Valley

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 4,452 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Valley Game Cover
Sonic the Hedgehog and Bioshock had a lovechild and named it Valley, a sleeper hit that deserves your attention.
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Valley is a single-player thriller platformer game with an intriguing story and marvelous game mechanics. As you explore the beautiful world using the L.E.A.F. suit, you'll experience exceptional speed, agility, and the power to manipulate life and death, but beware, the more you die, the more the valley dies around you. Despite some bugs, the wonderful music and beautiful atmosphere make for a highly emotional and memorable adventure, although it may not be very replayable.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 4,452 reviews
story1,474 positive mentions
replayability27 negative mentions
  • Unique movement system that provides a thrilling sense of speed and agility.
  • Beautiful graphics and an engaging soundtrack that enhance the overall experience.
  • Interesting story with environmental themes and lore that encourages exploration.
  • Short gameplay length, typically around 3-5 hours, which may leave players wanting more.
  • Lack of manual save options and a frustrating checkpoint system that can lead to lost progress.
  • Combat mechanics are simplistic and not very challenging, which may disappoint players looking for more action.
  • story3,152 mentions

    The story in "Valley" is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its intriguing narrative and the way it unfolds through audio logs and notes scattered throughout the game. While some find the plot predictable or clichéd, the combination of exploration, environmental storytelling, and engaging gameplay mechanics keeps players invested. Overall, the story is described as simple yet effective, providing a satisfying backdrop to the game's beautiful visuals and fluid movement mechanics, though some players wish it were longer or more developed.

    • “The storyline is very interesting and the gameplay mechanics are somewhat unique; there's plenty of narrative to listen to as well as notes to find, and you can get quite a detailed story from it all.”
    • “The story is engaging and very rewarding.”
    • “The story is interesting and keeps you engaged, the movement is exquisite and fun, and the visuals are great.”
    • “Unfortunately, the story is pretty lackluster, and despite its name, you'll spend more time running around inside abandoned military bases than the beautiful valley itself which, in my opinion, is a real shame.”
    • “The story is incredibly bland to the point where it feels like it was tacked on after the game developed.”
    • “The story is generic as can be, and barely qualifies as a story, as there really aren't any characters, and the ones that exist (mind you, you only hear them through audiologs) are not rich, interesting characters, but mere narrators spewing out information about the land you are in.”
  • gameplay1,877 mentions

    The gameplay in *Valley* is characterized by its fluid movement mechanics, allowing players to experience fast-paced parkour and exploration through a beautifully crafted environment. While the game introduces various mechanics, such as the life and death system, many players feel these elements are underutilized, leading to a somewhat simplistic and linear experience. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging traversal mechanics and stunning visuals, though some critiques highlight its short length and lack of depth in gameplay challenges.

    • “Beautiful game with addictive gameplay loop.”
    • “New mechanics are introduced every so often, which keeps the whole experience fresh, and speed is the main goal, making for a refreshing experience.”
    • “The gameplay traversal was definitely the best part about this game, and going as fast as you can was actually quite thrilling.”
    • “The gameplay is really shallow in every aspect.”
    • “The gameplay is a mix of action, puzzles, platforming, and some really nicely done mechanics for the l.e.a.f.”
    • “The life/death mechanic feels underused; you don't do much with it except shoot some enemies and cure dead trees.”
  • music1,398 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its exceptional quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many reviewers highlighting its beautiful orchestral compositions that adapt to gameplay moments. The soundtrack is described as atmospheric, immersive, and emotionally resonant, often elevating the sense of speed and adventure during gameplay. While some users noted occasional issues with volume control and music playback, the consensus is that the soundtrack is a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's charm and appeal.

    • “The soundtrack is phenomenal, easily the best part of this entire product.”
    • “The music is beautifully composed, and I barely noticed it because it set the mood quite effectively without being in the way of the plot.”
    • “The music, scenery, and story bits all were interesting... I just wish there were more.”
    • “Some music tracks are loud to the point of blasting out eardrums, while others are relatively normal.”
    • “The soundtrack is uninspired and doesn't support the game much.”
    • “The music ques were sometimes off, not setting off 'danger' music until I was already getting blasted by enemies.”
  • graphics1,077 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals and beautiful environments that effectively create an immersive atmosphere. However, some players noted that while the overall aesthetic is appealing, certain textures and details appear dated or lack polish, particularly in darker areas. Overall, the game showcases impressive graphics for an indie title, but there are areas where improvements could enhance the visual experience further.

