Volume

The story of Volume receives praise for its ambitious thematic exploration and creative reimagining of the Robin Hood legend. Critics like Atomix highlight its futuristic setting, which delves into AI independence and corporate power, while PlayStation Universe commends its "well-written, amusing, and heartfelt" narrative. The game’s social commentary on issues like privacy, wealth distribution, and societal inequality is noted by Attack of the Fanboy, who appreciates its cyberpunk take on class struggle, and CGMagazine, which praises its thought-provoking blend of theft, justice, and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, Arcade Sushi and Critical Hit laud the narrative’s character development and engaging plot twists, with the latter calling it "engaging and thought-provoking." The voice acting, particularly from Andy Serkis and Danny Wallace, is also highlighted as a standout element by PSNStores and PlayStation Universe, adding depth to the story’s dystopian world. However, several critics argue that Volume’s narrative struggles with integration and coherence. Digitally Downloaded and Everyeye.it criticize the plot for being underwhelming and poorly tied to gameplay mechanics, with the latter noting the story feels "secondary" to the stealth-puzzle elements. Metro GameCentral and PSNStores point out that dialogue and voice acting can be intrusive, disrupting immersion during key moments. Destructoid and GameOver.gr highlight inconsistencies between the narrative’s themes and gameplay mechanics, such as clashing logic in heist simulations. Meanwhile, CGMagazine and GameSpot criticize the fragmented storytelling, with forced exposition and disjointed character development undermining the plot’s potential. PC Gamer and We Got This Covered also note the story’s lack of originality and underdeveloped stakes, while Shacknews calls the ending abrupt and less impactful than previous works by developer Mike Bithell. Overall, critics acknowledge Volume’s narrative as a bold attempt to blend social commentary with a modern Robin Hood tale, but its execution is seen as uneven. While PlayStation Universe, Arcade Sushi, and Critical Hit praise its thematic depth and engaging elements, many feel the story’s ambitions are undermined by gameplay distractions and narrative inconsistencies. The game’s strengths—such as its ethical questions and cyberpunk setting—are often overshadowed by criticisms of poor integration, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of originality. Despite mixed reactions, there is a consensus that Volume succeeds in sparking discussion about its themes but falls short of delivering a cohesive or deeply immersive narrative experience. As GameCritics note, the story’s "abstract" nature and "underdeveloped" stakes leave it feeling less impactful than Bithell’s earlier work, yet its ambition remains a point of intrigue for many reviewers.

The gameplay of Volume is widely praised for its creative stealth mechanics, puzzle-solving depth, and meticulous level design. Critics like Atomix highlight the game’s 100 stealth levels, which blend puzzle-solving with evasion mechanics using tools such as whistles, shadows, and gadgets, emphasizing a “learning curve that escalates in complexity.” Kill Screen and PlayStation Universe commend the challenge of balancing problem-solving and tension, noting how environmental interactions and gadget systems (like the Bugle or Mute device) encourage strategic thinking. Digital Spy applauds the innovative use of enemy vision cones and dynamic level design, while Polygon praises the gentle learning curve and emphasis on creativity over brute difficulty. The game’s structured problem-solving approach, as noted by Gamer.no, is seen as a strength, with later levels offering improved complexity that rewards player adaptability. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks, particularly repetition and leniency in difficulty. Digitally Downloaded and 3DJuegos argue that the gameplay becomes monotonous over time, with repetitive objectives like gem collection and predictable enemy patterns. Metro GameCentral and PSNStores criticize the “too easy” difficulty curve, citing excessive checkpoints and save bugs that undermine tension. CGMagazine and Destructoid note that frequent checkpoints and exploitable mechanics (like overpowered shadows or “cheesing” strategies) reduce challenge, while GameCritics and IGN mention specific issues like unbalanced gadgets or underdeveloped enemy AI. Even PC Gamer acknowledges some puzzles feel too simple, and Vandal points to restrictive improvisation in certain sections. These critiques suggest that while the core gameplay is engaging, its longevity is tempered by repetitive design choices. Overall, critics agree that Volume excels as a stealth-puzzle hybrid, with its strengths lying in creative mechanics, level variety, and strategic depth. Atomix, Kill Screen, and Digital Spy all highlight the game’s ability to blend puzzle-solving with tension, while GameSpot and Polygon praise its progressive difficulty and environmental creativity. However, the consensus leans toward a balanced but imperfect experience: while the gameplay is innovative and rewarding, flaws like repetition, checkpoint overuse, and uneven difficulty curve detract from its potential. As Gamer.no and PC Gamer note, the game improves significantly in later stages, but its early pacing and design choices leave some critics wanting more polish. Despite these issues, Volume is generally seen as a compelling entry in the stealth genre, with its strengths outweighing its shortcomings for most reviewers.

