NUVAVULT Reviews

NUVAVULT is a stimulating puzzle game with a delightful central mechanic and a few surprises. [h3]Positive Points[/h3] [list] [*]It isn't too difficult: I was stumped a few times (a good puzzle game should stump you occasionally!) but most puzzles were fairly straightforward while being clever enough to please. [*]There are some fun secrets: Certain early level collectables, for instance, look completely unreachable, then the game changes and you go "ah ha!". [*]It doesn't wear out its welcome: It took me about 2 1/2 hours to get 100% and I'm quite satisfied with the length. [*]It opens up in the second half: There was a bit of a surprise about half way through that changes the game significantly, and in a good way. [spoiler]Until about half way, rotating the level, collapsing into 2D, and expanding into 3D are done by interacting with blocks in the game world. After the half way mark you gain the ability to do these things at will.[/spoiler] [/list] [h3]Critiques[/h3] [list] [*]The jumping can feel a little stilted and sudden. But, this is no action platformer and you get used to it. [*]RE: the surprise at the half way point: [spoiler]While it is great that the game gives you more control, a full half of the game has been spent without that control and on puzzles based around [i]not[/i] having it. This means there's quite a bit of knowledge you no longer need to build on.[/spoiler] [*]The puzzles may seem overly simplistic at times. I kind of listed this as a positive as well, but I think there could have been more building of richness and complexity given the solid mechanics. [/list] Overall, NUVAVULT is worth a couple hours and $3 for sure, if you enjoy sokoban-like puzzle games. The developer's more recent game Heiko on itch.io and Android is even better!