In VOIN, you don’t play the classic “chosen one” hero. Instead, you’re an elemental servant—a weapon forged by a powerful mage to purge a deadly plague ravaging the land. The story leans into its dark fantasy roots, with a palpable sense of doom hanging over every step. The grim tone and the concept of being the weapon rather than wielding one set VOIN apart, though the narrative could use more depth. I kept wondering about the mage’s motivations, the origins of the plague, or even the world’s lore, but those answers are scarce for now. Hopefully, future updates will flesh this out.
Combat is Very Satisfying
If there’s one reason to play VOIN right now, it’s the combat. The moment you swing your first weapon, you’ll understand why this game could be a standout. It’s fast, brutal, and tactile, with each slash and elemental ability landing with an almost visceral crunch. Stringing together combos, dodging attacks, and unleashing devastating powers feels incredible, especially as you progress and unlock more gear.
The gameplay has clear influences from DOOM’s frenetic pacing and the precision of Soulslike mechanics, but it forges its own identity with a focus on first-person melee combat. It’s the closest I’ve felt to stepping into a medieval meat grinder, and I mean that as a compliment. The downside? The learning curve is steep, especially for players unfamiliar with skill-based combat. Early deaths can feel punishing, but they’re a necessary part of mastering the system. Stick with it, and the payoff is worth it.
A World Full of Secrets, but Not Enough Content
VOIN’s semi-open world design encourages exploration, and it’s easily one of its strongest features. Each level feels like a sandbox of hidden pathways, enemy ambushes, and treasure waiting to be found. One moment, you’re scaling the walls of a ruined fortress; the next, you’re sneaking through a haunted forest. The variety keeps things fresh, though some areas do feel visually repetitive.
The problem is that the world doesn’t have much staying power yet. With only two main maps available, and limited objectives after completing them, the game starts to feel thin after a few hours. Sure, you can crank up the difficulty or experiment with new builds, but the lack of content is hard to ignore.
Visuals and Audio
VOIN strikes a unique balance between retro pixel art and modern graphical techniques. The result is a world that feels nostalgic yet fresh, with dynamic lighting and detailed environments adding to the atmosphere. Some of the level designs are so striking they could double as desktop wallpapers. That said, darker areas can make it hard to spot key elements, and I ran into a few minor glitches like pixelated terrain during certain effects.
The sound design is another highlight. The haunting soundtrack sets the tone perfectly, with eerie melodies giving way to adrenaline-pumping battle themes. Every swing, slash, and explosion sounds impactful, adding weight to the already satisfying combat.
The Verdict: A Promising Early Access Title
VOIN is so promising. Its combat is some of the most satisfying I’ve experienced in a first-person game, and its world begs to be explored. But the limited content, steep learning curve, and occasional bugs remind you that this is very much an early access experience.
Would I recommend it? For fans of dark fantasy and skill-based combat, absolutely. At its current price, VOIN offers enough to justify a purchase, especially if you enjoy watching games evolve over time. Just know that right now, it’s more of a promise than a fully realized adventure. And that promise? It’s worth keeping an eye on.
VOIN Early Access: After spending a few days in VOIN’s brutal world, I’m excited to see where it goes. The foundation is strong, and with more content, polished visuals, and expanded lore, it could become a standout in the genre. For now, it’s a bloody good time with plenty of room to grow. – Tom Henry
