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Vellum

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2025

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Quick resume

Write on! Defend the books in Vellum, a co-op, literary roguelike! Harness class-defining colors, master an inspired spellbook, and influence the growth of your enemy! As a group or solo, you'll craft plot-twisting builds to rewrite the rules in Ink!

Global score

91/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG)

Pros

  • Engaging and fluid combat with diverse builds
  • Strong co-op and community features
  • Unique literary and ink-based fantasy theme
  • Short, replayable runs with meta progression
  • Frequent developer updates and responsiveness

Cons

  • Some balance issues with certain builds or inks
  • Visual clarity can be lacking in chaotic combat
  • Limited map variety and exploration
  • Performance drops in long endless runs
  • Content can feel limited after extensive play

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players can freely choose their loadouts, spells, signature inks, and modifiers, allowing significant control over playstyle and run customization."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game offers skill-based combat with meaningful upgrades and challenges, though some players find certain builds or meta choices more effective."

  • Competition
    2

    "Includes leaderboards and daily runs with shared loadouts, encouraging comparison, but also supports casual and solo play without pressure."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report habitual play, long sessions, and engagement with meta progression and endless modes, though some note content can feel limited after extensive play."

  • Cooperation
    4

    "Strong emphasis on co-op play with shared buffs, team-wide upgrades, and synergy between players, though solo play is also supported."

  • Creativity
    4

    "High creativity in build customization, mixing spells, inks, and upgrades; players experiment with many combinations and strategies."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Interactions emphasize cooperation and shared decision-making; no strong evidence of dominance or power imposition over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a fun, immersive escape with engaging fantasy themes and satisfying gameplay loops."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment; no indication of obligation or external pressure to play."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Players frequently try new builds, spells, and modifiers; the game encourages exploration of mechanics and creative experimentation."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Some exploration of unique levels and secrets in the hub, though maps are often arena-style and repeated; discovery is present but limited."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization options for characters and cosmetics exist, allowing personal expression, though some cosmetics are reskins."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy theme centered on ink, writing, and magical tomes; imaginative fiction is core to the experience."

  • Fellowship
    4

    "Community and social play are important; players enjoy shared experiences and collaborative achievements."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills, learn mechanics, and improve builds over time; meta progression supports personal development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Game is sedentary with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during runs; not suitable for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Some social interaction and community connection, but limited evidence of close emotional relationships."

  • Leadership
    -2

    "Players mostly participate collaboratively without strong leadership or authoritative roles."

  • Progression
    4

    "Strong meta progression with unlockable upgrades, cosmetics, and abilities; players accumulate power and items over time."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Gameplay balances challenge and flow, but some tension and difficulty spikes exist; overall moderately relaxing."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable visual style and satisfying combat effects provide sensory stimulation and emotional fun."

  • Status
    1

    "Some social recognition through leaderboards and achievements, but not a dominant focus."

  • Story
    2

    "Contains lore and narrative elements integrated into the world and abilities, though story is not the main focus."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players engage in strategic choices about builds, enemy buffs, and run modifiers; planning and problem solving are rewarded."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Players enjoy suspense and challenge from escalating difficulty and boss encounters."

  • Value
    4

    "Players perceive good value for money with frequent updates, content, and replayability."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat and destruction of enemies are central gameplay elements."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid death and manage resources to progress through increasingly difficult runs."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026