Viaerium
- October 24, 2017
- Malevolent Wormhole
Get on Steam"Viaerium is a single-player Adventure game with a sensational music. In this calming 3D Platformer, players journey through radiant landscapes to seek the Council and make their Idea come true. With simple controls and no violence, Viaerium promotes tranquility and self-reflection."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a relaxing experience with soothing music and a calming atmosphere.
- It features thought-provoking quotes that add a meaningful layer to the gameplay.
- Despite its simplicity, the game is well-executed and provides a charming, short journey.
- The game is very short, typically taking only about 30 minutes to complete.
- There are issues with key rebinding and some minor grammatical errors in the text.
- The gameplay can feel simplistic and lacks depth, making it less engaging for players seeking a challenge.
- music21 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its soothing and relaxing qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the beautiful piano soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. While some found the music to be repetitive over time, it generally contributes positively to the game's calming atmosphere and aesthetic appeal. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, complementing the game's visuals and themes effectively.
“The soundtrack in particular is spectacular - and the game triggers it well.”
“I cannot get over how absolutely stunning the soundtrack is.”
“The beautiful music added to a pretty, heavenlike world.”
“30 minutes of a nice looking (or rather nicely shaded), relaxing platformer, accompanied by generic plinky-plonk piano soundtrack and sprinkled with more than a fair amount of vapid, inspirational quotes an air-headed blonde would post under her Tumblr/Facebook selfies.”
“In my opinion, the in-game music got a bit annoying after a while, but you can just turn it off if you want.”
“The music is incredibly soothing, but the overall experience feels somewhat lacking.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as minimalistic and simple, with some reviewers appreciating their artistic arrangement while others find them repetitive and lacking in variety. While a few users highlight the beauty and potential of the visuals, many feel that the overall aesthetic does not significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics receive mixed feedback, ranging from mediocre to inspiring.
“The graphics are minimal to a fault, but the architecture makes up for it.”
“The graphics are beautiful.”
“It's graphics are minimalistic, yet pleasantly arranged artistically, making up for the very few assets it uses.”
“Unfortunately, more focus was put into making the structures aesthetically repetitive in a brutalist kind of way than on what would make a fun game level, and several of the levels involve repeating the same thing 4-6 times, which means duplicating the same gameplay that number of times, too.”
“Just a rectangle with some orbs around it felt too simple compared to the rest of the visuals.”
“Graphics are at best mediocre.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by simple and repetitive platforming mechanics, primarily focused on collecting items and activating switches, which can lead to a monotonous experience. While the game features a meaningful message and a decent soundtrack, many players feel that the level design lacks variety and depth, resulting in a short and unchallenging experience. Overall, the gameplay has been described as competent but ultimately uninspired.
“30 minutes of simple but competent platforming and collecting gameplay.”
“Viaerium is a pretty simplistic and short (30-45 min) 3D platformer with the goal of reaching the council, featuring not that difficult mechanics and a rather minimalistic menu.”
“The gameplay consists mostly of wandering along, retrieving fortune cookies and hitting switches until you advance to the next zone.”
“Unfortunately, more focus was put into making the structures aesthetically repetitive in a brutalist kind of way than on what would make a fun game level, and several of the levels involve repeating the same thing 4-6 times, which means duplicating the same gameplay that number of times, too.”
“This game has a good message and will tell it by the way the levels are designed and a good soundtrack, but if you care more about the gameplay aspect, you kind of won't get anything.”
“The gameplay consists mostly of wandering along retrieving fortune cookies and hitting switches until you advance to the next zone.”
- story10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as straightforward and inspirational, with a clear arc across its levels, each offering collectibles that reveal snippets of the narrative. While some players appreciate the well-composed levels and the motivational themes, others find the story lacking depth. Overall, opinions are mixed, with some rating it positively and others criticizing it as minimal or poorly executed.
“The game has around 10 levels, each featuring several collectibles that reveal a short piece of the story.”
“Some people appreciate the well-composed levels and the short, inspiring story it delivers.”
“The story is a straightforward inspirational message, reminiscent of Shia LaBeouf's 'Just do it.'”
“1/16 story”
“✅ bad story”
“The story is a pretty straightforward 'inspirational quote', like Shia's 'just do it.'”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its breathtaking beauty and immersive quality, making it a key reason to play. Players appreciate how it not only captivates them but also encourages reflection, enhancing the overall experience.
“A wonderful journey with a beautiful message and a breathtaking atmosphere.”
“The main reason to play this game would be for its incredible atmosphere and feel, and a quick and easy 100%.”
“You can let yourself be absorbed by this game's atmosphere while also having something to think about.”
- stability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game demonstrates strong stability, performing well on various platforms, including the Steam Deck.
“Runs great on deck too.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players generally find the game's replayability to be limited, with many citing that the experience feels repetitive after a few playthroughs. However, some appreciate the different choices and outcomes available, which can encourage multiple runs for those seeking to explore all possibilities. Overall, while not highly replayable for everyone, it offers enough variation to attract dedicated players.
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in Viaerium is noted as enjoyable and capable of providing a lighthearted experience, particularly if purchased at a discount. While the game may not justify its full price, it can offer a fun half-hour of entertainment for those who find it on sale or have a coupon.
“Viaerium isn't a particularly bad game, but it definitely isn't worth the asking price of €2.39. However, if you have a coupon from a badge for this game or if it's on sale, I would encourage you to buy it and enjoy a pretty funny and relaxed half hour with it.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time investment or a second playthrough to fully progress.
“Grinding in this game is rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is challenging but ultimately satisfying.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“I spent hours grinding, and it felt like I was getting nowhere.”
