Vex

Vex is a 3D arcade-style platform game in which you guide a simple cube through logic-based levels. You collect coins to reach each goal while avoiding hazards and using timing, reactions and planning to get through dynamically difficult challenges.

Worlds and levels

The game has four main dimensions: Pura, Ignis, Glacium and Quanta. You discover more about a fifth dimension, Iris, by playing. The first three dimensions play as expected, while Quanta introduces different mechanics.

Pura is a relatively forgiving tutorial world of land and sea, with flora and fauna. Ignis is a fire dimension with deadly lava traps, volcanoes and totems. Glacium features rock falls, stalagmites and snowstorms. In the dark, desolate Quanta dimension, physics are twisted and mysterious forces dominate; it introduces quantum entanglement, unlock switches and giant sentries.

There are 11 levels in each of the four worlds: 10 normal levels and a bonus level that can be unlocked. Completing a hidden Easter egg unlocks the secret 45th level.

Hazards and abilities

Levels combine obstacles such as lava traps, firearm turrets, teleporters and speed boosters with four main types of enemy:

• Patroller: moves between two points and is lethal on contact.
• Sentry: moves towards you when you are close enough and is lethal.
• Glide: hovers above the ground, moving between points and dropping deadly acid.
• Blast: pulls you in like a black hole, then explodes and turns you into a projectile. It is not lethal, but is described as the most dangerous enemy.

You can use five powerful abilities to manoeuvre through levels, and some are essential to completing them. They let you increase or decrease your size, move faster, slow down time, or become invincible, incorporeal and deadly to enemies.

Quantum entanglement

In the fourth dimension, Quanta, you become entangled with a second player. Actions by one affect the other: for example, after moving two metres forward and activating the ability, you take control of player two, who is also two metres forward rather than at the starting point.

Entanglement lets you pass through walls, get past enemies and reach hidden areas. You can vanish and reappear to confuse enemies, but if either player dies while you control them, both die.

Progress and customisation

Vex includes a classic levelling system, a score system, character customisation, statistics and interactive, dynamic environments. Its visuals use saturated colours, particle effects, and dynamic shadows and lighting. You can adjust the graphical fidelity in the options menu.