    • “The game features stunning graphics with vast, detailed environments that capture the beauty and grandeur of the world.”
    • “The graphics are amazing, the music is just wonderful!”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, the pacing is really well done, the environment and this specific world are wonderfully done but the best of all is the music.”
    • “The graphics look worse than what the trailers/pictures show, mainly because there are lots of very dark areas.”
    • “The graphics are very outdated, locked to 60 or 90fps and the old Unity engine can bring down 4090 to its knees, but if you try to ignore that and let the world immerse you, you'll have great fun.”
    • “The graphics could have been improved, nothing is buggy though, the game is well designed.”
  • atmosphere332 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its breathtaking visuals, immersive sound design, and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the blend of vibrant and eerie environments, which evoke a range of emotions from tranquility to tension, making exploration feel rewarding and engaging. While some critiques mention moments of repetitiveness or dullness, the majority agree that the game's atmosphere is a standout feature that significantly contributes to its appeal.

    • “The color palette is vibrant and carefully chosen, helping to create an immersive and enchanting atmosphere.”
    • “The environments are surprisingly beautiful and varied enough to avoid becoming repetitive until the end of the game, and they are permeated by a varied atmosphere, ranging from ludic and contemplative freedom to mystery, melancholy, and apprehension.”
    • “The atmosphere is breathtaking and the graphics can easily be run on a decent laptop.”
    • “I mean, I get setting up the atmosphere or whatever, but since there is not much of any other sounds, it just gets boring to listen to only your own footsteps for long periods of time...”
    • “There's so little to do in these areas, and there's no reason to absorb the atmosphere.”
    • “Edit: I changed my recommendation to a pure negative; the more I play it, the more of a boring platformer with such a dull atmosphere it feels.”
  • replayability130 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players noting that while it offers some opportunities for exploration and collectible hunting, the overall experience is relatively short and linear, leading to limited replay value. Some players appreciate the chance to revisit areas with upgraded abilities, while others feel that once the story is completed, there isn't much incentive to return. Overall, it seems best suited for those who enjoy achievement hunting or exploring hidden secrets rather than for players seeking extensive replayability.

    • “Valley's replay value is significant, especially for those who enjoy exploring and discovering all of the game’s secrets.”
    • “The game is pretty replayable; replaying it might even give you more fun than your first playthrough.”
    • “Overall, I loved this game more than anything I played. It is short, but there is quite a bit of replayability with the medallions and acorn doors, and I just know I've missed loads of content and boxes in the game, so I'll definitely be replaying a few times not only for that, but just for the atmospherics of this game.”
    • “The biggest con is a lack of replayability - all features you will know after the first play.”
    • “There is not a whole lot of replay value, so buy on sale.”
    • “The replay value for this game is small, but it is something I can see myself picking up every year or two just to remind myself how cool it is.”
  • optimization65 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues, including stuttering and frame rate drops, even on high-end systems. While many appreciate the beautiful visuals and engaging narrative, they note that the game is not well-optimized, particularly in demanding environments. However, some users report smooth performance on lower-end systems, suggesting that optimization varies depending on hardware and settings.

    • “The game is well-optimized, so taking off at high speeds never caused any stuttering or hitching, which is all-important in a game like this.”
    • “The developers and studio should be commended on the performance given the speed at which your character moves, the graphics, design, and how well it seems to perform on a lower to mid-level gaming rig.”
    • “Positives: stunningly well-created world with beautiful scenery, excellent graphics (tested on highest settings), great soundtrack, well-optimized game, the L.E.A.F.”
    • “I did run into some minor performance issues, especially when I enabled anti-aliasing (AA), which is disappointing considering the age of the game and that I’m running well above recommended specs with a 2070 Super, R7 2700X, and 32GB RAM.”
    • “Almost jokingly bad optimization for a game that has nothing more to offer other than pretty visuals and half-wit puzzle mechanics.”
    • “The only negative thing I experienced with this game was that it's not optimized well.”
  • stability65 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting various bugs and glitches, particularly in the interface and during specific gameplay scenarios, such as dying or exploring hidden areas. While some users experienced minor issues that did not significantly detract from their enjoyment, others found the glitches frustrating enough to impact their overall experience. On a positive note, the game reportedly runs well on Linux, and several players noted that despite the bugs, the gameplay remains enjoyable.

    • “Runs great on Linux, so extra points for that!”
    • “Also runs great on Linux, thanks to the developers for bringing this jewel to us Linux users!”
    • “Technically the game runs great and looks beautiful.”
    • “The 'Plant of Heartbeat' achievement is buggy; after you reach the reactor, don't turn the game off if you want to take a break. Continue for 2 more minutes until you acquire the lifeseed - otherwise, the game will skip that point on the next run, and you will need to do a second playthrough to get it.”
    • “When you die, the game glitches horribly. I am going to recommend the game, but be forewarned, the glitches when dying might drive you to stop playing.”
    • “This game runs very poorly... when you turn your camera view, it glitches and my game quits.”
  • emotional63 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is widely praised for its touching story, beautiful visuals, and evocative music, which together create a heartfelt experience that resonates with players. Many reviewers noted the game's ability to foster deep emotional connections, despite its short length, while some expressed that certain themes could evoke personal memories, enhancing the emotional impact. Overall, the game is described as a captivating journey that balances exploration and emotional storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on those who play it.

