Vellum – Inky Roguelike Chaos Takes Flight
*Vellum*, launched on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, is a vibrant co-op action roguelike from Alvios Games, priced at $20. This 20–30 hour adventure, fresh from Early Access, offers fast-paced runs through a literary-themed world, perfect for solo or four-player chaos. Its dazzling mechanics and whimsical art make it a 2025 standout, though its balance tweaks may need time to settle.
You play as Scribes defending the Illuminated Library from Torn Lords, with each run unfolding lore via witty dialogue and inky biomes. The story’s charm lies in its bookish humor, with chapters revealing the Lords’ origins. Runs last 20–30 minutes, packed with spell-slinging action across starry shelves and shadowy caverns. Side content, like decorating your ‘Reading Nook’ hub or raiding for loot, adds 10 hours, keeping the library alive.
Gameplay blends third-person combat with 20+ spells, like explosive Dice or Raven swarms, enhanced by 300+ ‘Pages of Power.’ Choose ‘Signature Inks’—Red (vampiric), Blue (waves), Yellow (AoE), Green (pets)—to define your class. The ‘Astral Link’ system lets co-op teams chain spells, like Blue’s tides boosting Yellow’s flames, dealing 1,000+ damage. ‘Torn Pages’ add modifiers, like fiery floors for better loot, increasing challenge. The game runs at 1080p 60fps, with a patch fixing minor Ink imbalances, ensuring polish.
The interface is sleek, with spell menus and HUDs clear during chaos, though solo players may struggle with Hard mode’s scaling. Community tips suggest Red or Orange Inks for beginners, avoiding Green’s fragile pets. The pixel-art visuals, with glowing tomes and inky voids, dazzle, and the orchestral-whimsical soundtrack immerses, though some tracks repeat. Performance is flawless, even in four-player raids, with no lag in crowded fights.
Replayability is immense, with randomized biomes, ‘Endless Saga’ mode for scaling runs, and monthly events like the Quill Festival offering cosmetics. Raids against Torn Lords drop ‘Eternal Pages’ for stat boosts, encouraging team play. Accessibility shines, with Normal and Hard modes, though the learning curve takes 2 hours to master synergies. Some Inks, like Green, feel underpowered, but updates are addressing balance.
Flaws include occasional enemy repetition and Green’s weak pets, but the game’s charm—evident in every spell and quip—makes it shine. *Vellum* is a roguelike triumph, blending chaos and creativity. Scribe your legend in the Illuminated Library! #Gaming #Vellum
