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CRITIK

Vampyr

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Vampyr
Item: Vampyr
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Crime, RPG, Single Player

AvailableJun 4, 2018

PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

DeveloperDONTNOD Entertainment

Overview

London, 1918. You are newly-turned Vampyr Dr. Jonathan Reid. As a doctor, you must find a cure to save the city’s flu-ravaged citizens. As a Vampyr, you are cursed to feed on those you vowed to heal. Will you embrace the monster within? Survive and fight against Vampyr hunters, undead skals, and other supernatural creatures. Use your unholy powers to manipulate and delve into the lives of those around you, to decide who will be your next victim. Struggle to live with your decisions… your actions will save or doom London.

Elsewhere

7.1

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Vampyr are varied, but overall, there is a positive sentiment towards the narrative. Many critics praise the game for its engaging and intriguing story, with some mentioning that the story is shaped by the player's actions and decisions rather than just dialogue choices. Critics like Trusted Reviews, God is a Geek, and Nintendo Enthusiast highlight the great story and narrative premise of Vampyr. They appreciate the game's focus on moral dilemmas, ethical issues, and the exploration of the conflict between the protagonist's desire to save lives and his bloodlust as a vampire. The Washington Post also mentions that the story finds its footing after the initial introduction and commends the presence of interesting characters and conversational branches. However, there are a few critics who have a more negative view of the story. Gaming Age states that the story is not particularly memorable, while Slant Magazine criticizes the underwritten characters and hammy melodrama that bury the story. Destructoid goes as far as calling the overall narrative threadbare at best. GameWatcher also mentions that the player doesn't have enough control over the story's direction, which can be seen as a drawback for some players. Despite these negative opinions, the overall consensus among the critics is that Vampyr offers an intriguing and compelling narrative experience. The game successfully creates a moral dilemma for players and allows them to shape and mold the world through their decisions, with consequences for their actions. Critics like Metro GameCentral, Gameplanet, and GameCritics appreciate the game's inspired use of vampire clichés, its refreshing take on vampire mythology, and the consequential nature of the story. The presence of well-developed characters, the exploration of inner conflicts, and the exploration of a Gothic horror take on 1918 London during the Spanish flu epidemic are also highlighted by critics like Game Rant and PCGamesN. Overall, Vampyr's story is praised for its engaging nature, the moral choices it presents, and its ability to immerse players in a dark and atmospheric world.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Vampyr's story, with many praising its engaging narrative, moral dilemmas, and player-driven plot. Critics highlight the game's exploration of ethical issues and the struggle between saving lives and succumbing to vampiric urges. While some critics find the story underwhelming and lacking in depth, most agree that Vampyr offers an intriguing and immersive experience with well-developed characters and a unique take on vampire mythology set in a dark and atmospheric world.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Vampyr are quite varied. Some critics, such as Gamers Heroes and Guardian, praise the combat system, stating that it is exciting and enjoyable. They appreciate the various abilities and methods of taking down opponents, as well as the expanding arsenal of weapons and satisfying progression. These positive reviews highlight the potential for engaging combat experiences in the game. However, a significant number of critics express negative opinions about the gameplay. Trusted Reviews, Gaming Age, Push Square, PC Gamer, and Slant Magazine all criticize the combat, describing it as dull, repetitive, weightless, and unsatisfying. They mention issues such as a lack of excitement, unappealing mechanics, and clunky controls. These negative reviews suggest that the combat fails to deliver an engaging and enjoyable experience for players. Other critics, such as Metro GameCentral, Washington Post, and GameWatcher, mention a mix of positive and negative aspects of the gameplay. They acknowledge competent combat mechanics and graphics but highlight issues with balance, performance, and the need to focus too much on combat. These mixed reviews suggest that while there are some enjoyable elements in the gameplay, there are also significant drawbacks that hinder the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Vampyr has its strengths and weaknesses. While some critics appreciate the combat system and its various abilities and weapons, others find it repetitive, unexciting, and lacking in impact. The gameplay's focus on combat is seen as both a positive and negative aspect, with some critics enjoying the intensity of the battles and others feeling that it detracts from other aspects of the game. Ultimately, the opinions of the critics highlight the divisive nature of the gameplay in Vampyr, with some finding it engaging and others finding it lacking.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

In Vampyr, critics are split on the gameplay. Some praise the combat for its excitement and variety, while others criticize it as dull and repetitive. Mixed reviews mention competent mechanics but highlight issues like balance and performance. The consensus is that while some enjoy the combat, others find it lacking, making Vampyr's gameplay a divisive topic among critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

