Heaven's Vault (2019)

inkle

Main
16
hours
Main + Extra
20
hours
Platinum
37
hours

Explore the lost ruins of the Nebula, read ancient inscriptions, and uncover a forgotten past in this narrative archaeological science-fiction adventure game from the creators of 80 Days.

About the story

Aliya Elasra is an archaeologist, exploring a strange region of space called the Nebula with her robot sidekick Six, hoping to uncover the secrets of the long-forgotten past. When a roboticist from the University of Iox goes missing, Aliya begins a trail of discoveries that will lead to the very edge of her world - and the ancient secret of Heaven's Vault. Sail an open-world of fast flowing space-rivers, discover lost ruins, explore ancient sites, find artefacts and translate their strange hieroglyphics. Piece together the history of the world and an entire ancient language. From the creators of massively-branching interactive adventure 80 Days, Heaven's Vault is not your usual linear adventure game. Progress through the game in any order you choose - the game's fully adaptive narrative remembers every choice you make, every discovery and every action you take, influencing what happens next. Meet a diverse cast of characters who remember everything you say, and who's attitude to you will change with how you act. Some are friendly, some are cautious, and some are out to trick you. Who will you trust? What will you find? What will you learn? What will you risk? What will you lose?

Platforms

Switch PC PS4

Genres

Adventure Indie Point-and-click Puzzle

Themes

Science fiction

Languages: English

Interface Audio Subtitles
English

Media

Critic Reviews

Rapid Reviews UK

By Squashpickle
90

The tinny whisperings of a song leaking from headphones. Faces inching towards the window; those around me noticing structures that tour books have detailed and now seen for the first time. The silent transfer from ship to tarmac. All this and the world at my fingerprints. I’m describing the coach trip taken from England to Paris in late 2019; how one game made this multi-hour coach trip with all of its stops and traffic that more bearable. This game was 80 Days, a mobile text-based role player where you take on the role of Passepartout; managing resources, helping your master and navigating the world.

20 Feb, 2021 Read full review

Nintendo Life

By Kate Gray
70

Heaven's Vault is a game deeply concerned with the past, how it affects the present, and whether or not it can predict the future. Its fantastic translation puzzles and intricate story are often overshadowed by its unfortunate need to constantly pause and load, sadly denying it the higher score that it otherwise deserves. Aside from these technological issues, Heaven's Vault is a world that's beautifully realised, with a mystery that you'll be thinking about long after the game is done.

13 Feb, 2021 Read full review

Movies Games and Tech

By Davide Roriz
85

Heaven’s Vault is one of a kind. It’s one of the most intriguing and captivating narrative-driven video games that I’ve ever had the chance to play. The beauty of Heaven’s Vault is the fact that there isn’t a right or wrong way to play it. Most often than not, you can reach the same place through different means and by interacting with people in distinct ways. The fact that the narrative adapts seamlessly to your choices makes the whole experience feel so much more dynamic. Despite its shortcomings, I’m pretty sure that Heaven’s Vault will be one of those games which I’ll forever remember. It isn’t perfect, but it sure as hell is one of the best gaming experiences that I’ve ever had. If you don’t mind reading, I wholeheartedly recommend to any fans of narrative-driven adventure games.

13 Feb, 2021 Read full review

Pure Nintendo

By Kaelyn Daugherty
80

Heaven's Vault is a relaxing game with an interesting, immersive storyline and a beautiful world to explore. While it lacks some "side activities," it has plenty to offer with its unique puzzle system and tons of replay value.

11 Feb, 2021 Read full review

Noisy Pixel

By Jahanzeb Khan
90

Heaven’s Vault is one of those extraordinary adventure games that will likely become more legendary in time. Much like the ancient Empire that players must uncover in the game, Heaven’s Vault is rife with intricate details where players are likely to notice something new each time they revisit the immense nebula. While not all of its gameplay ideas are effective, and Aliya as a protagonist can take a while to become likable, the adventure as a whole is staggeringly epic, one that makes you feel like a providential participant in a dynamically evolving narrative.

29 Jan, 2021 Read full review

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