Vagrus: The Riven Realms - Review @ TechRaptor

TechRaptor has reviewed Vagrus: The Riven Realms, which should be released any minute now.

Vagrus - The Riven Realms Review

A Series of Unfortunate Events

A game like Vagrus - The Riven Realms is hard to really evaluate at times. As a game, it offers a blended experience that is equal parts frustration and triumph, one that challenges you with a mix of skill and luck while providing an open narrative without much weight to it. It seems contradictory on the surface, for sure, but when sitting down and playing it, you get a whole different impression then.

The question though is Vagrus worth playing? The answer is the equally loaded answer of ‘yes and no’, but this is one of those cases where, despite myself not personally having fun with Vagrus at all, I can’t deny that it is a pretty good, well thought out game. Though players should know what they are in for when going through a game like this. 

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Final Thoughts

My own impressions on Vagrus - The Riven Realms changed constantly, but ultimately, Vagrus does carve itself a comfortable middle ground that showcases a well thought out, if difficult, experience. It definitely takes some time, and patience, to get there, but the battle is well worth the effort if you are willing to invest that time into it. For me, it was a difficult proposition to play through, my own poor planning or trial and error-learning of the mechanics, even after it was showcased in Pilgrims of the Wasteland, was certainly a steep learning curve to overcome. 

I guess that’s the point though of a game like Vagrus. It is a game where you make of it based on your own choices, your own playstyle. You can’t fault a game for being really good at that, in the end.

Score: 8.0 

Pros

• Narrative Freedom for the Player
• Simple Management Mechanics that Offer Variety
• Good use of Lore and Artistic Design
• Turn-Based Companion Combat is very Solid
• Pilgrims of the Wasteland Mode is a Good Introduction to the World

Cons

• Narrative is a Bit Weak Overall
• Minor Escort and Supply Missions are Less Interesting
• Luck and RNG Factor Hinders You Heavily Early On