This graphics-less “audio game” works pretty intuitively, and it's deeper than I initially expected. It plays like Punch-Out with stealth and RPG elements. Some combat functions are finicky--blocking, even when inputted early, often lets the first attack of a combo go through, and hunting with a bow demands more precision than I can personally manage with audio alone. But blind combat is otherwise a satisfying (and steep) challenge.

The real star of the show is the dialogue, which feels surprisingly organic and intimate. Tightly written, beautifully voice acted, and weaved into the mechanics, it fits the game like a glove. I don't want to spoil anything other than the fact that the dialogue caught me off-guard.

I love medieval fantasy settings and character-driven stories. The Vale offers both in a way I’ve never seen before. It’s weird, it’s different, and it’s unforgettable. My experience playing The Vale was novel not just because it lacked visuals but also because its characters were intensely human. I highly recommend this game.

This graphics-less “audio game” works pretty intuitively, and it's deeper than I initially expected. It plays like Punch-Out with stealth and RPG elements. Some combat functions are finicky--blocking, even when inputted early, often lets the first attack of a combo go through, and hunting with a bow demands more precision than I can personally manage with audio alone. But blind combat is otherwise a satisfying (and steep) challenge. The real star of the show is the dialogue, which feels surprisingly organic and intimate. Tightly written, beautifully voice acted, and weaved into the mechanics, it fits the game like a glove. I don't want to spoil anything other than the fact that the dialogue caught me off-guard. I love medieval fantasy settings and character-driven stories. The Vale offers both in a way I’ve never seen before. It’s weird, it’s different, and it’s unforgettable. My experience playing The Vale was novel not just because it lacked visuals but also because its characters were intensely human. I highly recommend this game.