Vampire Survivors: A Game of the Year Contender

For months, I've been pondering my Game of the Year write-up, unsure of what it would entail. Although I enjoyed Elden Ring, I didn't progress far enough to offer any unique insights. It's a quintessential From Software Souls game, with an open-world design that perfectly complements the punishing gameplay and numerous reminders of my inadequacy. Much of my gaming time this year has been devoted to retro games, with Skies of Arcadia on the Dreamcast being a strong contender for my Game of the Year pick. However, the ability to play it in handheld mode, with save states and fast-forwarding through random battles, courtesy of the Logitech G Cloud and emulation, has enhanced my experience. The key takeaway would have been the power of gaming that caters to individual preferences, rather than traditional console or PC gaming that demands players adapt to its terms. I've already discussed this topic in a recent column. On December 8, I received a press release announcing the mobile release of Vampire Survivors, which piqued my interest. By December 10, I had settled on my Game of the Year choice. Vampire Survivors bears a striking resemblance to Geometry Wars, a game I played extensively on the Xbox 360. The feeling of navigating through a swarm of enemies, herding them together, and dodging their attacks is eerily similar. However, Vampire Survivors is a rogue-lite that evolves over time, with random power-ups, permanent upgrades, and unlockable characters, weapons, and levels. This dynamic nature reminds me of Rogue Legacy, a game that initially seemed unforgiving but eventually became more accessible with upgrades and persistence. The game's design rewards players for their persistence, allowing them to feel a sense of triumph without necessarily improving their skills. As I progressed through Vampire Survivors, I found myself focusing less on the thrill of dodging enemies and more on discovering the game's depth and unlockables. With a maxed-out character and the right combination of powers, the game becomes almost effortless, allowing me to stand still and watch as enemies are effortlessly defeated. New levels and the "curse" mechanic can still provide a challenge, but it's an optional way to play. As I continue to play, I'm excited to see how far the progression and unlocks go, and I wouldn't be surprised if Vampire Survivors becomes my go-to pick for 2023 Game of the Year.