Vertigo

80%
Game Brain Score Based on 430 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
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"Vertigo" is a single-player Science Fiction Shooter game for the HTC Vive, set in the abandoned underground facilities of a Quantum Reactor with mysterious black holes. Armed with only the tools found, players must navigate through parallel universes, face challenging security drones and turrets, and uncover dark secrets to reach the surface and truth. Despite being buggy, the game boasts exceptional gameplay, fabulous graphics, wonderful music, and a hilarious atmosphere.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 430 reviews
gameplay58 positive mentions
stability58 negative mentions
  • Vertigo offers a unique and immersive VR experience, combining elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat reminiscent of classic games like Half-Life and Portal.
  • The game features diverse gameplay mechanics, including climbing, ziplines, and a teleportation device that adds depth to the movement system.
  • Boss battles are engaging and creative, providing a satisfying challenge that keeps players invested in the game.
  • The game is plagued by numerous bugs, including game-breaking issues that can force players to restart levels or the entire game.
  • Some players have reported frustrating control schemes, particularly on certain VR headsets, making movement and combat less enjoyable.
  • The story lacks depth and clarity, leaving players wanting more context and narrative development throughout the gameplay.
  • gameplay146 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by a mix of solid adventure elements, including diverse puzzles, unique boss fights, and creative VR mechanics that enhance immersion. While many players appreciate the variety and innovative mechanics, some express frustration with unclear puzzle solutions and occasional bugs that detract from the experience. Overall, the game offers a compelling blend of exploration and combat, though it may require further polish to fully realize its potential.

    • “There's a lot of diversity in gameplay throughout each level, and every boss fight is very unique.”
    • “The gameplay keeps evolving as you move through the game and there are some interesting boss fights.”
    • “The aspect of Vertigo's gameplay that really impressed me was the sheer number of different and creative play mechanics that the game blasted me with: from having combined blaster/lightsaber duels to physically climbing ladders to manually assembling the equivalent of a jigsaw puzzle to swinging across monkey bars to shrinking myself to ziplining to defending my sniper tower to navigating a maze filled with poison gas.”
    • “Gameplay = bad (mostly walk around and shoot a few robots, solve a few clues, which are literally scattered around with no logic to it. shoot/slash a few monsters that pop up, with no idea if you are actually hitting them)”
    • “As others have mentioned, the gameplay can be a little frustrating at times in how puzzles need to be solved to progress, but it's not often clear how to go about solving them.”
    • “There are just too many bugs that affect gameplay to recommend anyone spend money on this game currently.”
  • story122 mentions

    The game's story is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its atmospheric lore and exploration elements, while others find it lacking depth and clarity. Many reviews highlight that the narrative often feels secondary to gameplay, with exposition primarily delivered through environmental storytelling and text messages. Overall, while it offers an engaging backdrop for action and exploration, expectations for a robust plot should be tempered.

    • “It's refreshing to play a story-driven explorative VR game.”
    • “Still one of the best story-driven VR titles, with a full story, quality style, action, and adventure.”
    • “Great exploration, environments, atmosphere, and world building, with a complete storyline that has an ending.”
    • “It does not feel plot driven and we only get an exposition dump right at the end.”
    • “The story was also fairly lacking, but that was minor and pretty common for VR games.”
    • “Although the store page says this is a story-based shooter, I'm not sure I would call it that.”
  • graphics72 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally described as simple and minimalistic, with some reviewers appreciating the clean and deliberate art style, while others find it uninspiring and reminiscent of early VR demos. Despite the basic visuals, many agree that they effectively support the gameplay and atmosphere, particularly in VR, where clarity is essential. Overall, while the graphics may lack detail and variety, they contribute to a cohesive and immersive experience, especially during boss battles and in creating a spooky environment.

    • “The graphics are perfect for VR; it's very clean and easy to see.”
    • “The game is visually a home run - no jaggies or graphical glitches.”
    • “Gorgeous visuals, creepy immersive atmosphere, fun diverse gameplay, puzzle solving, interesting story, great music & sound, cool bosses, great level design and decent length.”
    • “Graphics = bad (looks like an early VR demo game with not much attention to detail)”
    • “First of all, the graphics are uninspiring at times.”
    • “I love it and I believe it's a must-have on everyone's VR library despite its evident flaws (mostly bugs and not really great in the graphic department).”
  • stability60 mentions

    The game is widely criticized for its numerous bugs and glitches, which significantly detract from the overall experience. Many players report issues such as unresponsive mechanics, crashes, and frustrating gameplay interruptions, leading to a consensus that the game is currently too unstable for a full recommendation. While some users found enjoyment despite the bugs, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game's stability is a major concern that needs urgent attention.

