Vampire Survivors is a singular game. Kind of a roguelike, kind of an arcade game, kind of a bullet hell, but at the same time nothing like what you probably think of when those genres come to mind. After all, there's a reason it captured the hearts and minds of gamers and won handfuls of awards on other platforms in 2022. Jam-packed with rewarding structures, satisfying sound design, cheeky nods to the much more senior vampire-killing franchise that inspired it, and loads of secrets, it'll sink its fangs into you after just one round.
The most common way we've heard Vampire Survivors described is, "A bullet hell where you are the bullet hell," but that's only half of the story. You start each level with one attack. They vary from classic stuff you'd expect from a Castlevania game, like a whip, a cross-shaped boomerang, or a throwing axe to more goofy stuff like the aroma of garlic or giant minecarts. There are dozens of them, and each attack has its own strengths, weaknesses, and properties; garlic, for example, creates a miasma of deadly garlic breath, damaging any enemy that dares enter your personal space. The whip slashes out in front of the direction that the player's facing, dealing high damage to anything in its range.
Every attack has a cooldown, but instead of deciding when to throw them out into the horde of Castlevania-inspired enemies, they all shoot out automatically. Most of the gameplay loop here is dealing with an attack's specific strengths and weaknesses while learning to twist them into the most efficient tools to quell the onslaught of monsters, all navigated with the left stick or via the touchscreen, which mirrors the touch input of the mobile version.
The monsters on the receiving end of your attacks approach from all angles at all speeds. Some pop up out of the ground and hurl magical attacks at you. Others just run at you with reckless abandon. All but one are killable, and they die with a satisfying pop. As they die, they drop experience points that you can use to level up and get new attacks, power-ups, or potentially even discover new combinations that unlock new abilities for your attacks.
Without revealing any of the game's many secrets, some combinations unlock powered-up versions of an attack that have no cooldown. Others might add vampiric, health-stealing attributes or a second hit to an attack. This combination is just one example of the many games hidden within Vampire Survivors. Sure, the game's main loop is all about surviving the endless volley of enemies, but if you just leveled up on a linear path, it wouldn't be nearly as exciting or gripping as it actually is.
Instead, you're making dozens of small choices and gambles in a variety of different avenues. In the main loop, you may be confronted with needing to choose between pursuing an objective that's in a far-off corner of the map and staying in place so you can level up your character to avoid an untimely fate halfway to the treasure. But within that choice, you might be confronted with a choice between a few new abilities or power-ups as you level up. Each decision will directly impact your gameplay and experience and Vampire Survivors goes out of its way to reward you with brain-tickling aplomb.
Vampire Survivors wears its slot machine-inspired psychology on its sleeve; opening a treasure chest feels like playing a slot machine that you always win, you never know what you'll stumble on when you level up, and exploring the game's unknown power combinations feels like making an un-losable bet. Sure, some hands might be better than others, but it always feels like an event to get to that next level, objective, or treasure chest. Like many of the best roguelikes and arcade games, this push and pull between risk and reward is what really elevates Vampire Survivors' deceptively simple core loop.
Of course, as you level up and begin to throw out more projectiles, the game matches your pace by sending more and more enemies after you. Needless to say, things can get very chaotic. At times, your entire screen might be filled with enemies except for a small area around your character. Sometimes it can become a bit difficult to follow where exactly your character is, or whether or not they're taking damage when the screen gets that full. Moreover, it can lead to some performance issues.
With the game even seeing some mild performance dips in our experience playing an older version on PC, one of our biggest concerns about this port was the Switch's ability to run the game smoothly. We're happy to report that it runs shockingly well! Given the sheer amount of enemies that can be on-screen at the same time (especially once you approach the 30-minute mark on a run), we were pleasantly surprised to see how few frames the handheld dropped.
We encountered the biggest dips when cycling between leveling up, opening treasure chests, and getting back into the action, but even then, the performance issues were very brief. In fact, after about 12 hours with the game, we haven't encountered any drops in frame rate that lasted longer than a second or two.
The new local co-op is the only exception when it comes to the game's overall very solid performance. Depending on how many players you have in one session, the power-ups and attacks they choose, and what stage you're on, you might end up playing with a lower frame rate for longer periods of time. Like in the rest of the game, things never get too dicey. Based on our experience with the co-op modes, the game is very consistent and never became unplayable.
Overall, this new co-op mode is a great addition. You can play with up to four players at a time and it's really well-implemented. Instead of allocating XP to whoever picks it up first, everyone shares one bar and alternate gaining new levels, and chests are assigned to a random player. For balancing purposes, the amount of power-ups and attacks you can have are limited in co-op.