    • “This game is beautifully made and you quickly develop an emotional connection to the game.”
    • “Valley is an emotional journey through a great flourishing wilderness ravaged by war and human conflict.”
    • “The story is very endearing and heart touching and is quite relevant to today: the pursuit of technology at all costs.”
    • “Exhilarating gameplay in a pretty world weighed down by a boring story.”
    • “Sorry, but I wasn't able to play it for more than 20 minutes: lags and a boring story.”
  • grinding39 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and often frustrating, particularly when it comes to collecting items and revisiting areas for upgrades. While some appreciate the exploration and the game's aesthetics, many feel that the repetitive nature of tasks detracts from the overall enjoyment, making it feel like a chore rather than a rewarding experience. The lack of collectible tracking further exacerbates the grind, leading to a mixed reception regarding replayability and engagement.

    • “It can be a little challenging but it's not tedious.”
    • “Collectibles are tedious and not worth it - they take the fluidity out of the game.”
    • “The main problem I had with Valley is that the exploration feels tedious, because the outdoor levels are spaciously designed, but most of the nooks and crannies I checked, hoping to find crates with collectibles, had absolutely nothing of interest.”
    • “A pretty game for sure, but you don't get to enjoy its biggest upside (the speed) nearly enough; instead, the game makes you go through tedious yet easy 'puzzles' to proceed further.”
  • humor27 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players enjoying the joyful and whimsical elements, such as funny notes from characters and amusing sound effects. Many reviewers noted that the gameplay itself elicits laughter, combining lighthearted moments with engaging mechanics, while the quirky interactions and unexpected musical cues add to the overall comedic experience. Overall, the game successfully balances humor with adventure, making it a delightful experience for players.

    • “There's humor and emotion in the notes you find spread throughout.”
    • “The more you look around, the more you discover about the people who came before you, their work, and even little humorous notes those people would write to themselves.”
    • “I remember just running through an open field, and all of a sudden, this loud Celtic-like music starts blaring, and I actually burst out laughing because of how jarring it was.”
    • “Well, okay, I'll stop with the unfunny jokes and unnecessary shade-throwing and try again. Here we go:”
    • “The humor in this game feels forced and often falls flat, making it more cringeworthy than funny.”
    • “I expected clever wit, but instead, I was met with tired clichés and predictable punchlines.”
  • monetization9 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with users expressing disappointment over unfulfilled advertising promises and a lack of visibility prior to discovery. While some players appreciate the game when discounted, others criticize the prevalence of microtransactions and overpriced content, suggesting that these elements detract from the overall experience.

    • “So if this game is 25% to 75% off and you are looking for a new game and give zero quacks about multiplayer, gun skins, loot boxes, microtransactions or whatever the big names think you need so they can make a profit then get this game.”
    • “If you do care about multiplayer, gun skins, loot boxes, microtransactions then look on the bright side: it's almost the end of the year so the next installment of 'your favourite game 2018' shouldn't be far off.”
    • “The promises of the advertisement have not been fulfilled.”
    • “I don't like talking about money, but currently many companies make their games so overpriced or so filled with microtransactions that it is barely playable, even if the core game is not finished and polished enough.”
    • “If you do care about multiplayer, gun skins, loot boxes, microtransactions then look on the bright side: it's almost the end of the year so the next installment of 'your favorite game 2018' shouldn't be far off.”
  • character development8 mentions

    Overall, reviews indicate a significant lack of character development in the game, with many players expressing disappointment over the absence of depth, struggles, or meaningful growth. While some praise the visuals and level progression, the consensus is that the narrative feels rushed and underdeveloped, leaving little to engage players on a character level.

    • “The end felt a bit rushed; I wanted a bit more character development, a bit more story.”
    • “Great visuals, good level progression, great character development.”
    • “Without spoiling anything, there is no twist, there is no mystery, there is no real discovery, there is no originality, and there is very little in terms of character development.”
    • “Unfortunately, there was more or less no character development, as this ends up being quite a short, 'to the point' game.”
    • “The story is okay, but there is practically no character development or significant plot twists or anything to make it more interesting than what it is: a few notes and audio recordings which tell you why you're walking down the linear path.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

71% average critic score

Buy Valley

Play time

5hMedian play time
9hAverage play time
4-7hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 119 analyzed playthroughs

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