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Heaven's Vault

PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2019

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Quick resume

An archaeologist uncovers a lost history in an ancient space Nebula. Award-winning narrative adventure game with hieroglyphic language puzzles, from the creators of 80 DAYS.

Global score

85/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Point-and-click, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique and immersive story
  • Engaging language translation mechanic
  • Beautiful art and music
  • High replayability with branching paths
  • Relaxing exploration and atmosphere

Cons

  • Slow and sometimes clunky movement and sailing
  • Limited character customization
  • Lack of manual save system
  • Some ui and control frustrations
  • Story ending can feel abrupt

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore moons in various orders, make dialogue choices affecting story and relationships, and shape their own investigation."

  • Competence
    3

    "The language translation mechanic offers a satisfying skill challenge that improves with practice, though other gameplay elements are simpler."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No competitive elements; focus is on personal exploration and puzzle solving without comparison to others."

  • Continuation
    4

    "High replayability with New Game+ and branching storylines encourages multiple playthroughs and sustained engagement."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player with limited social interaction; cooperation is minimal or absent."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players create their own interpretations of the ancient language and story through translation and choices, though within a fixed world."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are balanced and respectful."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Strong immersion in a unique sci-fi world with relaxing exploration and mystery solving provides escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest in story, language puzzles, and exploration rather than obligation."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with translations and dialogue choices to uncover new story paths and meanings."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Core gameplay revolves around discovering new moons, artifacts, and secrets in a non-linear world."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character customization; expression mainly through choices and interpretations rather than visual personalization."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "Set in a sci-fi nebula with ancient civilizations and mythology, offering imaginative fictional experience."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social or community features."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players learn and develop language skills and understanding of the story world progressively."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with slow movement and no physical activity."

  • Idle
    3

    "Gameplay includes slow walking and sailing segments that allow for relaxed pacing and reflection."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Some emotional connection through character interactions, but limited to surface-level relationships."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or management roles; player acts independently without directing others."

  • Progression
    4

    "Progression through accumulating knowledge, translations, and story revelations."

  • Relaxation
    4

    "Slow pace, soothing music, and calm exploration create a relaxing experience."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Visual and auditory design is pleasant but understated; not focused on intense sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; achievements are personal and internal."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with branching storylines and deep lore immersion."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Requires logical reasoning and problem solving in language translation and dialogue choices."

  • Thrill
    -3

    "Gameplay is low risk and calm; lacks suspense or high tension moments."

  • Value
    4

    "High replay value and rich content provide good return on time and money invested."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on constructive exploration and discovery."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or threat mechanics; stable and safe gameplay environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026