16%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Vampyr are quite varied. Some critics, such as Trusted Reviews and PC Gamer, appreciate the atmospheric setting and the dark, oppressive feel of the streets. They highlight the looming buildings, moody street lights, and Gothic flavor that effectively sell the mood and atmosphere of a flu-stricken 1918 London (Press Start Australia). The game's graphical elegance, solid character animations, and attention to detail are also praised by COGconnected. These positive aspects contribute to creating a visually appealing and immersive experience for players. However, there are several criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Vampyr. Critics like Gaming Age, God is a Geek, and NintendoWorldReport express disappointment with the graphics. They mention that the visuals are not impressive, with occasional texture pop-in, ropey appearance on a TV, and technical struggles that can break immersion. The lack of expression and emotion on the faces of characters, as well as disjointed dialogue, are also mentioned by Gamers Heroes as hindrances to immersion. Additionally, the character and facial design are considered lacking by DarkStation, and the character models lack detail according to GameWatcher. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Vampyr's Graphics and Visual Design have both positive and negative aspects. While the game effectively sells the mood and atmosphere of a flu-stricken 1918 London (Press Start Australia) and creates a heavy gothic atmosphere (Nintendo Enthusiast), there are noticeable downgrades in the visuals, especially in the Switch port (Nintendo Life). The character models are often criticized for lacking detail (DarkStation, GameWatcher), and there are occasional texture pop-in issues (Trusted Reviews). However, despite these shortcomings, the game's atmospheric setting, attention to textures and details of costumes and environments (PCGamesN), and the graphical improvement over Life is Strange (DualShockers) are acknowledged. Ultimately, Vampyr's Graphics and Visual Design may not be groundbreaking or flawless, but they contribute to the overall engrossing atmosphere and experience of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Vampyr's graphics and visual design. Some praise its atmospheric setting and immersive gothic feel, while others criticize its lack of detail and occasional technical issues. Overall, while not flawless, the visuals contribute to the game's engrossing atmosphere and experience.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Vampyr are generally positive. Trusted Reviews describes the soundtrack as excellent, while Press Start Australia mentions that it is moving and contributes to the game's potent atmosphere. DarkStation praises the voice acting, stating that it brings life to a large number of NPCs. ZTGD also commends the voice acting, describing it as stellar. The critics also highlight the mood and atmosphere created by the music and sound design. CGMagazine states that the score is fantastic and sets the mood for a vampire game set in 1918. DualShockers mentions that the score fits with the atmosphere and setting perfectly, while Nintendo Enthusiast notes that the industrial score adds to the overall atmosphere. These positive opinions indicate that the Sound Design and Music of Vampyr are generally well-received by the critics. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. DarkStation points out that the script and voice work occasionally struggle with finding the right tone. PCGamesN criticizes some characters' accents for being stereotypical. Xbox Achievements mentions that while the voice acting is mostly great, there are some audio issues. These criticisms suggest that there are some areas where the Sound Design and Music of Vampyr could be improved. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Vampyr are strong aspects of the game. The positive comments from critics such as Trusted Reviews, Press Start Australia, and CGMagazine highlight the effectiveness of the soundtrack in creating a potent atmosphere and setting the mood for a vampire game. The praise for the voice acting from critics like DarkStation and ZTGD further emphasizes the quality of the audio in bringing the game's characters to life. While there are some negative aspects mentioned, such as the occasional struggle with tone and audio issues, the overall sentiment is positive. The Sound Design and Music of Vampyr contribute significantly to the game's immersive experience and are well-received by the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics love the Sound Design and Music of Vampyr, praising the excellent soundtrack, moving scores, and stellar voice acting that brings NPCs to life. The mood and atmosphere created by the music are highlighted, though some critics point out issues with