Developer Fallen Squirrel worked with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) to create The Vale: Shadow of the Crown for blind gamers, but it should appeal to anyone who enjoys a good action adventure. What it lacks in visuals it makes up for with its unique use of familiar RPG elements and its stunning audio presentation. The Vale’s somewhat repetitive gameplay doesn’t outlast its welcome.
The Vale: Shadow of the Crown
Falling Squirrel · Aug 19, 2021
About
A sightless warrior’s world is that of intimate detail: An enemy’s, rasping breath; a foot shifts on swampy ground; the crack of steel on leather. The Vale is a audio based action adventure game that sets out to breathe new life into medieval combat.
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- 9.3This is a title that not only allows people sometimes unable to experience gaming a chance to do so, but it also provides an incredibly unique immersion experience and a different perspective to sighted gamers. A solid, engaging RPG lies at the heart of The Vale: Shadow of the Crown, one that proves to be a truly insightful experience for those who can play it.
- 8.2Overall, The Vale: Shadow of The Crown is a game that brings to light a rarely experienced disability for many gamers whilst also showcasing just how much audio can bring a game to life. With fantastic storytelling, engaging gameplay and a story that keeps things fresh from start to finish, this is certainly one of 2021’s standout titles and will no doubt spawn new audio focussed titles in the future.
- 8.0It’s a fully realized experience that could only work in an audio space, and I sincerely believe it's going to inspire a lot of people to reexamine their beliefs about what a game has to do or be. If this is the beginning of indie audio games, I can’t wait to see where the genre goes from here.
- 8.0The concept behind The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is so simple and genius that it's a wonder that it has never been done before - though it's worth noting that this iteration is done incredibly well, gracefully sidestepping many of the potential pitfalls of its conceit. The combat has a few frustrations that could use some ironing out, but they don't detract from what is a compelling and unique video game experience.
- 9.0The Vale: Shadow of the Crown is utterly unique but it’s one of those games you just have to take a chance on. If I had one criticism it is that there are maybe too many fighting sections and not enough in terms of exploration. But overall this is a brilliant experience and something that any player will remember for a long time to come.
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