Conclusion
Vampire Survivors skyrocketed in popularity in 2022 for good reason. It's one of the best roguelites in recent memory thanks to its gripping gameplay loop and metagame that hijacks your mind. The Switch port only adds more to love with local co-op and updated content. It's so easy to slip into a blissful sense of flow in Vampire Survivors' Castlevania-inspired, comically named levels as its ripping soundtrack and satisfying sound design propel you into the horde that you'll surely lose track of time playing it. It's a good thing that rounds don't usually last more than half an hour.
Comments 76
I bought this because my partner loved it on PC and I figure if it's not for me he can play it, especially at that low price! But I didn't know it had co-op that's cool It will definately get a lot of play then!
This is great! Please do a review of Brotato!
Looking forward to playing it tomorrow!
Vampire Survivors on Switch is the first and only time I've pre-ordered a digital-only game.
So I am very relieved the technical issues in this port are minimal.
Really looking forward to some co-op fun.
@a_brave_new_geek Brotato kinda makes me think of an AliExpress Binding of Isaac.
One of the best games in recent memory. Sheer dopamine.
Can't wait. Own it on Xbox but will play it so much more on Switch. Glad to hear performance is generally ok. For 6 quid with the DLC this is the best value game on the market.
I played it on my phone on a whim to test out my backbone controller and was so impressed by the free base game alone I pre-ordered the switch version with dlc. I also appreciated that the price point is basically the same as pc as switch tax does irk me sometimes.
The thing vampire survivors really nails is a compelling metaprogression that I really wasn't expecting. Even if and when you exhaust the unlock list and secrets list, each character has their own completion list for each stage and the hard cap on how long a run can last stops overpowered runs becoming boring.
Good to hear it runs generally well, have heard so many good things about this game even before this review that I can't wait to eventually try it myself now that it's on Switch!
It's a really addictive game, and would be fun for some couch coop. I might have to get it on Switch too
I think this game is a solid 9 for the first 10 hours you play it. But once you figure it out it drops quickly. At about the time you figure out the combos and how items work and what they do, it becomes increasingly less fun. After having played it for about 20-30 hours on PC I would give it a 6/10, based on just how not fun it becomes.
I preordered it a few weeks ago (including DLC). Looking forward to it!
I'm sorry, this is not a rogue-like. Do people even understand that the term is a comparison to the game "Rogue"?
People are calling this genre "Bullet Heaven"
Anyway, the game is good. I do recommend it, though there are permanent upgrades, and the game doesn't really scale with them past a certain point, so after a while it stops being fun. On the bright side, I guess, you can disable upgrades until you've scaled your power back to a point where the game is fun again, but that's sort of like having a cheat button you can press whenever you want and choosing not to. Fun for some, not for me. Still, you can play for quite a lot of hours before you reach that point. I just wish the end-game maintained some sort of balance on its own.
I loved this game on my Xbox and will definitely buy it again on Switch. It's so simple but sooo addictive.
I honestly can’t wait to try the co-op mode in this game. One of the best titles of 2022
So can you 'beat' this game? Does it end?
Might just buy this again. It's pretty much the perfect portable game. One you can play for twenty minutes or two hours.
The gameplay loop is pure addiction. If video games are elaborate skinner boxes, then it's the purest sort of video game ever made, in that respect.
@Ooccoo_Jr You can unlock all of the stages/characters/weapons/etc., but there's not really anything comparable to a proper story campaign.
Every time I see this game I can't help but think I played it 30 years ago.I remeber a game that I think was on amstrad/commodore64 that was based in a dungeon with hoards of enemies attacking you with a goal of finding the the stairs to the next floor. That had co op and was really addictive just like this one.
Sorry I can't remember the name of that game, just that This one just looks like it has some new hardware upgrades, although not many by the looks of it, and I just can't see what this does different to that. Anyone remember it?
One word... garlic. Thank me later.
@dew12333
Sounds like you're describing Gauntlet. Is that right?
I have this on xbox and android phone. Its a basic game nothing too fancy but very adictive. Bargain price and fun trying to unlock everything and making your weapons stronger. Yes it's a bit like gauntlet and all you do is move round the screen, it fires itself. Garlic is great power up to start with.
Easily the best 5$ you can spend for potentially hundreds of hours of play. My favorite Old Guy with Garlic, Whips, Holy water, Spinning Books and Fireballs combo will get way more time now.
I was originally a bit on the fence when it was announced for the Switch but then I saw the price and was immediately sold.
£3.59 is a bargain. I was half expecting a £10 minimum since Switch games seem to be 5x the price as Steam games (I'm looking at you, Terraria). My laptop has seen better days so definitely getting it on Switch.
@nessisonett
"Sheer dopamine."
