Game: VED
Genre: RPG
System: Steam (Windows) (Also available on Xbox, PS4 & PS5 & Nintendo Switch)
Developer|Publisher: Karaclan | Fulqrum Publishing
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $24.99 | UK £20.99 | EU € 24,99
Release Date: November 14th, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Keymailer.
VED: Time Development Well Spent
VED, a story-driven RPG, has finally launched on multiple platforms after 12 long years in development. The result? A game that the developers have poured their hearts and souls into, from its intricately woven story to its unique turn-based gameplay. While it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, if you’re looking for something different, VED is worth a peek.
Meet Cyrus
The story follows Cyrus, a young man with visual difficulties who moves to the city of Micropolis to find work and make a name for himself. Big life changes are stressful enough, but for Cyrus, they trigger an unexpected ability: teleporting between two worlds. The magical realm he stumbles into is teeming with strange creatures, floating islands, and dangerous monsters, yet it’s stunningly beautiful, bonus points, Cyrus can see in this world, which makes you wonder if his optometrist missed something important. This magical realm contrasts sharply with the dark, lonely streets of Micropolis. Like any protagonist discovering newfound powers, Cyrus meets an array of characters and must face choices that will shape the fate of both worlds. But those decisions? That’s all on you.
Story Heavy (Like, Really Heavy)
VED is story-heavy, and you’ll notice this immediately. For some, it might be too much. A significant portion of the game is spent listening to conversations between Cyrus and other characters across both realms. While this is great for lore and world-building, I sometimes felt like shouting, “Enough talking, let’s get to the action!” The silver lining? The dialogue is fully voice-acted, so you can put the controller down and just soak in the chatter if that’s your thing. The voice cast does a commendable job, with Cyrus being likeable, albeit a bit reserved and mysterious. The supporting NPCs range from trustworthy allies to shady figures you wouldn’t lend your last gold coin to. The dialogue ticks all the right boxes but could use some trimming; it’s a point I’m aware I need to learn in my own reviews.
Make Your Choice
Decision-making is a huge part of VED. Dialogue is peppered with micro-decisions that affect how characters view you, complete with a helpful indicator so you know if you just made a friend or an enemy. There are also major plot choices that steer the course of the story and gameplay itself. Want to stick around for a tense conversation or teleport away to avoid confrontation? The choice is yours, and it might just make you sweat a little. Plus, at the end of each chapter, the game gives you a summary of the major decisions you made, along with hints about what you missed.
Roll the Dice
VED throws in a bit of tabletop flair with dice rolls for certain decisions. Whether you’re in a fight or snooping around someone’s house (like a true hero), a roll of the dice determines the success of your actions. Choices are tied to strength, magic, or dexterity, and upgrading these stats gives you a better shot at favourable outcomes. The randomness can be thrilling, especially if you’re a fan of tabletop games, but players who prefer absolute control might find it frustrating. Still, I enjoyed this feature, it’s like gambling, but without your wallet crying.
Turn-Based Combat
The turn-based combat system in VED sets itself apart from the usual fare. While exploring the magical realm, you’ll teleport across various points, chat with NPCs, complete side quests, and tinker around in your little hub area to unlock new abilities with points earned from battle.
Combat itself unfolds on a 4-square board where positioning is everything. Each square lets you customize up to four different attacks, whether that’s slashing an enemy, casting a status effect, or healing. Using an ability often shifts your character to a different square with a new set of attacks, adding a layer of chess-like strategy. Red arrows warn you where enemies will strike next, so planning around incoming attacks is vital. Sometimes, taking a hit is the lesser evil in your path to victory.
If things go south, don’t stress. You’ll be teleported back to the hub area to regroup, keeping your progress intact so you don’t have to rehash every battle. And if combat gets too tough, there’s a story mode to keep things manageable. I loved the battle system, it’s fast, strategic, and keeps you on your toes.
Outstanding Graphics
VED’s art style is the crowning jewel of the game. Easily one of the most visually stunning games I’ve played this year, VED’s graphics look like detailed paintings that wouldn’t be out of place in the National Gallery. Every environment and NPC is intricately drawn, and even battles against minor foes feel like epic encounters fit for legends. I could frame almost any screenshot from this game and hang it proudly at home. The soundtrack, meanwhile, complements the fantasy setting with a mix of magical ambience and the urban grittiness of Micropolis.
Conclusion: The Good Kind of Teleporter
VED is an original game that dares to try new things and succeeds at most of them. The decision-making feels meaningful, the dice-roll segments add tension and stakes, and the battles are genuinely epic. The art direction is nothing short of breathtaking. My main gripe is that the story, while captivating, sometimes drags and could use some tightening up. Even so, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a shot. The hard work of the developers shows, and it’s a journey that deserves to be experienced. A free prologue is available on Steam for those who want to dip their toes into the world of VED before taking the full plunge.
Final Verdict: l Like it a Lot 
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