AUGUST 2019 PCWorld 109doesn’t work. Not without an HR Computer at
least, for which you’ll need a Mouse Ball and
other space garbage. Every time you die, you’re
given a new space felon to try again—with
randomized traits like “Smoker,” meaning you
cough every few seconds and alert enemies.
And did I mention S.T.E.V.? He’s your handy AI
guide, who chimes in with advice like “Note to
self: Issue more bullets to replacement client.”
It’s one of the most satisfying and reward-
ing run-based games I’ve played in years, and
hilarious to boot.
HE AVE N’S VAULT
TRAILER: GO.PCWORLD.COM/HV
Heaven’s Vault (go.pcworld.com/hva) has some
rough edges. Its more action-oriented bits—sail-
ing around the Nebula, walking around various
planets—are the least interesting facets, and you
do them a lot. Less, after the game’s post-release
patches, but they still comprise a significant
portion of the experience.
The writing makes up for it, though. Inkle
already demonstrated its prowess with 80
Days and Sorcery!, but Heaven’s Vault is its
most ambitious work of interactive fiction yet,
a sprawling archaeological sim of sorts,
comprised of dozens (maybe hundreds) of
different story branches that still manage to
coalesce into an engaging sci-fi story. And
how well you understand that story also
depends on how deep you delve into its
translation side, with a “lost” language for the
player to slowly decipher as they explore theHeaven’s Vault