That's why they call it "dope," 🤣
seriously, i had this game on mobile for a week and i had to quit cold turkey. i was opportunistically hiding at work to get a few minutes in here and there, and thats NOT me usually. 😅
This game is gonna kill so many sleep schedules.
kinda reminds me of the arcade game robotron..
@EarthboundBenjy Yes, that's it. Thank you. They seem very similar to me, but then lots of games make me feel like that.
@NinjaNicky on iOS (and android?) it’s actually free with the least intrusive ad system you’ve ever seen. And if you buy the dlc ads can be switched off. It’s like the guy doesn’t want money. Which probably means he’ll earn even more.
@johnedwin
it feels like that kind of game cranked up to its logical extreme.
definitely interested in playing this since it looks so chaotic and addictive with all the powerups.
@CharlieGirl
Same here, I almost never pre order digital but this game is an exception. I just adore the simplicity of this video game. The Switch is probably the perfect match for this gem! Somehow, I keep finding ways to buy games …I’m starting to think completing my backlog is an impossibility at this point 😂
This score makes me so happy. I’ve been playing it this year on Steam and it’s mind-blowingly addicting but I detest computer gaming (rather the act of sitting in-front of the computer) and would much rather be on the TV.
I took a gamble and preordered this a few weeks ago and I’m happy my only concern (performance) is not really an issue.
I can’t wait to fire this up on the TV!
Yeap this game will be added to my list of time killers for my Switch.
This game is super fun and I preordered on switch, which is unlike me. As I get older, I appreciate these easy, quick to learn arcade games more and more. I just think about your Zeldas and Xenogearses and get annoyed at the lack of time for them.
ok, game is not bad, but why to pay the switch version while the iOS/android is the same game and is free?
I got it to check it out because of the cultural zeitgeist and all that, but honestly I just want to play more Black Skylands. Incredible game. Still, this with my kiddo could be fun.
@Goofonzo While this may be true (or not depending on the player) I would still say this deserves the score. If it was a full priced game, perhaps not, but $5 for 9-10 hours (especially when that time is great fun) is a great value.
@Sequel Absolutely garlic. And the candelabra.
I have been rolling it again on my phone in anticipation of the Switch release. Usually use my Razr Kishii because it plays so much better with an analog stick. I am done for once this drops, lol.
I played this for around 10 hours on PC Gamepass, waiting for it to hook me but it never really did. It definitely has that one more go factor but with me, it was one more go in the hope it would click with me.
That said, I'm going to buy it on Switch and give it another go.
Ugh, wished it was out today, I mean, I already own it on Steam, but I'd rather play it on Switch. xD
Anyways yeah, this game looked like it would be really boring really quickly...and the visuals were kinda putting me off as well. But then I played it and well, yeah...I don't know why, but it's fun. lol
Starts off pretty hard, though....but once you start unlocking and upgrading stuff it becomes easier and really at this point you're just playing to cause chaos. xD
I've wanted to try this game since hearing a lot of hype for it last year. I'm like @CharlieGirl and @Rainz and hardly ever buy digital (I think the last one I bought at full price was Hades?) but I'll make an exception for this bargain-priced rogue-lite gem!
This weekend will be a toss-up between Vampire Survivors and Konami's Dark Adventure, joining the Arcade Archives this week. They're similar games, really, very Gauntlet-esque. I haven't played Dark Adventure since the 80s, and can't wait to revisit it!
Fun game but hugely overrated and we all know why.
@TryToBeHopeful I downloaded it to test it. It's really addictive. Definitely getting it on the Switch though because I prefer physical buttons
Played it on game pass then ended up buying it on Xbox and phone. Seriously the game is that good and fun! Highly recommend it!
Already pre-ordered on Switch plus all content.
Pro Tip - for anyone looking to quick unlock/quick grind, just use the code to Unlock Sigma from the start then use Sigma to beat the game and start grinding eggs for the other characters.
You can also do this on Xbox without borking the achievements, and likely for Ps and Pc, for quick achievements / trophies.
This game is more of a walking sim roguelite
@Coalescence Why is it overrated?
To make it even more fun, I purposefully try to build up characters based on ones from Castlevania, so like “what upgrades would Simon Belmont have vs Sypha Belnades vs Alucard”. It’s fun to see how much I can shape the avatar into those Castlevania characters. I also sometimes turn off the Vampire Survivors soundtrack and pump some Bloody Tears through Spotify 😀
@CharlieGirl My first digital preorder too!
I just find it funny that a game called "Vampire Survivors" focuses on Death being the main antagonist with the vampire (Dracula?) on the cover nowhere to be found.
Absolutely brilliant game! I got it for the Steam Deck and found it to be one of the most entertaining games I have played in recent times.