The majority of reviewers praise Volume’s graphics and visual design for their minimalist, functional, and stylistically cohesive approach. Critics like Everyeye.it highlight its isometric, synthetic aesthetic with a muted bicolor palette and retro-inspired elegance, while Kill Screen notes the Tron-inspired cuboid environments and cyberpunk vibe that create tension through rhythmic patterns. Arcade Sushi and CGMagazine commend the game’s “striking” visuals, emphasizing vibrant color contrasts, polygonal structures, and distinct level designs that enhance gameplay clarity. The art style is frequently lauded for its clarity and accessibility, with Polygon praising the elegant isometric visuals and dynamic cone-of-vision patterns that align with the game’s stealth mechanics. Additionally, Push Square and Attack of the Fanboy appreciate how bold colors and level-specific palettes add freshness without distracting from gameplay, while GameSpot and Destructoid note the functional isometric style that prioritizes environmental cues like vision cones and lasers. However, several critics express concerns about the visual design’s simplicity and lack of ambition. Metro GameCentral calls the aesthetic “underwhelming” and a step back from its predecessor Thomas Was Alone, while Destructoid and Eurogamer Italy describe the environments as overly simplistic or generic, relying on geometric shapes that feel unoriginal. Hardcore Gamer points out technical flaws like aliasing in cutscenes, and GameOver.gr notes the minimalistic approach prioritizes functionality over complexity, which some may find lacking in detail. Critical Hit acknowledges the clean, modern design but suggests it leans too heavily on “stripped-down” aesthetics, potentially sacrificing visual richness. Others, like Vandal, argue that while the style is effective, it initially appears generic before developing a distinct personality. These critiques highlight a recurring theme of visual simplicity bordering on austerity for some players. Overall, the critics agree that Volume’s graphics and visual design are purposefully minimalistic, prioritizing gameplay clarity and thematic cohesion over technical polish or artistic grandeur. While many praise its functional art style, retro-inspired aesthetics, and effective use of color and geometry (as noted by Everyeye.it, Kill Screen, and CGMagazine), others feel it lacks the visual flair or complexity seen in similar titles. The consensus leans toward appreciating the design’s strengths for its genre—particularly in stealth mechanics and level readability—but acknowledges that its minimalist approach may not appeal to all. Critics like Polygon and Shacknews emphasize the balance between beauty and clarity, while Metro GameCentral and Destructoid reflect a more divided perspective on whether the style meets expectations for innovation or polish. Ultimately, Volume’s visuals are seen as effective but polarizing, with their success tied to players’ tolerance for simplicity and focus on function over spectacle.

