see as consistent between TWA and Volume, not that they are similar, but that they both have elements that fit well and balance out each other. Volume has an overarching tale, inspired by Robin Hood (how awesome is that?), of someone using simulators to inspire stealing. What I enjoyed was the uncertainty. There are tiny bits of backstory that are told gradually and form more of a setting than a plot line, meanwhile the main characters' actions are explored without straining the focus away from the fantastic gameplay. So for what it's worth, I still consider the story a huge positive. I'd almost argue that it's more impressive this way than Bithell's magnificent writing in his first game. Everything else in Volume is a step up, so I think a story that works with that well is a story worth praising.

    Hope my 2 cents helps you decide if it's for you. The past few months really flew by for me, so when I noticed that there were 99 reviews I figured that Volume deserved me to bump that number up even if I couldn't do the best job explaining myself.

    * Stealthy puzzling gameplay with some great original mechanics
    * Refreshing light plot that is engaging and compliments the strong focus rather than overpowering it
    * Replayability, gamemodes, scoreboards, and more, to go along with the driven community
    * Growing game, feedback is considered and has helped make it better, as well as staff picked custom levels highlighted
    * Interesting characters
    * Well thought out art style, the OST is sublime, and between great VAs and writing, it's executed quite well

    Traditional rating: Bugle/10

    Final verdict: This game is definitely for me. If it sounds like I'm just singing endless praises, it's because quite possibly every aspect of this game is in line with what I love and enjoy. My goal was to give you an idea of that, but closing I'd just like to point to that it IS fully recommended

    Because I really do recommend this game. It's well done and it stands out, I can see a wide variety of people enjoying it, and at the very least, you should give that a shot.    … Full Review »
  2. qrpiech
    Mar 7, 2016
    8
    Addictive and fun indie stealth game with great soundtrack and awesome voice overs by Andy Serkis. You are playing as a thief in a distantAddictive and fun indie stealth game with great soundtrack and awesome voice overs by Andy Serkis. You are playing as a thief in a distant future, and you're stealing gems from rich and corrupt people. Isometric view helps you to plan your steps and react quickly to what is happening.

    You have some simple tools that help you on your quest - you can throw sound decoys to distract your enemies or put 'oddities' on walls to keep them occupied and indifferent to sound. You can use the environment to your advantage as well - stick to low walls to avoid being seen, use doors to hide or sound traps to break enemy movement patterns and get out of tricky situations. Be aware that you cannot kill anybody and that it makes the game even more interesting and fun.

    Graphics are interesting and intriguing as well, yet simple enough to allow the game to run smooth even on older PC's. Controls are convenient and intuitive - it's fun to play both on keyboard + mouse and gamepad. With 100 levels and level editor, Volume will keep you occupied for hours. It's definitely worth its price so don't hesitate and grab it - you won't regret it!    … Full Review »
  3. davidcartoons
    Dec 26, 2015
    9
    este juego es excelente, la banda sonora es olvidable, pero el gameplay hace brillar a este juego, una pena que tenga tan poca media el juego,este juego es excelente, la banda sonora es olvidable, pero el gameplay hace brillar a este juego, una pena que tenga tan poca media el juego, pues es excelente y 100% recomendable.… Full Review »
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