Vivid World Preview: A Charming Turn-Based Roguelike
Exploring the Steam Next Fest, we delve into Vivid World, a captivating turn-based roguelike where you assemble and enhance a diverse party of characters.
In Vivid World, players embody Lemuria, a schoolgirl who finds herself transported, along with her peers, to the afterlife. While Lemuria retains her consciousness and form on the other side, she embarks on a quest to reunite with her friends, now transformed into spirits.
As the game progresses, Lemuria gathers various party members represented by jewels, striving to collaborate with a mysterious grim reaper figure who aids her in locating her classmates throughout the underworld.
Vivid World immediately captivates with its charming art style reminiscent of Vanillaware’s classic titles like GrimGrimoire and Odin Sphere. Each party member boasts a unique appearance, blending seamlessly within their respective factions.
The game’s environments feature a delightful pop-up book aesthetic, particularly showcased in the initial forest-themed area. The overall visual presentation is enchanting and cohesive.
While Vivid World‘s artistry shines, its gameplay falls short, lacking innovation. The fusion of auto battler and turn-based elements feels uninspired, failing to establish a distinctive identity.
Vivid World adopts a gameplay model akin to League of Legends‘ Teamfight Tactics, where players assemble and upgrade a team of characters, focusing on synergies between factions and colors to maximize buffs.
Character upgrades activate team buffs permanently, emphasizing strategic team-building. However, the gameplay lacks player agency, hindering engagement beyond team composition adjustments.
Combat mechanics follow a similar pattern to Teamfight Tactics, with characters executing unique skills after a set number of attacks. Despite the depth offered by skill gem combinations and character buffs, the lack of player control limits meaningful interaction.
Character skills, though diverse, lack direct player interaction, relying on automated execution. This disconnect between specific abilities and passive gameplay detracts from the overall experience.
Vivid World struggles to balance intricate character abilities with casual gameplay, resulting in a disjointed player experience. Additionally, vague skill descriptions hinder understanding and immersion.
The demo offers a brief glimpse into Vivid World‘s mechanics, showcasing a tutorial dungeon and a full run with limited depth. While visually appealing, the gameplay lacks sufficient variety and may not resonate with all players.
Vivid World caters to dedicated auto battler enthusiasts, potentially alienating turn-based combat fans. The game’s beauty is undeniable, but its gameplay complexity may deter a broader audience.
While Vivid World boasts stunning visuals, its gameplay may benefit from a more traditional RPG approach. As it stands, the game’s artistry outshines its mechanics, requiring a specific taste to fully appreciate.
Vivid World is scheduled for an early 2024 release on Microsoft Windows via Steam.