The sound design and music of Volume receive widespread acclaim for their immersive quality and strategic integration into gameplay. Critics like We Got This Covered praise the "absolutely gorgeous score" that enhances immersion, while Push Square highlights David Housden’s soundtrack as a perfect match for the game’s art direction. Kill Screen notes a Vangelis-like atmosphere, with music pulsing in sync with gameplay to amplify tension, and PlayStation Universe commends dynamic crescendos during high-stakes moments. The ambient and unobtrusive nature of the score, as described by Attack of the Fanboy, effectively complements the stealth genre, while Shacknews applauds the realism of sound effects (like footsteps and alarms) and the emotional range of the music. Many reviewers emphasize how audio elements heighten tension and reinforce the game’s moody atmosphere, with Games.cz comparing the soundtrack to Jesper Kyd’s work and calling it a standout feature. However, some critics find aspects of the sound design and music less impactful or inconsistent. GameSpot criticizes the soundtrack as "unremarkable," noting that visual indicators often render audio cues redundant, while Multiplayer.it complains about overly heavy sound effects during enemy detection, which can become tiresome. God is a Geek mentions orchestral music feeling "slightly out of place," and Vandal argues that the cyberpunk narrative’s frequent dialogue disrupts flow, making audio elements less prominent. Additionally, Softpedia points to a "heroic" score that occasionally leads to reckless player behavior, while Eurogamer Italy notes the electronic music is good but not deeply explored. A few reviewers, like GameSpot and Vandal, also critique voice acting for lacking consistency or disrupting immersion, suggesting that while sound design is functional, it doesn’t always elevate the experience. Overall, critics agree that Volume’s sound design is a critical component of its stealth mechanics, with many praising its atmospheric depth and strategic role. While some reviewers, such as Push Square and We Got This Covered, highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, others like GameSpot and Multiplayer.it find it underwhelming or overly utilitarian. The consensus leans toward the sound design being effective but not universally exceptional, with its greatest strengths lying in enhancing tension and immersion rather than standing out as a unique artistic achievement. Despite mixed opinions on specific elements, the majority acknowledge that audio plays a vital role in shaping the game’s experience, balancing functionality with emotional resonance.

The voice acting in Volume receives widespread praise, particularly for its standout performances by high-profile actors. Critics consistently highlight Andy Serkis’s portrayal of Guy Gisborne as a standout, with Game Informer noting his strong performance enhances the narrative’s credibility, while PlayStation Universe and Polygon commend his depth and contribution to the story’s charm. Danny Wallace’s voice work as Alan, the AI companion, is similarly lauded for its comedic timing and emotional range, with We Got This Covered and Critical Hit praising the witty banter between characters. Charlie McDonnell’s performance as Rob Locksley also garners attention, though opinions are more divided—Everyeye.it and TheSixthAxis praise his strong delivery, while others like PC Gamer and Push Square find it less compelling. The dialogue itself is often noted for its quality, with Arcade Sushi and Critical Hit highlighting its humor and atmospheric contribution, even if it’s not always central to the gameplay. However, several critics point out flaws in how voice acting integrates with the game’s narrative and mechanics. Metro GameCentral criticizes the dialogue as an “unwanted distraction,” arguing that excessive voiceovers detract from immersion, while PC Gamer and Softpedia note inconsistent tone and underwhelming delivery from some actors. The protagonist’s performance, particularly Charlie McDonnell’s portrayal of Rob Locksley, faces criticism for being flat or unconvincing (Push Square, PC Gamer, Level7.nu). Additionally, Everyeye.it and Digitally Downloaded suggest the narrative’s weaknesses—such as its limited integration with gameplay or weak storytelling—diminish the impact of even strong voice acting. Some reviewers, like Attack of the Fanboy and CGMagazine, also note that voice work is not a central focus, with dialogue often feeling sparse or secondary to other game elements. Overall, the consensus leans toward acknowledging the voice acting as a significant strength, particularly for its star power and comedic/charismatic moments, but many critics feel it’s undermined by the game’s narrative shortcomings. While PlayStation Universe, Polygon, and TheSixthAxis praise the performances for adding depth and charm, others like Metro GameCentral and Softpedia argue that the dialogue’s frequency and tone clash with the gameplay experience. The mixed reception reflects a divide between those who appreciate the voice acting as a highlight (GameSpot, Critical Hit) and those who view it as a missed opportunity due to the story’s execution (Digitally Downloaded, PC Gamer). Ultimately, while the voice work is technically strong and memorable, its effectiveness is tied to how well it complements the game’s broader design—a point where many critics feel Volume falls short.

