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Vesper, a puzzle-adventure game developed by the Italian indie studio Cordens Interactive, offers a unique and thought-provoking experience. This review delves into the game’s impressive aesthetics, innovative gameplay, and some minor shortcomings that hold it back from true greatness.

Immersive Visuals and Atmospheric Storytelling

Vesper immediately grabs attention with its striking visual design and evocative color palette. Dominated by dark hues and punctuated by vibrant blues, oranges, and reds, the game masterfully conveys the protagonist’s emotions and the overarching atmosphere. The warm tones emphasize moments of danger and urgency, creating a sense of claustrophobia and prompting quick thinking during puzzle-solving and evasion sequences. Conversely, the cooler tones underscore the loneliness and isolation of Seven, the protagonist, and the surrounding environment, reflecting his sense of loss and disorientation.

Seven amidst the desolate landscape

Since Seven is a “silent” protagonist, the game relies heavily on visuals and colors to narrate the story and convey interactions with other entities. Players are encouraged to interpret the stunning landscapes and piece together the narrative, deciphering past, present, and future events. Vesper’s artistic direction is undoubtedly a highlight, effectively weaving the visual elements into the storytelling fabric.

The vibrant color palette enhances the atmosphere

Innovative Puzzle Mechanics Centered on Survival

Vesper prioritizes the survival aspect within its puzzle-adventure framework. The puzzles primarily revolve around escaping enemy encounters and strategically navigating the environment. Early stages introduce simple puzzles that test reflexes and situational awareness, acclimating players to the controls and the core gameplay loop. These initial sequences are particularly well-executed, utilizing color cues and visual effects to highlight critical areas and enemy positions. The straightforward control scheme allows for easy maneuverability, requiring minimal input to control Seven’s movements and evasion tactics.

Seven using the Drive Gun

The introduction of the Drive Gun marks a significant shift in gameplay. This unique tool, capable of absorbing and emitting light, adds a layer of complexity to the puzzles and opens up new possibilities for creative problem-solving. Vesper allows for multiple solutions to each puzzle, encouraging experimentation and strategic thinking. Every element within the game world, from lamps and foliage to enemies themselves, becomes a potential tool for overcoming obstacles. The developers cleverly introduce new Drive Gun mechanics gradually, presenting increasingly challenging puzzles that encourage players to master its various applications.

A complex puzzle environment

Narrative Shortcomings and Control Quirks

Despite its strengths, Vesper suffers from some narrative and control issues. The storytelling, while visually compelling, lacks a strong central narrative thread to fully engage the player. The ending feels somewhat anticlimactic and leaves many unanswered questions. Seven and his light-containing orb companion don’t quite resonate as compelling anchors for the story, leaving the player feeling slightly disconnected.

A scene showcasing the game's atmospheric environments

The controls, while generally responsive, occasionally exhibit unpredictable behavior. The most notable issue involves jumping and grabbing onto ledges. While Seven’s robotic nature should allow for seamless traversal, there are instances where he fails to grab onto ledges, resulting in frustrating falls and “Game Over” screens. This mechanic, seemingly tied to jumping from specific heights, isn’t clearly explained within the game, forcing players to learn through trial and error.

Conclusion

Vesper is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating puzzle-adventure game with a unique core mechanic. While the narrative falls short of its potential and the controls have some quirks, the overall experience is rewarding. The innovative gameplay and captivating aesthetics make it a worthwhile addition to any puzzle enthusiast’s library.