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VAIL: Extraction Game Cover

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VAIL: Extraction is a multiplayer casual strategy game. It was developed by AEXLAB and was released on February 15, 2024. It received mostly positive reviews from players.

"VAIL VR is a competitive 5v5 tactical shooter designed for VR, featuring immersive physics allowing for realistic gun handling and movement. The game emphasizes competitive integrity with features designed to ensure fair play. Planned updates include social experiences like mini-games, avatar customization, and 1v1 modes." NO RELEASE DATE OR DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER MENTIONED.

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76%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,618 reviews
gameplay129 positive mentions
optimization26 negative mentions

  • The gunplay is incredibly satisfying and feels realistic, with great attention to detail in weapon mechanics.
  • The game has a variety of game modes and maps, providing a fun and engaging experience for players.
  • The developers are active in the community and frequently update the game, showing commitment to improving the player experience.
  • The player base is low, making it difficult to find matches, especially in less popular game modes.
  • The game has a significant number of toxic players, particularly younger users, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • Many features and content are locked behind a paywall, making the free-to-play aspect feel misleading.
  • gameplay
    286 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its realistic gun mechanics, smooth movement, and engaging tactical elements reminiscent of classic shooters like Counter-Strike. However, players have expressed concerns about optimization issues, a lack of content, and the direction of the game, particularly with the introduction of monetization strategies that detract from the core experience. Overall, while the mechanics are well-crafted and enjoyable, the game's current state and community dynamics leave some players feeling frustrated and uncertain about its future.

    • “The gameplay systems are very intuitive in general, which lets you get into the game quickly without needing a PhD in rocket science to understand how things work.”
    • “The gun mechanics felt amazing, but recently the game has started to get worse, especially in the eyes of competitive players.”
    • “The gameplay is smooth, the weapon mechanics are awesome, and the graphics are decent.”
    • “I cannot recommend due to them going in the wrong direction that I initially didn't buy the game for, and their newly focused mode extraction shooter is poorly optimized compared to the regular 5v5 mode which I prefer. The core gameplay and mechanics are not suitable for such a rushed and badly made early access mode that they are currently marketing.”
    • “The gameplay is awful.”
    • “The gameplay was repetitive and tedious, offering little in terms of innovation or excitement.”
  • graphics
    177 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with many players praising the high-quality visuals, unique art style, and immersive environments that enhance gameplay. However, some users report performance issues and optimization challenges, particularly on lower-end hardware, leading to a less satisfying experience. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered above average and visually appealing, there are concerns about consistency and optimization across different systems.

    • “The graphics are above average and the scenery is amazing, especially the sense of scale.”
    • “The futuristic art design of Vail's graphics creates a visually stunning environment for players to immerse themselves in.”
    • “The game has amazing graphics and physics unlike any other VR competitive shooters I have played.”
    • “The graphics were lackluster, with outdated textures and uninspired character/map designs.”
    • “The game feels like a bad version of Pavlov and the graphics are terrible for being an Unreal Engine game.”
    • “Everything about the game is pretty bland aesthetically.”
  • story
    170 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game "Vail" is noted for lacking a traditional story, with many players emphasizing that it primarily focuses on gameplay rather than narrative. While some users appreciate the chaotic and competitive environment, they express frustration over the influx of younger players from the Quest platform, which they feel detracts from the experience. Overall, the absence of a structured storyline and the game's reliance on multiplayer interactions are highlighted as defining characteristics.

    • “Vail's unique backstory allows for very unique and engaging ways to perform simple tasks: planting a bomb, defusing a bomb, interacting with players, overall visual experience.”
    • “I really like the game but since I am a Quest user and only have it on Steam, it is simply unplayable. I wish I could also get in on Quest when I already got it here on Steam for free.”
    • “With the addition of the UE5 update and the subsequent port to Quest, the game's overall content has massively increased.”
    • “☑ no story”
    • “☑ not a story game”
    • “The game just drops you into a social lobby full of little kids and ads for microtransactions, with a quest pop-up simply telling you to 'shoot at ten targets'.”
  • optimization
    115 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including low frame rates and lag, even on high-end hardware. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay, particularly on specific setups, the general consensus is that the game is poorly optimized, especially for mid-range PCs and VR headsets. Frequent updates have not consistently resolved these issues, leading to frustration among the player base.

    • “People with mid-spec hardware will love this level of optimization!”
    • “Great performance, even on my relatively dated hardware.”
    • “The gunplay is tight and fun, and performance is good.”
    • “Unoptimized laggy mess”
    • “The game is totally not optimized and looks like a PS1 game.”
    • “This game is horribly optimized.”
  • stability
    25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing frequent crashes, bugs, and glitches, particularly in the new extraction mode and during gameplay in the citadel. While some users report improvements and a smoother experience after troubleshooting, others find the game unplayable due to performance issues and poor optimization. Overall, the game appears to be in a state of flux, with ongoing fixes needed to address its stability concerns.

    • “The pistols feel accurate, the rifles aren't buggy (like they are in other VR shooters), and the grenades!”
    • “From here on out in this review, remember the game is early access and right now is fairly basic, but even with what the game currently is, I believe it is worth the price as what is currently here is very refined (not buggy) and addicting to play.”
    • “Game is now based, the graphics don't look stale anymore, and it runs great at a solid 144 fps.”
    • “Now in the citadel, the game completely freezes up and starts to pool up the unreasonably high-resolution textures in my RAM.”
    • “From frequent crashes to game-breaking glitches, it was clear that this release was rushed and poorly optimized.”
    • “The game is pretty buggy now, and while not all of these bugs are major bugs, they do hinder the experience especially as a new player, not willing to overcome these bugs.”
  • monetization
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players expressing frustration over the prevalence of microtransactions, subscription fees, and overpriced cosmetics. Many feel that the game has shifted from a one-time purchase model to a cash grab focused on extracting money through constant ads and in-game purchases, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the monetization approach is seen as a major factor in diminishing the game's appeal and enjoyment.

