Heaven's Vault

Inkle

Rank: #4 / 6
Released: 2019
Studio: Inkle
Genre: adventure video game, science fiction video game, Metroidbrainia

At a glance

Heaven’s Vault is Inkle’s 2019 narrative adventure about archaeologist Aliya Elasra and her robot companion Six, exploring a region of space called the Nebula. When a roboticist goes missing, Aliya’s investigation draws her toward ancient ruins and a hidden history. Players explore sites, find artefacts and decipher hieroglyphics as they piece together an ancient language and the past of the world. The adventure is non-linear: discoveries, actions and choices affect what happens next, while characters remember conversations and may change their attitude toward Aliya. Travel takes place along fast-flowing space rivers. The game is listed as single-player for Windows, with full controller support, Remote Play on TV and Family Sharing on Steam. Its genres include adventure, indie and Metroidbrainia. Inkle developed it, and inkle Ltd is listed as publisher; its Steam release date is Apr 16, 2019.

Who it is for

It suits players who want a narrative adventure centered on archaeology, language puzzles and consequential choices. Its listed platform is Windows.

What is good

Non-linear progression shaped by choices and discoveries
Decipher hieroglyphics to build an ancient language
Characters remember conversations and respond to behavior
Full controller support is listed

What to know first

Windows is the only listed platform
Single-player only

Verdict

Heaven’s Vault combines exploration and translation puzzles with a story that can unfold in different orders. Its characters’ memories and reactions make choices part of the investigation.