What makes it particularly impressive is that I'm not a big fan of pixelart and thought the game looked pretty terrible at first sight. The gameplay is truly THAT gripping.
It's a must have for those who haven't played it yet.
Just preloaded this since I had some leftover eShop funds. Eager to check this one out.
@Ooccoo_Jr
iirc there is a final stage/boss.
How the hell does the frame rate dip lmao? Ridiculous how bad the switch handles some things with its 4 rams.
No idea why someone would PAY for what is a free mobile game that would run better on its native phone hardware anyway.
Man...this is just one of those games that I hear amazing things about, gets stellar reviews, wins all sorts of awards...but when I look at it I go, "ummm, what?" Like, I feel like I'm missing something, staring confused at a piece of art in a museum while everyone around me "ooohs" and "ahhhs". Lol, maybe I'll just have to actually play it to see what the fuss is all about!
@Serpenterror You've got a list of time killers too huh? In some ways this game distantly reminds me of Akane but way deeper, and that's on my time killer list. I've really heard people rave about Vampire Survivors, so I may have to take the plunge, though I'm not really into rogue-likes. Let's see if this one changes my mind.
Got this game on my phone (a rare occurrence) as it reminded me of Drill Milky Punch, an old Japanese PC doujin game (long, rather weeaboo-ish story) with the same mechanics that I thoroughly enjoyed back in the day.
This will make a worthy substitute to Akane.
@Goofonzo
Glad someone agrees. Fun at first, but you hit a point where you're madly OP on every run, and it boils down to hitting every compass point within the time limit to beat the boss. Its a skinner box, though I do appreciate that at least they haven't resorted to paid unlocks, it's the sort of game that seems almost designed around them.
Highly, HIGHLY recommended. I have 100+ hours on my PC, and I am going to start all over again on my Switch. Addictive, charming, and fun! I promise you will get your $5 / €5 / £4 / worth.
@MeloMan
I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s utterly simplistic but deep, undeniably addicting. It shouldn’t be when you look at it …but it is! It’s more of a rogue like than rogue lite as it really does create its own unique experience. I don’t work for the devs 😝 but this game is an excellent example of less being more. It’s a nice change up from the AAA big budget titles, it just kind of reminds you gameplay is always King, a basic game can be as thrilling as a complex one.
First game I have ever preordered in my life, based on word of mouth and the fact it's an absolute steal at the price. Played one run so far and happy to report it's as much of a dopamine factory as the reviews suggest. Glorious fun.
@CharlieGirl
A knock off! Poundshop Kardashians said Sam Fender.
Gonna bag the Repentance physical from Asia at some point. I bagged the Leviathan edition though I cannot bring myself to open it up. What a loser!
I pre-ordered this last week. I've never played it, or watched any videos of it. This is one game I'm solely buying because of word of mouth. It's one thing when all the websites/podcasts rave about a game, but when I have co-workers come up to me randomly asking, "Have you played Vampire Survivors?" Not just one co-worker, but multiple, I figured I should look into this game. haha.
I have one cent more than the price of this game in my eshop wallet. It's a sign ✝️
I haven't closed Zelda since it came out. All signs point to this being the first "other game" to boot up since TotK dropped.
@nin10doom That's kind of how I feel about all roguelikes. I just don't get it. Some of them do look kinda cool, but they're just not for me.
@Rainz That was very informative and ticked ALL my boxes, thank you. I'll give it a go!
@johnedwin It's nothing like that, Robotron was a twin stick shooter. Here all you do is walk around and occasionally choose a new powerup, weapon, or upgrade. It's really more about upgrade management than reflexes; when you have a really good build, you can just sit there killing and getting stronger without even touching the controller.
@Sequel
Having played it now, yes, absolutely garlic.
You don't have a run if you don't have garlic.
I just played it for like 4 hours yesterday, and didn't notice it was 3 AM when I decided to turn the switch off. Great game!!
after about 12 hours with the game
I'm assuming that's 12 hours straight!
I have had a TON of this so far as it's the value acquisition of the year for me VS how much played / cost. Jeeez. Already bought the DLC LOL
Got it for free on iOS and wow its terrible compared to playing on the switch.
Really rad football game to warm you up for other gaming sessions.
4 players is a BLAST anyone can play and the action is deep!
Iv survived 30 minutes in the forest and library corridor so far.
@delt75 I'm replying to myself. lol
I LOVE THIS GAME! I put this in MY top 3 games of the year so far that I've played.
Having a blast. I would have never said
Very interested after reading the review, but this is not a roguelike, but a roguelite.
Even the devs said that this is a roguelite.
I know that some people does not care, but roguelite and roguelike are totally different and that matters.
One of the best pick up & play experiences I had a long time.
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