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Vessel

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2012

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Quick resume

Living liquid machines have overrun a world of unstoppable progress and their inventor must stop the chaos in this game about a man with the power to bring ordinary matter to life!

Global score

88/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Strategy, Adventure

Pros

  • Unique fluid physics and puzzle mechanics
  • Beautiful steampunk art style and music
  • Creative and challenging puzzles
  • Immersive atmosphere
  • Good length and replay value

Cons

  • Some frustrating physics and ai quirks
  • Awkward controls at times
  • Final puzzles can be tedious
  • Limited story exposition
  • No multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have control over creating and directing liquid creatures (Fluros) with different behaviors to solve puzzles, allowing freedom in approach."

  • Competence
    3

    "Puzzles require skillful problem solving and understanding of fluid physics, though some frustration arises from fiddly physics and AI quirks."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive modes or player comparison; focus is on individual puzzle solving."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players report returning to the game multiple times and enjoying extended play, though some find it short or frustrating at times."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on individual puzzle solving without multiplayer or cooperative elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players experiment with combining liquids and Fluros in various ways to solve puzzles, encouraging creative problem solving."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are with game elements only."

  • Escapism
    3

    "The immersive steampunk world and atmospheric music provide a strong escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment rather than obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Game encourages trying different fluid and Fluro combinations and puzzle approaches."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore three distinct areas with puzzles, though the world is somewhat linear and puzzle-room based."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some customization of Fluros via seeds and liquids allows limited self-expression through puzzle solutions."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Steampunk setting with imaginative liquid creatures and a fictional narrative."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community gameplay elements; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop puzzle-solving skills and understanding of game mechanics over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles; not a casual or background game."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; solitary experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player puzzle focus."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players collect upgrades and new tools to enhance abilities and solve puzzles."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Atmospheric and immersive, but some players report frustration due to physics and puzzle difficulty."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable visual and auditory experience with fluid physics and steampunk art style."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    2

    "Narrative is present but minimal and somewhat cryptic; story adds atmosphere but is not deeply immersive."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Puzzles require logical thinking, planning, and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    -2

    "Game is more cerebral and puzzle-focused than suspenseful or thrilling."

  • Value
    3

    "Players find good value especially on sale; praised for unique gameplay and atmosphere."

  • Violence
    -5

    "Nonviolent gameplay focused on puzzle solving and fluid manipulation."

  • Survival
    -3

    "No survival mechanics; low risk environment focused on puzzle completion."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026