script tone, stereotypical accents, and audio problems. Overall, the consensus is positive, with critics praising the strong audio aspects that enhance the game's immersive experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Vampyr has received generally positive reviews from the critics. Trusted Reviews describes it as "decent," while NintendoWorldReport praises it as a "well-acted web of relationships." DarkStation goes even further, stating that the voice acting is "nearly always outstanding" and brings the non-playable characters (NPCs) to life with distinctive performances. PC Gamer also highlights the personalities and dreams portrayed by the NPCs through the voice acting. Nintendo Enthusiast adds that the well-performed voice acting, especially from the title character, enhances the storytelling in the game. Shacknews mentions that the voice-acting is fantastic, particularly for the NPCs, and that the protagonist's voice commands have a chilling effect. ZTGD goes as far as to say that the voice work in Vampyr is some of the best the team has produced. PCGamesN also commends the voice acting, noting some terrific performances from key characters. CGMagazine acknowledges that while the quality varies from character to character, several are acted quite well. However, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Vampyr. Slant Magazine mentions that the overwrought voice acting and dialogue give the streets of London a charm, but the characters themselves are underwritten. Guardian criticizes the delivery of the emotional heft of the characters' personal stories, with writing that is either ponderously bleak or akin to a rejected Hammer horror script. Xbox Achievements also notes that while the voice acting is mostly great, there are some audio issues present. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Vampyr is generally strong and enhances the storytelling experience. The performances of the NPCs are particularly praised for bringing the characters to life and adding depth to their personalities. However, there are some criticisms regarding the underwritten nature of certain characters and the delivery of emotional moments. Despite these concerns, the positive aspects of the voice acting outweigh the negatives, making it a notable aspect of the game's overall experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics generally praise Vampyr's voice acting, with standout performances bringing NPCs to life and enhancing storytelling. While some find the dialogue overwrought and characters underwritten, the consensus is that the strong voice acting elevates the game despite minor flaws.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on different gaming platforms, there are both positive and negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Starting with the positives, some critics noted that the Nintendo Switch version of Vampyr runs surprisingly well, with Nintendo Enthusiast mentioning that it runs smoothly with the only setback being long loading screens and a lower resolution. Hobby Consolas also stated that while the Switch version experiences frame rate drops in certain situations, it is still playable and enjoyable overall. Xbox Achievements praised the game for being mostly well-polished with only occasional glitches and lengthy loading times. COGconnected mentioned that on PC, the game offers a silky 60 frames per second and only minor performance hiccups and occasional audio bugs. Moving on to the negatives, several critics mentioned technical issues across different platforms. Trusted Reviews, Metro GameCentral, Gamers Heroes, GameSpew, Nintendo Life, Destructoid, DualShockers, and Game Rant all mentioned frame rate issues, frequent frame rate drops, and long loading times on various platforms. Game Informer highlighted basic technical problems such as long loads, odd collision, stilted animation, and the game crashing at critical moments on multiple platforms. ZTGD mentioned performance issues and feeling under-optimized, even on Xbox One X. Shacknews pointed out bugs in the game that forced a restart multiple times, suggesting that the development team needs to address these post-launch. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Vampyr's technical performance has its ups and downs. While there are positive comments about certain platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and PC, the game seems to suffer from frame rate issues, long loading times, and other technical problems across multiple platforms. Game Rant's detailed critique highlights the poor technical performance, mentioning freezing, stuttering, slow texture loading, glitches, and frustratingly long load times. These technical issues mentioned by various critics can detract from the overall experience of the game, taking players out of the immersive world that Vampyr aims to create.

