
Heaven’s Vault: Review
April 16th, 2019
Inkle
Explore ancient sites, discover lost ruins
Find artefacts and translate their strange hieroglyphics
Sail an open-world of fast-flowing space-rivers
Piece together the history of the world and an entire ancient language
The diverse cast of characters that remember everything you say
Heaven’s Vault is a puzzle game with a linguistics theme. Players will take on the role of an archaeologist, deciphering a hieroglyphic language that drives the plot along. These hieroglyphics are based on “ancient Egyptian and Chinese writing systems,” according to the game’s website. But be careful; if you translate something incorrectly, you can wind up going backward instead of advances.

Aliya Elasra is an archaeologist who is exploring the Nebula with her robot companion Six in the hopes of uncovering the secrets of the long-forgotten past. When a roboticist from the University of Iox goes missing, Aliya embarks on a journey to the very frontier of her planet – and the ancient secret of Heaven’s Vault.

Heaven’s Vault isn’t your typical adventure game with a linear plot. You can play the game in any sequence you like since the game’s completely adaptive narrative remembers every decision you make, every discovery you make, and every action you do, all of which influence what occurs next. Meet a diverse group of individuals who will remember everything you say and will modify their opinions of you depending on how you respond. Some are friendly, while others are wary, and some are determined to deceive you.
The science-fiction puzzle game also had elements of adventure to keep players entertained while they searched for riddles. Players can cruise throughout the world while visiting various locations. There are also several interactions with non-player characters (NPCs) that can aid (or distract) you from the storyline. NPCs will judge your player based on how you interact with them, according to the game’s website. Heaven’s Vault might be a good fit for people who enjoy well-rounded adventures and riddles.
