VEIN: Surviving the Apocalypse One Glitch at a Time
Zombies, crafting, and the occasional basketball game
Launch Day Larry
Welcome to the world of VEIN, where the apocalypse isn’t just about surviving hordes of zombies but also about managing your stress levels, hunger, and thirst while trying to remember if you left the oven on. This early access title promises a buffet of survival mechanics, from farming to fishing, and even a spot of basketball if you’re feeling sporty. But does it deliver a gourmet experience or just a microwaved meal? Let’s dive in.
Gameplay: A Survivalist’s Dream with a Side of Stiffness
VEIN offers a smorgasbord of activities that would make even the most seasoned survivalist’s head spin. With mechanics that include building, crafting, and even electricity management, the game provides a detailed and immersive experience. The sandbox elements are reminiscent of a first-person Project Zomboid, with a realistic day/night cycle and weather conditions that affect your character’s well-being. Plus, the ability to play solo or co-op with customizable server settings means you can tailor the apocalypse to your liking.
However, not all is rosy in the land of the undead. Player movement feels like you’re wading through molasses, and combat is about as flexible as a rusty hinge. The lag when hitting zombies can be frustrating, and the glitches, particularly with graphics settings, can make you question if your PC is haunted. The character creator, while functional, offers hair options that seem to have been inspired by a 1980s hair salon.
Despite these hiccups, the game shows potential, with players eagerly awaiting future updates. The developers are actively working on improvements, and the community appreciates their dedication. Just don’t expect to turn off zombie respawns or edit world settings on existing saves anytime soon.
Graphics: A Mixed Bag of Brains and Beauty
Visually, VEIN is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, the transition to a full 3D environment is a step up from similar titles like “7 Days to Die,” offering a more immersive experience. The attention to detail is commendable, especially when played on high-resolution displays. The sleek UI and quality-of-life features make navigating the apocalypse a tad more bearable.
Yet, the graphics aren’t without their issues. Zombie models and animations feel generic, and the game suffers from performance problems like FPS loss and shadow rendering issues. Rain passing through interiors and janky animations can detract from the experience, and the lack of advanced graphical features like DLSS is noticeable. However, given the game’s early access status and the small development team, there’s hope for future enhancements.
Story: Crafting Your Own Apocalypse
VEIN doesn’t hand you a structured narrative on a silver platter. Instead, it offers a sandbox where your actions and interactions create personal and emergent stories. Whether it’s accidentally offing a friend’s character or surviving a particularly harrowing night, the game excels at generating unique and memorable moments.
While the lack of a structured story or missions can lead to a sense of aimlessness, the game’s atmosphere and world-building are strong points. The setting, based on a real-world locale, adds authenticity and immersion, though more narrative elements like NPC human bandits could enhance the storytelling potential. As a passion project by a dedicated two-person team, VEIN has a solid foundation for future story development.
Final Verdict
VEIN is a game with a lot of heart and even more potential. Its detailed survival mechanics and immersive world offer a rich experience for fans of the genre, though it’s not without its early access quirks. The graphics and story have room for improvement, but the developers’ commitment to ongoing updates and the availability of a free demo make it worth a try. If you’re willing to overlook some rough edges and embrace the chaos of the apocalypse, VEIN might just be the survival game for you.
Score: 6.5/10