Vampire Survivors: A Game of Unlikely Obsession

"I was underwhelmed at first, but it turned out to be my game of the year." These words echo my sentiments about Vampire Survivors, a £2.09 game that dominated my 2022 gaming experience. With a year marked by moving houses and craving relaxation, I found solace in this deceptively simple game that scratched my completionist itch without adding to my mental load. Initially, I thought my Game of the Year would be Spiritfarer, Death's Door, or even God of War Ragnarök, but Vampire Survivors won me over with its pure entertainment value and accessibility on the Steam Deck. The gameplay is straightforward: navigate an endless map, survive enemy waves, and collect gems and gold to level up and unlock new equipment. However, the depth of the game lies in its surprising complexity, with 198 unique monsters and a wealth of strategies to discover. I didn't plan on playing Vampire Survivors, but it was gifted to me, and I soon found myself hooked. The game's addictive nature, satisfying music, and "just one more run!" mentality kept me coming back for more. The combination of Vampire Survivors and the Steam Deck was a match made in heaven, allowing me to play in short bursts and experience the game's relaxing and auto-pilot aspects. Being part of a community that discovered this indie game, which was almost meant to be a small project, was also a highlight of my gaming experience. The game's creator, Luca 'poncle' Galante, had humble beginnings, with only eight players at launch, but it has since become a phenomenon, with thousands of players sharing strategies and tips. Vampire Survivors may not be a traditional Game of the Year, but it brought me immense joy and simplicity in a year when I needed it most.