Vane (video game)

Lore & Background

Vane is an adventure game in which players control a child that can turn back and forth into a bird. Gameplay involves exploration and puzzle-solving. The game was developed by Tokyo-based studio Friend & Foe, with Matt Smith as producer. It was released on January 15, 2019, for the PlayStation 4 and later on Windows.

Reader's Guide

Vane received mixed or average reviews for PC and generally unfavorable reviews for PlayStation 4. Critics such as Chris Moyse of Destructoid gave it 4 out of 10, citing a strong opening and unique visual ideas but criticizing aimless and frustrating gameplay, technical problems, boring puzzles, and a terrible save system. Adventure Gamers gave 2 stars out of 5, praising sound design and bird's-eye views while criticizing clunky controls, lack of objectives, and incomprehensible narrative. Hardcore Gamer gave 1.5 out of 5, calling it an utter chore to play. GameSpot lauded visual style and soundtrack but lambasted severe glitches and vague themes. Push Square gave 4 out of 10, describing it as exhausting and technically shoddy. Shacknews gave 3 out of 10, lauding visuals and synthwave soundtrack but criticizing tedious mechanics and glitches. Game Informer gave 6.75 out of 10, calling it a fever dream when it works but noting bugs and lack of direction. Edwin Evans-Thirlwell of Eurogamer recommended it, stating it rewards patience. The game was nominated for 'Game, Original Family' at the NAVGTR Awards.

Did You Know?

• The game's producer is Matt Smith.
• It received a nomination for 'Game, Original Family' at the NAVGTR Awards.
• Critics widely noted technical problems, including glitches and a poor save system.