For those of us who spent the late nineties jumping at the sound of shattering glass in Raccoon City, the modern era of high-octane horror can sometimes feel a bit… loud.
Enter Vultures – Scavengers of Death, a tactical turn-based survival horror title that has just landed on Steam. Developed by the two-man Colombian powerhouse Team Vultures and published by Firesquid, this project has been simmering for four years. The result? A love letter to an era that prioritised brainpower over reflexes.
A Modern Twist on a Classic Nightmare
While the aesthetic is pure PS1 nostalgia (think gritty textures and atmospheric lighting that would make Parasite Eve fans weep with joy) the gameplay shifts the perspective. Rather than a third-person action game, Vultures introduces a tactical turn-based system.
In the desolate ruins of Salento Valley, a former metropolis turned bio-hazard wasteland, you aren’t just running from mutants; you are calculating your survival. Every move consumes resources, and every encounter is a risk-reward gamble. The game asks a simple, brutal question: is that box of ammunition worth the potential of being cornered by an abomination?
Meet the Operatives
The game allows you to step into the boots of two distinct agents, each bringing a unique flavour to the extraction missions:
- Leopoldo: The powerhouse. He is a disciplined operative who uses brute strength and environmental manipulation. If there is an object in the way, Leopoldo is likely to push or jump over it to create a tactical advantage.
- Amber: The specialist. Characterised by her agility, Amber uses a grappling gun to navigate the verticality of the ruins and, more importantly, to reposition enemies who get too close for comfort.
The synergy between their styles drives the tension home. You can customise their loadouts before heading into the fray, but once you are behind enemy lines, your survival depends entirely on your tactical training.
The Scavenger’s Life
True to its name, scavenging is the heartbeat of the experience. The city is littered with relics, notes, and clues that piece together the story of the infection and the potential cure.
The economy of the game is equally unforgiving. Valuables collected during your harrowing excursions can be traded in the Market for weapon upgrades, gear, and cosmetics. However, getting those valuables back to base is the hard part. It captures that “extraction” high, the relief of finally reaching safety after a mission gone sideways—perfectly.
Why It Works
It is rare to see an indie title capture the “feel” of a bygone era without it feeling like a cheap imitation. Team Vultures, led by friends Mateo and Giovanni, have infused the game with their signature experimental mechanics and a touch of social critique. It doesn’t just look like a 90s game; it carries the soul of one.
As Matt Karoglou from Cheat Code Central aptly put it, the game managed to exceed the “unrealistic expectations” of a Resident Evil meets tactics spin-off. It is a niche, certainly, but for those of us who find comfort in the discomfort of limited resources and grid-based combat, it is a triumph.
Vultures – Scavengers of Death is available now on Steam for $21.20au (with a cheeky 20% launch discount). If you want to go all-in, the Supporter Edition offers the soundtrack, digital concept art, and exclusive skins for Leopoldo and Amber and it’s worth supporting such an impressive developer.
If you have been waiting for a game that respects your tactical patience as much as it respects your fear of the dark, it is time to head to Salento Valley. Just remember: sometimes, sneaking is the bravest thing you can do.
