VED

Casual, but not bad, but I refunded it anyway, because I didn't like it, but I know some will and it doesn't deserve a negative rating. Why didn't I like it? [i]And keep in mind that my critique is based on "this is too casual for me, but not bad per se".[/i] [list] [*]The battles are way too simple. Building synergies with your abilities is a nice thought experiment, but it becomes old rather sooner than later. [*]The story has choices and paths and everything that makes it intriguing, but I couldn't sit through the dull on-rails presentation, just to click through lackluster battles whenever I got to be active. [*]The hand-drawn graphics are absolutely gorgeous, though. [/list]

VED is an ambitious narrative-driven RPG developed by Karaclan and published by Fulqrum Publishing, aiming to fuse classic role-playing sensibilities with modern storytelling structure and experimental mechanics. From the outset, the game positions itself as something more contemplative than action-oriented, placing emphasis on choices, atmosphere, and the psychological weight of its world rather than raw spectacle. It is a title that clearly wants the player to slow down, absorb its ideas, and engage with its systems thoughtfully, even when those systems occasionally feel rough around the edges. The story revolves around Cyrus, an unassuming young man whose life changes dramatically when he discovers the ability to shift between two interconnected realities. One is a grounded, industrial city filled with political tension, social hierarchies, and human conflicts, while the other is a surreal magical realm of floating lands, strange creatures, and ancient forces. These two worlds are not merely aesthetic contrasts but narrative mirrors, with decisions and events in one realm influencing outcomes in the other. The game leans heavily into player agency, offering branching storylines…

The writing is cringy but the lore has aspects that are pretty cool. I recommend putting the audio in russian and keeping english subtitles, or it is really hard to get through kinda like some dubbed anime out there. What the game really excels at is the unique turn based combat mechs, artsy animations, and sound design. Overall its a really cool game wish there were more with this art direction. 7/10

Man, I wanted to like this, I really did. And there is something here, something everyone else might enjoy, but I just couldn't get into it. Story: 6.5/10, passable but not stellar. Gameplay: 3.5/10, this is really a visual novel with a tacked on half rpg, cool idea, needs more refinement. Art: 8.5/10, really quite impressive tbh. Overall: 5/10, can't recommend.

hidden gem

it's something else, worth checking out