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Vessel

A novel use of fluids, but sometimes scuppered by cumbersome platforming and the annoyingly happenstance physics.
Vessel Game Cover
85%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
stability, replayability
88% User Score Based on 553 reviews
Critic Score 76%Based on 2 reviews

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Vessel Game Cover

About

Vessel is a single player arcade puzzle game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Strange Loop Games and was released on March 1, 2012. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"Vessel" is a game with an intriguing story centered around Arkwright, who has the power to bring ordinary matter to life. The game features splendid mechanics with a variety of liquids, each with unique properties, simulated for stunning effects. Combined with an excellent soundtrack and stunning atmosphere, the game presents puzzles that require creative use of the simulated fluid and 'Fluro' creatures.

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Vessel screenshot
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88%
Audience ScoreBased on 553 reviews
gameplay65 positive mentions
stability12 negative mentions
  • Vessel features innovative fluid physics mechanics that create engaging and satisfying puzzle-solving experiences.
  • The game has a charming steampunk aesthetic with beautiful graphics and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere.
  • Puzzles are well-designed, offering a good balance of challenge and accessibility, encouraging experimentation and creative thinking.
  • Some puzzles can be frustrating due to imprecise controls and the unpredictable behavior of the fluid-based creatures, leading to trial-and-error gameplay.
  • The lack of a hint system can leave players feeling stuck, especially in more complex puzzles where the solution isn't immediately clear.
  • The game suffers from occasional bugs and performance issues, particularly in later levels, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
  • gameplay
    149 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Vessel is widely praised for its innovative fluid mechanics and engaging puzzle design, offering a unique experience that combines platforming with water manipulation. While some players noted occasional control issues and a few frustrating mechanics, the overall consensus highlights the game's clever puzzles and satisfying physics, making it a standout title in the indie puzzle-platformer genre. The gradual introduction of mechanics and the captivating atmosphere further enhance the gameplay, keeping players engaged throughout their adventure.

    • “The concept of a liquid-based platformer/puzzler is so much fun, and the gameplay pulls it off so well.”
    • “The combination of water mechanics and platforming challenges provides a satisfying gameplay loop that keeps players engaged from start to finish.”
    • “Vessel is a superb platformer with unique mechanics.”
    • “Fluid dynamics as a puzzle basis is a great idea, and most of the puzzles themselves look fine - however, as I was going deeper into the game, the platforming started to play a more and more important part, and I kept getting killed due to inaccurate movement mechanics, sluggish controls, and seemingly random events.”
    • “Unfortunately, the core gameplay mechanic of using liquid physics to solve the game's puzzles doesn't feel like it was well implemented.”
    • “Some puzzles are very easy and some are difficult until you find out that some mechanics were not properly shown, so you did not have a clue that you could do that.”
  • music
    95 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its quality and fitting ambiance, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional soundtrack composed by Jon Hopkins. Players appreciate how the music enhances the overall experience, adapting dynamically to gameplay and complementing the game's artistic style. While some find the music repetitive, the majority agree that it significantly contributes to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.

    • “The music tracks are solid and the sound effects really give it all a pop!”
    • “The soundtrack is amazing.”
    • “Vessel is a liquid physics-based puzzle platformer that has wonderfully gorgeous graphics, beautiful and memorable music, and a vibrant and interesting world to explore.”
    • “None of the music the game includes is really very fitting and it all adds to the already ham-fisted attempt at a steampunk theme.”
    • “Boring platformer with monotonous music, I expected much more...”
    • “Cute art style and music (though the one piano track has also become quite repetitive).”
  • graphics
    87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Vessel" are widely praised for their beautiful steampunk art style, fluid animations, and vibrant environments, creating an engaging atmosphere that complements the gameplay. While many reviewers highlight the game's charming visuals and unique 2D/3D hybrid design, some note occasional graphical glitches and performance issues. Overall, the artistic presentation, including the lighting and soundtrack, significantly enhances the gaming experience, making it a standout in the puzzle-platformer genre.

    • “Vessel has a beautiful yet simple art style.”
    • “The art style and dynamic material physics make this game a real joy to play.”
    • “Vessel is a liquid physics-based puzzle platformer that has wonderfully gorgeous graphics, beautiful and memorable music, and a vibrant and interesting world to explore.”
    • “Ugly graphics and broken physics hold Vessel back.”
    • “There are also some graphical glitches and gameplay bugs that hamper things.”
    • “Graphically, the game is nothing special.”
  • story
    67 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating its intriguing world and environmental storytelling, while others find it thin and poorly explained. Many reviews highlight the unique narrative approach, relying on journal entries and subtle hints rather than direct exposition, which can leave players wanting more context. Overall, while the story adds some charm and depth to the gameplay, it often takes a backseat to the puzzle mechanics and may not satisfy those seeking a rich narrative experience.

    • “The worldbuilding and story are neatly done, providing context to your unique abilities and the situations that you'll encounter throughout the world.”
    • “The story is enthralling, the music is soft, yet moving, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the gameplay is rather clever.”
    • “Vessel is such a great puzzle platformer with a great storyline, great level design, great fluid dynamics, great dynamic lighting, and pretty much awesome everything.”
    • “It's that they barely explain any of the story!”
    • “In Vessel, they just literally never tell you half the story.”
    • “The story is pretty thin until the ending, which is just... terrible...”
  • atmosphere
    29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its captivating artwork, thematic depth, and engaging soundtracks, which enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the varied environments, from steampunk settings to mysterious caverns, creating a rich and immersive world. Despite some criticisms regarding initial level design, the game's unique atmosphere and challenging puzzles leave a lasting impression on players.

