Dive into the magic tomes of Vellum, a cooperative action roguelike. Discover pages of increasing power, sling ink-infused spells, and choose how your foes evolve - as a group or solo!
The game offers players a wealth of customization options that allow for diverse and engaging experiences. Before each run, players can choose from a variety of "Tomes" - unique rule sets and challenges that alter the gameplay. This creates a sense of freshness, as players must adapt their strategies and builds to the specific Tome they select. At the core are the different ink colors, each with their own signature abilities. Players can tailor their playstyle by choosing from a variety of ink types, further enhanced by an extensive "Scribe Pages" progression system for unlocking and enhancing skills. Additionally, players can choose how to upgrade their enemies during each level, carefully weighing the tradeoffs between strengthening their own abilities or making the enemies more formidable. This dynamic creates a constant tension and decision-making process that keeps the gameplay engaging and challenging.
Reviewers consistently praise the game's smooth and satisfying combat. The responsive controls and fluid movement allow players to navigate the battlefield with precision, making the act of slinging ink-infused spells and abilities feel viscerally rewarding. The variety of offensive options, from basic attacks to powerful special abilities, provides a sense of depth and synergy as players experiment with different combinations. The ability to "infuse" spells with vibrant effects further enhances the visual and kinesthetic feedback, creating a sense of power and impact. While the monochromatic enemy design can occasionally make it difficult to differentiate between foes, the overall combat experience is consistently described as engaging and satisfying, with a strong emphasis on player skill and strategic decision-making.
The game's co-op functionality is a standout feature, allowing players to team up and tackle challenges together. The cooperative nature encourages players to coordinate their abilities, strategize as a group, and leverage the unique strengths of their individual builds. The "Font" system, which provides group-wide boons and abilities, further incentivizes cooperation and teamwork. Players must work together to activate these powerful effects, adding an extra layer of synergy and strategy to the co-op experience. Reviewers highlight the enjoyment of experimenting with different team compositions, discovering powerful synergies, and overcoming obstacles through coordinated effort. The co-op gameplay is praised as a core strength, offering a compelling alternative to the solo experience.
The game's progression system, centered around the "Bindings" mechanic, provides a compelling challenge and sense of advancement. By applying higher Bindings to each run, players can increase the difficulty and unlock greater rewards, encouraging a constant desire to push their skills and builds to the limit. The relatively short run length, typically ranging from 10-30 minutes, allows for quick, iterative gameplay sessions. This, combined with the diverse Tomes, enemy upgrades, and customization options, fosters a sense of replayability and the desire to experiment with new strategies. Reviewers highlight the satisfying feeling of gradually unlocking new abilities, pages of power, and cosmetic options, fueling a sense of progression and investment in the game's systems. The ability to "prestige" and reset progress for additional rewards further extends the game's longevity and replayability.