Viaerium

The graphics of the game are described as minimalistic and simplistic, with some reviewers appreciating their beauty and artistic arrangement, while others criticize them for being repetitive and lacking depth. The overall aesthetic is seen as a mix of inspiring visuals and mediocrity, with some elements feeling too basic or poorly executed, such as the absence of character shadows and a lack of variety in design. While the graphics may not be high-end, they contribute to a relaxed atmosphere, though they may not appeal to everyone.

The game's story is a straightforward and motivational narrative centered around the creative process, conveyed through collectible orbs that reveal inspirational quotes. While some players appreciate the well-composed levels and the uplifting message, others find the story to be overly simplistic and cheesy. Overall, the storytelling is polarizing, with a mix of positive and negative feedback regarding its execution.

The gameplay is characterized by simple and repetitive platforming mechanics, primarily focused on collecting items and completing straightforward tasks. While the game features a good message and aesthetic design, many players find the levels monotonous, often requiring the same actions multiple times, leading to a lack of engaging gameplay. Overall, the experience is short and may not justify its price unless purchased at a significant discount.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its breathtaking beauty, minimalist style, and soothing music, creating an immersive experience that encourages reflection. Players appreciate the inspirational message woven into the gameplay, making it a key reason to engage with the game. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both captivating and thought-provoking, enhancing the overall journey.

Users report that the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, indicating strong stability across platforms.

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 keep some players engaged.

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 with a coupon.

The game suffers from significant optimization issues, including crashes upon loading, a short playtime of only 30 minutes, and a lack of basic features such as controller support and in-game options, which detracts from the overall experience.

Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time investment or additional lives to progress effectively.