Vampire Survivors Review: Simple, Addictive, and Shockingly Deep

My latest addiction is a game that came out in 2023 and somehow this pixilated game is fresher than a lot of newer titles. I’m hooked.

Vampire Survivors is a deceptively simple indie game that has taken the gaming world by storm. What looks like a retro-styled bullet-hell idle game quickly reveals itself to be a deeply engaging, time-melting roguelite with more depth than its 8-bit visuals might suggest.

Gameplay

At its core, Vampire Survivors is all about survival. Movement is your only direct control, but the strategy lies in how you build your character through item and weapon choices during the run. There's no attack button—just movement, dodging, and clever build synergy.

Despite its minimalist mechanics, the game offers a surprisingly rich gameplay loop. Every run starts slow, then ramps up into absolute chaos as the screen fills with thousands of enemies, dozens of projectiles, and screen-shaking effects. Surviving to the 30-minute mark is both a challenge and a thrill.

Progression and Replayability

Between runs, players can unlock new characters, weapons, maps, and permanent upgrades. The meta-progression is rewarding, and there's always a new achievement or unlock dangling just ahead. The game also includes secret characters, hidden stages, and a variety of modes that keep things fresh for dozens of hours.

Visuals and Audio

The visuals are deliberately retro, reminiscent of early Castlevania games, and while the pixel art may not be groundbreaking, it's charming and functional. The soundtrack, on the other hand, is surprisingly catchy, with tracks that perfectly match the escalating tension of each run.

Verdict

Vampire Survivors is a masterclass in the kind of game that has you saying "just one more run."

Plus, with the rising prices of video games, Survivors $4.99 price point is the perfect gateway for endless amounts of fun on a budget.

Whether you're a fan of roguelikes, bullet hells, or idle games, it's hard not to get hooked. Don’t let the basic graphics fool you—this game is a time-devouring monster, and you’ll be glad it sank its teeth into you.

Rating: 9/10