    • “His melodies add depth and darkness to the game's atmosphere, making the gameplay even more captivating.”
    • “The atmosphere of this game is great.”
    • “The story is enthralling, the music is soft, yet moving, the atmosphere is beautiful, and the gameplay is rather clever.”
    • “Visually, the game actually improves as you play further, but even this improvement is marginal at best. The opening couple of levels are absolutely dire as you are faced with some very blocky environments that lack any atmosphere, forcing you to platform through some very generic areas.”
    • “The puzzles are challenging and the story is intriguing, but most of all, the fluros feel alive and give a mysterious atmosphere to it all.”
    • “The scenario is engaging, the puzzles are challenging, but the music and atmosphere are absolutely sublime.”
  • stability
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game is a mixed bag, with users reporting occasional glitches and bugs that can disrupt gameplay, particularly during puzzles. While some players found the experience enjoyable despite these issues, others noted that the game feels somewhat unpolished and buggy, especially by 2020 standards. Overall, the game's creativity and solid physics are appreciated, but the presence of glitches can detract from the overall experience.

    • “The game runs smoothly without any glitches or crashes.”
    • “I appreciate how stable the gameplay is; it really enhances the overall experience.”
    • “The developers have done a great job ensuring a bug-free environment.”
    • “Buggy, somewhat unpolished indie title.”
    • “There are also some both graphical glitches and gameplay bugs that hamper things.”
    • “I did have to restart a puzzle or two due to not being able to fix various glitches, but overall it went pretty smoothly.”
  • replayability
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is considered limited, with many players noting that while the storyline is enjoyable, it doesn't offer significant incentives for multiple playthroughs. Some players appreciate the fun experience and challenges, but ultimately feel that once achievements are completed, there isn't much reason to return. Despite its relatively short playtime, it is still seen as a good value compared to other AAA titles.

    • “Not because the vessel has some sort of 'infinite replayability' but simply because the game was genuinely fun.”
    • “The storyline is very enjoyable and keeps the game replayable.”
    • “Unfortunately, the game doesn't provide much replay value, but with about 10-12 hours of gameplay, it's a lot longer than most AAA games these days - and that for 1/5th of the price!”
    • “Fairly limited replayability, particularly once achievements are done.”
    • “Short to medium-length playtime (con because it isn't longer and limited replayability).”
    • “It tries to add challenges to extend playtime, but this is not the kind of game to support replayability.”
  • grinding
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players consistently find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and frustrating, particularly noting that many puzzles require excessive repetition and trial-and-error, detracting from overall enjoyment. While some elements of the game are praised, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding nature of the gameplay leads to a lack of satisfaction and fun.

    • “The levels so far have been a bunch of door switch puzzles that require more tedious repetition than brain power.”
    • “Unfortunately, I couldn't overlook some tedious and time-wasting puzzles, but the ending was quite amusing.”
    • “Horrible game with boring, tedious, and repetitive puzzles.”
  • humor
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is consistently praised, with players highlighting the entertaining and whimsical design of fluid creatures and contraptions, as well as the clever and challenging puzzles that incorporate comedic elements. The art style adds a humorous yet slightly ominous tone, enhancing the overall experience. Overall, the game is recommended for those who enjoy a blend of humor and challenging gameplay.

    • “Everything before those last minutes is highly entertaining, full of funny fluid creatures that you create and/or guide through funny contraptions with your funny tools.”
    • “Revolutionary and funny mechanics!”
    • “Funny and challenging puzzle game, a must-have for people who like challenging puzzles with a twist.”
  • emotional
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the game emotionally engaging, highlighting a strong connection to the protagonist and the character development within its steam-punk world. The puzzles evoke a sense of empowerment rather than frustration, contributing to a thought-provoking experience that resonates on both logical and emotional levels. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to evoke heartfelt responses and encourage repeated playthroughs.

    • “If you find yourself looking for an inward title that perhaps speaks to the more logical and emotional part of your essence, then this title is the quintessential display of thought-provoking and heart-rending gameplay.”
    • “I felt that the protagonist has an emotional bond with them, and I started to feel that.”
    • “An interesting steam-punk-esque world filled with a heart-warming bit of character development makes this a game I'd like to play several times over.”
  • optimization
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback, with users noting significant performance issues related to water physics and the graphics engine, which can lead to lag and crashes. While some players attribute these problems to their outdated hardware, others suggest that the game could benefit from further optimization to enhance the experience.

    • “Oh, the only thing I wish were optimized was the ladder climbing.”
    • “I had some issues with performance and crashes, but hey, my computer is shockingly out of date, so I doubt many other people will have that problem.”
    • “The water physics used in this game consumes a ton of performance.”
    • “Very interesting game with nice, but not optimized water physics, which made my computer lag sometimes due to the complexity of the game. I stopped playing after a couple of hours, but I still strongly recommend checking it out!”
    • “On the downside, the vessel's graphics engine seems to have some optimization issues.”
  • character development
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features a captivating steampunk-inspired world that is enhanced by meaningful character development, making it highly replayable and engaging for players.

    • “An interesting steampunk-esque world filled with a heartwarming bit of character development makes this a game I'd like to play several times over.”
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76%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews
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13h Median play time
14h Average play time
8-23h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 5 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Vessel is a arcade puzzle game with fantasy theme.

Vessel is available on PC, Windows, PlayStation 3, Linux and others.

On average players spend around 14 hours playing Vessel.

Vessel was released on March 1, 2012.

Vessel was developed by Strange Loop Games.

Vessel has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its stability.

Vessel is a single player game.

Similar games include Contrast, Hob, Braid, The Swapper, Closure and others.