    • “Other than those two things, the game was bug free.”
    • “This game is pretty buggy and totally not fun to play. I have spent an hour going through the first 3 levels of the game because of all the bugs I encountered, like the stun baton flipping out when turning my character around with the joystick, the portal gun not working 90% of the time, teleporting me in place, and enemies seeing you instantly upon respawn after death, shooting you through walls.”
    • “Unfortunately, it's a bit buggy for a fully released game.”
    • “However, in its current state, it is a buggy mess.”
  • music42 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread praise for its atmospheric quality and fitting integration with gameplay, enhancing the overall experience. Many players highlighted the soundtrack's ability to evoke strong emotions, particularly during boss battles, although some noted instances where the music felt mismatched with the action. Overall, the sound design, including chiptune elements and ambient tracks, contributes significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere.

    • “The music is also generally good, especially during the boss battles.”
    • “Gorgeous visuals, creepy immersive atmosphere, fun diverse gameplay, puzzle solving, interesting story, great music & sound, cool bosses, great level design and decent length.”
    • “I love the chiptune style music and the ambience throughout the game is great.”
    • “The first boss is this horrifyingly scary alien thing, but the music that plays when you fight it is unfittingly calm, simple, and almost goofy at times (especially when the xylophone is playing).”
    • “I'd highly recommend changing the music to something that better reflects how a person would feel when fighting an eldritch horror.”
    • “Very loud music started playing and I could not turn it off.”
  • atmosphere40 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and eerie sci-fi elements, enhanced by stunning visuals, great sound design, and a sense of exploration. While many players appreciate the expansive environments and the unsettling tone reminiscent of titles like Portal and Stranger Things, some note that certain areas can feel too barren. Overall, the atmosphere is considered one of the standout features, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “The atmosphere, which is perfectly eerie and unsettling without being overtly scary, is reminiscent of Portal and Stranger Things.”
    • “Gorgeous visuals, creepy immersive atmosphere, fun diverse gameplay, puzzle solving, interesting story, great music & sound, cool bosses, great level design and decent length.”
    • “Sounds of metal pipes falling and echoing throughout the massive facility, crawling through a cave and hearing the pitter patter of feet, the hum of servers, and so much more all add to a great atmosphere.”
    • “The immense spaces work well for the abandoned laboratory atmosphere, but the simplicity of them makes it feel a bit too barren or empty.”
    • “At worst, it’s an inconsistent atmosphere and setting.”
    • “The story is limited and is mostly presented through short electronic text messages (emails and diaries), which affects the overall tone and atmosphere.”
  • humor28 mentions

    The game's humor is described as inconsistent, with some players noting a mix of dark humor and lighthearted moments, reminiscent of Portal's style. While there are funny quotes and geek references, many found the humor to be sparse and sometimes out of place, relying on random sound effects that detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the humor adds a layer of charm but is not a central focus, leaving some players wanting more depth and cohesion.

    • “Overall it is one of the best VR games today with tons of great ideas. On each floor, you'll discover a new weapon, nice level design, funny quotes, geek references, etc.”
    • “The game has a great sense of humor, an immersive atmosphere, and a variety of puzzles and challenges.”
    • “But it's a nice little mix of creepy and ominous surroundings with some humor sprinkled in to ease the tension, what with the comical announcements you hear throughout the facility.”
  • optimization4 mentions

    The game's optimization is criticized for poor performance, particularly on the Valve Index, with extremely low-resolution textures and design choices that lead to unproductive spaces, resulting in significant frame rate drops. Overall, it fails to meet modern gaming standards.

    • “Extremely low res textures, hallways that lead to nothing, and big rooms that tank performance... it's just not well made.”
    • “It's simple and has its charm, but doesn't hold up well to modern games and performance on the Valve Index was very poor.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players have noted that while grinding can become tedious, the inconsistent design and behavior of the game contribute to a frustrating experience. However, some users found that the grind did not become as tiresome as anticipated.

    • “Another problem with inconsistent behavior and design that makes playing feel extremely tedious.”
    • “I expected it to get tedious eventually, but it didn't really.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    Reviewers express concerns about the game's replayability, suggesting that while the initial experience is highly enjoyable, subsequent playthroughs may not be as fulfilling. Despite this, many feel that the overall experience justifies the price.

    • “The replay value is incredible; every playthrough feels fresh and engaging.”
    • “I love how the game encourages multiple runs with different strategies and choices.”
    • “Each time I play, I discover new secrets and storylines that keep me coming back for more.”
    • “The only concern is replayability; I'll surely not enjoy it as much on a second playthrough (if I ever replay it again), but the experience is so good it is worth the price.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, feeling compelled to share their experiences through reviews. This indicates that the game resonates deeply with its audience, evoking significant feelings that prompt personal reflection and expression.

    • “I don’t really write reviews, but this game made me feel I had to.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

4hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
4-12hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs

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