Vessels of Decay (PS5) | REVIEW | Scandinavian Soulslike About Life & Death

HeadUp's Vessels of Decay is a post-apocalyptic action RPG set in a dying world steeped in Scandinavian folklore. It stars two sisters named Freya and Mud who aim to restore their dead mother to the realm of the living. The only way to do this is through a vessel of decay, a shaman who uses decay to rejuvenate life. Centered wholly around this theme you'll take turns playing as each sister in a joint adventure that has them facing off against supernatural creatures using a sword, and earned powers through said enemy encounters. All of which will alter the way in which you traverse the world, solve the puzzles therein, and eventually meet up with the vessel of decay.

While Freya and Mud operate in a similar fashion with a basic sword attack, heavy sword swipe, evading roll, parry, and finisher move they also differ as the story progresses, technically. Each facing their own unique threats and puzzles that have them sometimes separated, and sometimes joined together in the effort. This usually introduces new mechanics or supernatural abilities that can be put to use in combat scenarios and exploration.

The game itself is laid out like a linear maze with intermittent creature/boss battles, and puzzle areas that have you trying to survive. Both Freya and Mud are governed by limited health, and stamina. The health can be replenished with a restorative heart box while stamina automatically recovers when you are not evading, attacking, or sprinting. In the way of combat it's all about whittling away the enemy's health as you dodge or parry it's choreographed attacks. When their health reaches a certain mark you can apply a finisher which will kill the creature in a stylish fashion that is not mandatory, but that adds a certain element of flair to the gameplay. 

The bosses you'll encounter are multi-phase battles that requires the player to learn the attack patterns. Finding the boss's weak point, and stun gimmick are part and partial of the encounter. Alongside bosses are sections of puzzles that incorporate switches, and other items to navigate through. Most all of the game though has a beaten path that is linear in nature, and cannot be deviated from. Should you die it's not the end. You'll restart close by, and have full health once again. The end goal of it all being to see the sisters reach their end goal.

The Presentation ...

Vessels of Decay is an isometric indie game filled with pixel graphics, and sprites. It has some 3D imagery, and the characters are animated in a lively manner. Everything from the enemy to character design has an organic look to it that feeds into the bloody and visceral side of the combat. It is a game that oozes death and violence through it's bleak depiction of a world in a state of decay. The soundtrack fits the folklore theme with a fantasy edge that is truly complimentary to the onscreen action. 

The Verdict ...

It should be noted that Vessels of Decay isn't without it's bugs and issues. At the same time though you can rest assured HeadUp knows all about it and is working on a patch. As far as value is concerned the game has potential. Though it is very linear, and quite on rails the combat is satisfying, and the puzzles challenging. It shows a level of developmental understanding the likes of which games like "The Legend of Zelda" have showcased many times over. It is definitely that sort of pedigree when it comes to developmental quality. Seeing as the developer knows of the issues, and will hopefully get them sorted out I can safely back this interesting indie. It is a game that offers both challenge and fluidly satisfying combat. That and a look into the world of Scandinavian folklore.