Emblems: Sunless Vow

About Emblems: Sunless Vow

Emblems: Sunless Vow is a role-playing visual novel with roguelike elements from oldflowerGames. Released in 2026 for PC and Mac, it blends narrative-driven gameplay with tactical turn-based combat. Three characters, Weapon, Spirit, and Magic, struggle to reclaim their memories while fending off a void threatening their existence. The game balances character-driven drama with strategic battles, letting players adjust difficulty and focus on story or mechanics. Its indie charm and quirky dialogue set it apart from traditional RPGs.

Gameplay

Players alternate between visual novel segments and quick turn-based combat. Conversations shape relationships and unlock story paths, while battles require calculating moves, managing resources like "favors," and stacking effects for damage. Each fight lasts minutes, emphasizing speed and strategy. Flexible difficulty scales encounters without forcing restarts. The roguelike aspect kicks in if a character dies, resetting progress but retaining key upgrades. Sessions often mix dialogue choices with tactical decisions, making every playthrough feel distinct. Controls are straightforward, prioritizing accessibility over complexity.

What Players Think

Community feedback is polarized: 65% of players finish the main story in under 12 hours, but only 38% complete all side quests. Average playtime hovers around 14 hours, with 42% of players rating the game 8/10 or higher. Critics praise the "charmingly chaotic script" but note underdeveloped combat depth. Moods are split between "refreshing" (27%) and "underwhelming" (19%). Achievement completion sits at 61%, with 73% unlocking the "Void Survivor" title. Price remains unlisted, but early adopters report it as a $20 indie bargain.

PlayPile's Take

Emblems: Sunless Vow works best for fans of quirky stories and light strategy. Its charm and flexibility make it worth trying, especially at indie prices, but combat feels tacked-on for some. With 28 achievements and a runtime under 15 hours, it’s a short but memorable pick. Skip if you crave deep tactical systems, but play if you crave oddball dialogue and a quick narrative fix.

Storyline

Help three unlikely friends destroy the void—before they destroy each other! New allies Weapon, Spirit, and Magic have some big tasks ahead of them. Recover their stolen memories, defeat an ancient demon or two, and escape from the dreaded void between worlds... Assuming they can stop arguing, first. Mystery + Drama + Comedy "Weapon" and "Magic" remember nothing, as they wake in an unforgiving void where vengeful souls haunt every corner. A mysterious guide named "Spirit" appears just in time to save them... But doesn't he know a little too much? And just what is with that outfit...? Shenanigans abound in this novella-length drama whose secrets keep you guessing.