Recent reviews by Vertram

Simply stunning. I don't know how the developers managed to pull off such a plot-heavy title within it's limitations in a way where everything pieced together and flows the way it does but damn it they've done it and I love it. Cannot wait to redo this and see the alternative sides to the storyline. Games like this one keep my dream of having gradually improving fully fleshed out interactive stories with genuinely meaningful choices alive.

Everything regarding in-control play is wonderful - graphics are delightful, event variety is astounding, and every journey really does feel a bit special whenever a rare bit pops up to change things up. Everything regarding additional characters and coop play sucks big time, AI occasionally turns from bearable to "headless chickens" wildly flailing around and launching themselves into death, no split screen means whoever you're playing with will constantly "teleport" into entered locations on the map with a noticeable delay, adding to the overall frustration of clunkily implemented mechanics.
It's nicely balanced but the randomization makes it both unique... and wildly unpredictable to the point where the disadvantages you're being put through are just not fair. It's hard to attune a game like this where there are hundreds and hundreds of factors to keep in mind, but I wish that at least the most irritating parts would get a tweak or two. As is it's very fun, but still occasionally manages to frustrate the hell out of you because of gameplay elements beyond your control. Still, highly recommended, 8/10.

Stunningly intricate and well thought out, yet not without it's flaws.
The story is astoundingly innovative, delving out layered outcomes concocted from series of specific, united choices that are free to be expanded by player's will alone.. The gameplay system is as balanced as it can be, fairly limiting possibilities that are not deserved with the former results. Even failure, given how articulately the circumstances are presented feels justified, giving plenty of introspective to think upon, whilst every small victory is genuinely deserved, as it is an amassment of everything you add to your path. The only bits that sour the experience are the occasional locked off progressions the requirements of which are unfairly set sky high and demand a specific route to be taken from the start, and minor typos scattered throughout the paths.
I've eagerly awaited for a title like this to pop up, fusing together an elaborate story, and player freedom that's expanded enough to make consequences of choices matter and have real presence through and through. The Life and Suffering of Sir Brante made a solid attempt it at, partially succeeding but still meeting minor limitations that don't let the experience flow. And yet I'm convinced that this small success will inspire and pave the way for grander, bigger titles that will solidify a niche of truly interactive adventures, elaborateness of which will astound anyone and everyone who appreciates thought and care of deliberate cohesive writing.

Immaculate in it's storytelling and visualization, exciting if a tad bit flawed gameplay-wise, but overall - it's a fantastic character study wrapped around a solid action-packed, incredibly thought through experience. 9/10

A masterfully crafted, amazingly balanced, aesthetically pleasing, socially challenging survival game - with layers upon layers of possible strategies, counter-strategies, tactics and plans to try out, equally fun on both survivor and traitor sides - what's not to love about it? It sucked me in instantly and I doubt I will stop playing it any time soon. Full price or sale - get it. 10/10.

It's unusual, incredibly detailed, and very tense. The subtlety of things that made up the story was handled just right, and the setup itself really did feel like it was thought through incredibly thoroughly. I have to admit, the story could have used a bit more emotional depth, and the main character being inconsistent instead of many-sided did kick off the immersion a little.. but the mystery itself, the enveloping atmosphere, and general creepiness to the entire sequence make up for those bits. Highly recommended for anyone who can get into a true "detective" mindset, 8/10.

Challenging but fair, graphically enticing and genuinely interesting both as a branching out game mechanics exploration and a character development follow-up. Shines bright with some parts, gets a bit mellow with others, but overall - it's a great all-around strategic force management based story that will give you more than enough to contemplate on by the end. Check it out.

Mesmerizing. The enjoyment you'll get out of it will be evenly reliant on your skill level and your luck - you can be a newbie with great luck and hate it, or be a pro with terrible one and love it - it easily turns into a chaotic, diverse cycle of runs that vary between miserable and absolutely fascinating. It's something I never expected to get good at, yet got sucked into anyway. Whether you like the genre or not - try it out. It's worth it.

This piece definitely stands out from the rest. Balance between fascinating environments and harsh endurance of the surrounding elements borders perfection. Multiple layered opportunities for hunting, crafting and base organizing provide a chance for everyone to truly enjoy the game, no matter how specific their play style is.
Soundtrack adds a special little touch to what otherwise would be a routine burning of the daylight, no matter how many hours you pour into it. The art style of the tiniest details makes you want to walk the same paths again just so you can experience it all from different perspectives. All those pieces combined together create an experience you want to perceive again and again.
The addition of the story to the game was very surprising, but incredibly satisfying. Several gameplay mechanics were added on top of the preexisting fundamentals that integrated swiftly and created something different. Though the plot is simple and straightforward, I would say it has the exact amount of detail it really needs, and still managed to pleasantly surprise and invest the thrill seekers of the playerbase.
Finally, I'd like to mention a part of the game hidden behind the scenes - the development team. Never have I felt how incredibly committed and attached creators of a title can be until I've seen Hinterland's efforts. Newly discovered bugs that nearly instantly get noticed and fixed right up, consistent addition of new useful mechanics, maps and environmental details that prevent staleness, obvious care for their players on a personal level - it's actually touching, and genuinely made me want to support those people beyond the game itself - I'll definitely be on the lookout for whatever their prospects might be in the future.
I think it's obvious I enjoyed the game tremendously, it's one of the rare pieces I can give a 10/10 without a hint of a doubt. I can only hope they will keep doing what they are doing and never stop improving.

A great little story, with plenty of environmental exploration and character study along the ride. Even though I wish the crew's personalities were developed a bit further - alongside the length of the game, and the general "tense" feeling - it was great. I thoroughly recommend everyone to experience this entertaining piece. Can't decide between a 9 and a 10 so it's a 9.5/10 from me :)