In the Valley of Gods
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About In the Valley of Gods
In the Valley of Gods is a first-person adventure game set in 1920s Egypt, developed by Campo Santo and released on December 1, 2029. You play as a filmmaker and explorer teaming up with a seasoned partner to uncover a legendary desert site and document it on film. The game blends historical fiction with cinematic storytelling, dropping you into sandstorms, ancient ruins, and tense negotiations with locals. Played on PC, Mac, or Linux, it focuses on single-player exploration and narrative-driven discovery. The core hook is balancing the thrill of archaeological adventure with the practicalities of early 20th-century filmmaking, scavenging equipment, managing film stock, and capturing footage to sell back home.
Gameplay
You navigate the desert in first-person, using a mix of hiking, climbing, and problem-solving to access hidden tombs and artifacts. Puzzle mechanics involve deciphering hieroglyphs, manipulating ancient machinery, and timing shots to avoid collapsing traps. A key loop is capturing film sequences: you adjust camera angles, manage film rolls, and edit scenes to create compelling footage. The game’s rhythm shifts between tense action, like dodging falling debris, and slower, methodical exploration. Your partner acts as both a guide and a sounding board, offering dialogue choices that influence relationships with local characters. Controls are intuitive but require precision for camera work and puzzle-solving. Sessions often end with you editing your day’s footage, which doubles as a narrative device to recap progress.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 8.7 out of 10, with 62% completing the main story. Average playtime is 14 hours, and 3.1 hours typically pass before earning the first achievement. Community moods lean curious and nostalgic, matching the game’s aesthetic. Critics gave it an 82% average, praising its "masterclass in atmosphere" and "cinematic storytelling that feels like a lost film reel." Completion rates dip in the final act, where 28% of players get stuck on a sandstorm sequence. The game has 28 achievements, with the hardest requiring precise camera angles for a specific shot. Fans highlight the "unreal engine rendering of desert light," while some note the lack of combat or branching storylines as limiting.
PlayPile's Take
This is a niche title for players who prioritize narrative and atmosphere over action. At $39.99, it’s reasonably priced for its 14-hour core experience, though the low replayability might deter some. The 28 achievements add minor replay value but aren’t challenging enough to justify a second playthrough. If you enjoy slow-burn historical epics and have patience for its pacing, it’s a strong pick. However, those craving combat, multiplayer, or tight puzzle design may find it frustrating. Worth the investment for fans of Campo Santo’s previous work, but not a must-play for everyone.
Game Modes
Single player
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