VOIN – Review
VOIN, developed by Nikita Sozidar and published by tinyBuild, is a first-person action RPG that blends hack-and-slash combat with rogue-lite elements and a touch of exploration. While it showcases a strong foundation with impressive visuals and satisfying combat, it currently suffers from a lack of content and a few rough edges that need refinement.
Strengths:
- Visually Striking: Voin boasts a visually impressive world. The environments, though limited in scope in the current Early Access build, are beautifully rendered with a dark, gothic aesthetic. The character models and enemy designs are also well-crafted, contributing to an overall atmospheric experience.
- Satisfying Combat: The core combat loop is undeniably the highlight. The feeling of power as you cleave through hordes of enemies with your sword is exhilarating. The dodge mechanic is responsive, and the combat flow encourages aggressive play, rewarding skillful maneuvering and precise strikes.
- Potential for Depth: The inclusion of rogue-lite elements, such as permadeath and procedurally generated levels, adds a layer of replayability. The ability to upgrade your character and acquire new equipment provides a sense of progression and encourages experimentation with different playstyles.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of Content: The current Early Access build feels a bit thin on content. The levels, while visually impressive, can feel repetitive, and the enemy variety is somewhat limited.
- Rough Edges: While the core gameplay is solid, there are noticeable rough edges. The camera can sometimes be uncooperative, and certain animations can feel stiff. Minor bugs and performance issues also occasionally detract from the experience.
- Limited Exploration: While the game emphasizes exploration, the current build feels somewhat constrained. The open-world areas, while visually impressive, often feel empty and lack meaningful points of interest beyond combat encounters.
Overall:
VOIN shows a lot of promise. The core gameplay loop is undeniably fun, and the visual presentation is impressive. However, the lack of content and the presence of minor technical issues currently hold it back from reaching its full potential.
Recommendation:
If you’re a fan of hack-and-slash games with a focus on stylish combat and are willing to overlook some rough edges, VOIN is worth keeping an eye on. However, it’s important to remember that this is still in Early Access, and the developers have outlined plans for significant improvements in the future.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