TL;DR

technical performance

Vampyr's technical performance receives mixed reviews from critics. While some praise the Nintendo Switch and PC versions for smooth gameplay with minor hiccups, others across various platforms highlight frame rate issues, long loading times, and bugs. Critics point out basic technical problems like crashes, animation issues, and game-breaking bugs, impacting the overall gameplay experience. Despite some positive aspects, Vampyr's technical flaws can disrupt player immersion in its dark world.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Vampyr are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's ability to offer different playthroughs and multiple endings based on the player's choices and actions. Trusted Reviews mentions that there is room for very different playthroughs, while NintendoWorldReport and Nintendo Life both emphasize the presence of multiple endings based on choices. This aspect of the game is also praised by CGMagazine, which states that the game offers four different endings depending on the player's choices in dialogue trees and actions. The ability to reshape the characterization of the protagonist and experience different endings is also commended by Nintendo Enthusiast. Game Rant emphasizes that player choice truly matters in Vampyr, shaping both the protagonist's personality and the world around him. The opportunity to completely respec the character each time they rest in a bed, as mentioned by GameCritics, also adds to the replay value. However, there are some negatives mentioned by critics regarding the replay value of Vampyr. Press Start Australia points out that while the game offers replay value with different choices and consequences, the lack of telegraphing the consequences of choices can be a downside. ZTGD mentions that while the game offers replay value through its decision-making system and the ability to shape and mold the world, the hindrances in the game may turn off some players. Additionally, Xbox Achievements notes that while the game offers a good amount of gameplay, it requires two playthroughs for completion, which may be seen as a negative aspect by some players. Overall, the critics agree that Vampyr offers significant replay value. The ability to make different choices and experience different outcomes, as well as the presence of multiple endings, is praised by multiple critics. The game's emphasis on player choice and the impact it has on both the protagonist's personality and the game world is also seen as a positive aspect. However, there are some concerns raised regarding the lack of telegraphing consequences and potential hindrances in the game. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus is that Vampyr provides ample replay value, making it an engaging and immersive experience for players who enjoy multiple playthroughs and decision-making.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics mostly praise Vampyr for its strong replay value, with multiple playthroughs and endings based on player choices. They laud the game's ability to reshape the protagonist and world, though some mention drawbacks like unclear consequences and potential hindrances. Overall, Vampyr offers engaging replay value for players who enjoy decision-making and multiple playthroughs.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Vampyr, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Several critics praised the game for its engaging story, excellent soundtrack, and unique take on vampire mythology. Critics such as Trusted Reviews, DarkStation, and GameCritics highlighted the game's interesting characters, moral ambiguities, and resonant and consequential story. These positive aspects contribute to the overall enjoyment and depth of the game. However, there were also several criticisms raised by reviewers. Some critics, such as Gaming Age, Push Square, and Slant Magazine, expressed disappointment with the combat mechanics, describing them as uninspiring, unnecessary, and tedious. Technical issues, such as frequent bugs, performance hiccups, and graphical downgrades, were also mentioned by critics like GameSpew, Destructoid, and Hobby Consolas. These negative aspects detract from the overall experience and can hinder the immersion and enjoyment of the game. Despite the mixed opinions, the overall consensus among the critics leans towards a positive assessment of Vampyr. Reviewers like God is a Geek, Metro GameCentral, and DualShockers praised the game for its ambitious and unique nature, solid experience, and refined gameplay. The engaging story, social simulation elements, and evocative setting were also highlighted by critics such as Washington Post, Press Start Australia, and CGMagazine. While there are flaws and technical issues present, the positive aspects of Vampyr, such as its narrative focus, fresh ideas, and compelling characters, outweigh the negatives for many reviewers. In conclusion, Vampyr offers an enjoyable and engaging experience with its unique take on vampire mythology, engaging story, and excellent soundtrack. The game's interesting characters, moral ambiguities, and resonant and consequential story were praised by critics. However, there were criticisms regarding the uninspiring combat mechanics, technical issues, and graphical downgrades. Despite these flaws, the overall consensus among the critics leans towards a positive assessment, with many highlighting the game's ambitious and unique nature, solid experience, and refined gameplay. Vampyr may not be without its flaws, but it remains a worthwhile and intriguing game for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Vampyr receives mixed reviews with praise for its engaging story and unique vampire mythology, but criticism for uninspiring combat and technical issues. Overall, critics lean towards a positive assessment, highlighting the game's ambitious nature, solid experience, and compelling narrative. Despite flaws, Vampyr offers an enjoyable and intriguing experience for fans of the genre.

CRITIK

Reviews

225 reviews found

GameCritics

PlayStation 4

Jun 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampyr is one of the best action-RPGs, with great combat, compelling characters, and a resonant and consequential story.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Jun 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampyr is a well-polished experience with a great narrative, fun combat, and a gorgeous setting. Minor performance hiccups and lack of fast travel are the only downsides.

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DualShockers

PlayStation 4

Jun 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampyr is a great experience with a fun story and refined gameplay. Despite some bugs and texture problems, it is considered a terrific game and a potential sleeper hit.

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Hobby Consolas

Nintendo Switch

Oct 31, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Nintendo Switch version of Vampyr is a worthy port, although it suffers from graphical downgrades. It still maintains the notable quality of the original version and is a good game for fans of the genre.

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Gameplanet

Jun 6, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loves the game and recommends it to anyone looking for something different, despite its flaws and smaller budget.

Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

Oct 28, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampyr is an ambitious game with a lot of love put into it. Despite some flaws in combat and loading screens, it is an impressive horror game on the Nintendo Switch.

DarkStation

Jun 8, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampyr is one of the best and most nuanced games based on vampire mythology, with interesting characters and moral ambiguities.

Trusted Reviews

PlayStation 4

Jun 4, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampyr is an enjoyable game with an engaging story and excellent soundtrack, but it has some technical issues and the combat is uninspiring. It offers replay value with different playthroughs.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Jun 5, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampyr is a solid entry in a genre filled with too few vampire-themed RPGs. The game shines in its narrative focus and dialogue, but falters in its combat and lacks expertise in other areas. It is a pretty original title but includes standard mechanics that other developers have done better.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox One

Jun 18, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Vampyr is an interesting and deeply enjoyable open-world action adventure with an evocative setting, but with some flaws in combat mechanics.

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