The technical performance of Volume varies across platforms, with notable positives for both PS4 and PC. On PS4, critics like Push Square praised fast load times and an instant restart system that mitigates frustration, while Hardcore Gamer noted no major stability issues despite a lack of detailed optimization discussion. For PC, several reviewers highlighted smooth performance, including GamesRadar+’s mention of quick load times and streamlined design, as well as Games.cz’s assertion that the game runs without bugs or crashes. Additionally, Eurogamer Italy acknowledged mostly solid technical aspects on PC, with minor AI flaws being the primary concern. These positives suggest the game is generally functional across platforms, though not without quirks. However, PS4 faced more pronounced technical challenges, particularly in the level editor. Atomix criticized long load times, crashes, and poorly curated community content, while Gamer.no noted frequent error messages when loading user-created content. Push Square also reported a critical save bug requiring reinstallation, which could disrupt progress. On PC, issues were more varied: 3DJuegos highlighted menu navigation problems, poor Spanish translation, and glitches, while Arcade Sushi and Attack of the Fanboy criticized clunky controls and responsiveness on laptops. CGMagazine and VideoGamer pointed to checkpoint systems that undermined stealth mechanics, and PC Gamer noted cutscene artifacts and a level editor lacking mouse support. These flaws, though often minor, collectively suggest uneven technical polish across platforms. Overall, critics agreed that Volume is technically stable but not without flaws. PS4 reviewers emphasized issues with the level editor and save functionality, while PC critics focused on control responsiveness, translation errors, and design choices like checkpoint mechanics. Despite these shortcomings, most acknowledged the game’s core systems function well, with many praising its accessibility and streamlined approach. The consensus leans toward a balanced assessment: Volume is a solid experience with minor technical hiccups that don’t overshadow its strengths, though platform-specific issues—such as PS4’s editor instability or PC’s control quirks—may affect player satisfaction depending on their preferences.

The majority of reviewers highlight Volume’s robust level editor and user-generated content as its primary strengths for replayability. Critics like Everyeye.it and PlayStation Universe praise the game’s “robust level editor” and “creative potential for enthusiasts,” emphasizing that community-created challenges and leaderboards extend gameplay beyond the core 100 levels. The ability to design custom stages, as noted by Critical Hit and GamesRadar+, fosters sustained engagement through experimentation and competition. Additionally, the puzzle-driven mechanics and varied gadgets encourage multiple playthroughs to master techniques, with Twinfinite and Polygon noting that players return for improvement and mastery. The inclusion of time trials, speed-running opportunities, and online curation systems (as highlighted by Digital Spy and Multiplayer.it) further reinforces the game’s replayability, offering a dynamic experience tailored to creative and competitive players. However, several critics point to significant limitations in the game’s long-term appeal. Atomix and Gamer.no criticize the community content for being “poorly designed” or “unengaging,” with initial user-generated stages lacking innovation. Destructoid labels Volume a “one-and-done” experience due to its lenient checkpoint system and short campaign (5-6 hours), while 3DJuegos and Softpedia note that the game’s linearity and repetitive mechanics may deter sustained interest. The lack of incentives for perfect runs, as mentioned by Destructoid and PC Gamer, further undermines replayability for some players. Additionally, while the level editor is praised, its accessibility and depth are questioned—Gamer.no finds it “unengaging,” and 3DJuegos suggests that the game’s ease in certain sections reduces the need for repeated play. These critiques highlight a gap between the toolset’s potential and its execution in fostering lasting engagement. Overall, the critics agree that Volume’s replayability hinges on its level editor and community-driven content, but opinions diverge on how effectively these elements compensate for the game’s shortcomings. While outlets like GameOver.gr and Games.cz celebrate the creativity and variety offered by user-generated content, others like Destructoid and 3DJuegos remain skeptical about their impact. The consensus leans toward a balanced view: the game provides substantial tools for replayability, particularly for puzzle enthusiasts and modders, but its short campaign and repetitive core mechanics may limit its appeal to broader audiences. As noted by IGN and PC Gamer, Volume’s longevity depends on players’ willingness to engage with community content and creative experimentation, making it a mixed but ultimately promising experience for those seeking depth beyond the main story.