    • “Great game, but I think the thing that killed it was the monetization strategy.”
    • “Now they're trying to pull in players, adding monetization and skins instead of making interesting looking maps and game modes.”
    • “The whole time it was shoving microtransactions in my face, begging me to start a trial.”
    • “What you will get is a free-to-play mess filled with illegal gambling, microtransactions, and broken game modes.”
    • “They completely changed the business model from a one-time purchase (which wasn't cheap, but at least clear) to a system that prioritizes monthly subscribers and people who make use of microtransactions.”
  • grinding
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players consistently describe the grinding aspect of the game as excessively tedious and time-consuming, often requiring hundreds of hours to achieve meaningful progression or unlock cosmetics. Many express frustration with the slow XP gain and restrictive leveling system, which detracts from the overall enjoyment and can make the gameplay feel repetitive. While some appreciate the game's potential, the grind is seen as a significant barrier to fully engaging with its content.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “It's an okay game, but the progression is annoying and it is really grindy for a VR game.”
    • “XP gain is painfully slow, and each level grows longer and more grindy. I've gotten to a point where my 2-hour sessions will only net me one level before I get tired of using the exact same setup.”
    • “The game is great, but it has a very grindy and restrictive leveling system that creates a significant skill gap.”
  • humor
    15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding the chaotic gameplay and quirky scenarios genuinely funny. Many highlight the amusing interactions in lobbies and the game's bugs, which inadvertently enhance the comedic experience. Overall, the game is described as a hilarious blend of chaos and clever design choices that resonate well with fans of humorous gaming.

    • “Nadeball is the most funny mode.”
    • “One of the only games that you can play a Minecraft prison server to unlock access to the rest of the paid game, which is extremely funny.”
    • “There are many bugs in the game, which do not retract from the overall gaming experience; it only adds a humor aspect to certain scenarios one may encounter.”
  • emotional
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players express a range of emotional experiences with the game, from joy and nostalgia to frustration and disappointment. The community is highlighted as a source of warmth and support, fostering wholesome interactions that enhance the overall experience. However, some users also note feelings of illness due to the game's movement mechanics and a sense of heartbreak over its unrealized potential.

    • “A few days pass then, and when I made the team, I cried tears of joy.”
    • “This game's community is the best and always leaves me with very fun and wholesome interactions every time I play the game.”
    • “Coming from flatscreen FPS games, the first time I ever tried Vail VR made me feel like I was leveling up the way I play video games.”
  • music
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received positive feedback, with players appreciating its quality and how it enhances the overall experience, particularly in creating a good vibe during gameplay. While some mention the option to adjust less favorable tracks, the general consensus highlights the music as a strong point, contributing to the game's aesthetic and community atmosphere.

    • “I love the art style and the music.”
    • “Just listening to music and playing deathmatch is a really good vibe.”
    • “Audio is sublime and the music is excellent.”
    • “There is a DJ booth to turn down the only not great music in the lobby.”
  • atmosphere
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is a mixed bag; while it features high-quality aesthetics and immersive sound effects that enhance the competitive experience, some players find the atmospheric conditions, particularly the nighttime settings, frustrating and poorly implemented. The lack of brightness adjustments in dark areas can hinder gameplay, but overall, the game's design and community contribute positively to its atmosphere.

    • “The game's high sense of aesthetics and esports competitive atmosphere with a fun-loving community.”
    • “Sound effects are top-notch, with precisely calibrated footsteps adding to the immersive atmosphere.”
    • “The game itself is pretty fun and reminiscent of Counter-Strike, but in a more competitive atmosphere than Pavlov.”
    • “Rate this game 10/10 for gunplay, sounds, original ideas, level design, and overall atmosphere.”
  • replayability
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, players express concerns about the game's replayability, citing a lack of content and meaningful progression systems despite recent updates like the prestige system. While some find the game polished and enjoyable, many believe it needs user-generated content or mod support to enhance replay value and compete effectively with similar titles.

    • “Super polished and replayable.”
    • “This game now is a lot more playable than back in the days when only hardcore league players were in it.”
    • “For a game that costs $40, it feels like it does not have nearly enough content or replay value. Yes, they have recently added a prestige system, but all it does is add a cosmetic (that you can't equip on both teams, by the way) and gives you the ability to earn a very small amount of in-game currency.”
    • “Vail is an incredibly fun game, but I'm afraid that with the performance issues and lack of replayability, the progression doesn't justify the MSRP of $20. Maybe later down the line, after the beta bugs are weaned out.”
    • “This game could really use user-generated content or mod support too, as I don't think this game will get anywhere without it. Its competitors have that, which increases replay value by essentially infinity.”
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13h Median play time
68h Average play time
6-200h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 14 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

VAIL: Extraction is a casual strategy game.

VAIL: Extraction is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 68 hours playing VAIL: Extraction.

VAIL: Extraction was released on February 15, 2024.

VAIL: Extraction was developed by AEXLAB.

VAIL: Extraction has received mostly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

VAIL: Extraction is a multiplayer game.

Similar games include VAIL VR, Onward, Contractors, Bodycam, Pavlov and others.