Vesta by developer Finalboss Games is a 3D Puzzle Platformer that sees the player in the role of Vesta, a young, technical-minded girl who is the only survivor aboard a space vessel that traveled 700,000 parsecs to an unknown location inside the Andromeda Galaxy. Accompanied by a floating, box-like robot named Bot, Vesta must traverse the ship’s many levels, collect energy, solve puzzles and ultimately escape her floating prison. It sounds easier than it actually is.
The game starts with Bot waking Vesta from her cryogenic sleep chamber. After a brief intermission and a short tutorial, the player is sent into the first level where they are introduced to Droid 7; a large, robotic bodyguard who is programmed to battle the ship’s security droids, and solve puzzles that are too difficult for Vesta.
Gameplay involves the player activating platforms and unlocking doors with energy collected from METs (Multifunction Energy Transnobblers). The player can absorb the energy these pillars produce by pressing the A button. The energy collected from these METs can be inserted into other METs to assist with the game’s many puzzles. The player can also siphon energy from malfunctioning service droids that can be found scattered throughout each level. Enemy droids can be killed for energy as well (more on this in a moment).
During the earlier levels, Vesta is limited to collecting one energy source. Due to this limitation, the player has to find the right METs to open a pathway for Droid Unit 7 to walk through. This can involve powering a lift; picking Vesta up with Droid Unit 7 and riding a lift to a suspended platform (and then tossing Vesta over to said platform, so she can power a MET to unlock a door); and then returning Droid Unit 7 to the bottom floor, so he can pass through the opening and meet Vesta on the other side. As the player progresses through the game, they will receive the TurboCharge 3000 Plus charger pack, which gives Vesta the ability to store up to three energy units at a time. This feature really makes the process of solving puzzles much easier.
Combat involves using Droid Unit 7’s rocket launcher to incapacitate the enemy. The only issue is that Droid Unit 7 can only fire in four directions. This means that enemies can easily side-step his projectiles, making it difficult to hit them. When an enemy does get hit by a projectile, they become dazed. When this happens, the player must switch to Vesta and quickly collect the robot’s energy. If the player takes too long, the enemy robot will recover and then retaliate. By herself, Vesta is vulnerable to attacks.
If she gets hit by an enemy, the game will end and start over from the last available checkpoint (which are green panels that are located throughout all the levels). Droid Unit 7 is capable of absorbing more damage, so depending on the scenario – the player can have him carry Vesta to a safer location. Unfortunately, Droid Unit 7 cannot fight while holding Vesta, thus making him an easy target for most enemies. The game expects the player to think ahead before tackling most of the puzzles, especially when enemies are involved.
Vesta for Nintendo Switch does a great job of invoking memories from the bygone era of gaming. This is due to its classic level design and its odd, but satisfying team mechanics between Vesta and Droid Unit 7. The well-polished gameplay – and the quirky intermissions that tie it all together – makes this release a must-have for any Nintendo Switch gamer who enjoys Puzzle Platformers. Developer Finalboss Games deserves a firm pat on the back for a job well done.
Mike Pittaro
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Finalboss Games
Publisher: Finalboss Games
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Price: $9.99
Vesta Official Website: http://finalboss-games.com/vesta/
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |   |
| Beautiful 3D graphics that good good in both portable mode and when the Switch is docked. | |
| Sound | |
| Decent sound effects and a good soundtrack round out the experience. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Classic Puzzle Platform gaming that harkens back to the days of the ZX Spectrum and Commodore Amiga. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Developer Finalboss Games deserves a firm pat on the back for a job well done. | |
