imported>Waxworker: Rescuing 7 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5

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Rescuing 7 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5

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{{Short description|2010 video game}}
{{confused|Vindicta (disambiguation)|Invictus (disambiguation)|Invicta (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Vindictus
| image = Vindictus_Logo.jpg
| caption = Cover featuring Lann, one of the playable characters
| developer = devCAT
| publisher = [[Nexon Co. Ltd.|Nexon]]
| designer =
| engine = [[Source (game engine)|Source]]
| genre = [[Action RPG|Action]] [[MMORPG]], [[hack and slash]]
| modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| director = Eun-Seok Yi<ref name="PCG">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/curb-stomping-baddies-in-vindictus/|title=Curb-stomping baddies in Vindictus|publisher=[[PC Gamer]]|date=June 23, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2023|archive-date=July 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725201937/https://www.pcgamer.com/curb-stomping-baddies-in-vindictus/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| producer =
| programmer =
| artist =
| writer =
| composer =
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|January 21, 2010}}|
{{vgrelease|KOR|January 21, 2010|NA|October 13, 2010|EU|October 5, 2011|JP|November 30, 2011|CHN|December 22, 2011|TW|December 23, 2011|AU|November 15, 2012|THA|December 12, 2015|}}
}}
}}

'''''Vindictus''''' is a [[free-to-play]] [[massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) created by devCAT, an internal studio of [[Nexon Co. Ltd.|Nexon]]. The story follows the player character joining a group of mercenaries and going on a series of missions to battle monsters. The gameplay has players exploring dungeons, fighting monsters, and upgrading their characters.<ref name="IGN"/>

The game was originally released on January 21, 2010 as '''''Mabinogi Heroes''''' ({{langx|ko|마비노기 영웅전}}) in South Korea, and then later in North America and other regions as ''Vindictus''. It is a prequel to devCAT's previous MMORPG ''[[Mabinogi (video game)|Mabinogi]]'' set in the same world, although the two games have different gameplay. ''Vindictus'' is a [[Games as a service|live service game]] with new content being added in free updates over time.<ref name="IGN2"/> On release the game received generally positive reception, particularly for its combat.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Vindictus Combat from Season 1.png|thumb|left|Gameplay of playable character Evie fighting the [[ Gnoll (fictional creature)|Gnoll]] Chieftain boss from season 1.]]

''Vindictus'' features [[hack and slash]] combat where players can perform a variety of attacks, [[Combo (video games)|combos]], and specials moves while dodging or blocking enemy attacks. The combat also has a physics system where players can pickup and attack with various objects, grapple and throw enemies, and destroy parts of the environment.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/10/27/nexon-officially-launches-vindictus-the-first-true-physics-based-action-online-game|title=Nexon Officially Launches Vindictus, the First True Physics-Based Action Online Game|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=October 27, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref> Unlike other MMORPGs, ''Vindictus'' does not have an [[open world]]. Instead, players start in a central hub town, and can select combat missions from a list. New missions are unlocked as the player [[Experience point|levels up]] and progresses through the story. Missions will typically have the player progress through several rooms of a themed dungeon fighting monsters and avoiding traps, and then end with a [[Boss (video games)|boss fight]]. Most missions can be played in a group of 1-4 players, with some [[Raid (video games)|raid missions]] allowing groups of 8 or more players. In the hub town between missions players can upgrade their equipment, learn new skills, and complete side quests for [[Non-player character|NPCs]].<ref name="EG" />

Instead of creating a custom character and selecting a [[Character class|class]], ''Vindictus'' has preset characters with unique appearances and abilities. For example, Lann is a male fighter who [[dual wield]]s melee weapons, and Evie is a female magician who casts spells in combat.<ref name="GZ" /> At launch the game had only 3 playable characters, but over 20 additional characters have been added in updates since then. Players select one of these existing characters to play as, but have some freedom to customize their appearance with different clothing, hairstyles, makeup, etc.<ref name="EG" /> Some characters can swap between two different weapon types with distinct gameplay and abilities. For example, Evie can either wield a staff to cast long range magic spells, or equip a battle [[scythe]] and use a mixture of spells and melee attacks.

==Plot==
''Vindictus'' is a prequel to ''Mabinogi'', set in the same world several hundred years earlier. The lore is inspired by [[Celtic mythology]].<ref name="PCG" /> The story is primarily told through [[visual novel]] segments with the player character talking to different NPCs in the game's towns to progress the plot. Some major story moments also have animated cutscenes and voice acting.<ref name="EG"/>

The story of ''Vindictus'' is released episodically with new content being added over time.<ref name="IGN2">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/03/vindictus-episode-4-is-now-live-opening-up-two-new-dungeons-and-raising-the-level-cap-to-44|title=Vindictus Episode 4 is Now Live, Opening Up Two New Dungeons and Raising the Level Cap to 44|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=December 3, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2023|archive-date=July 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725232730/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/03/vindictus-episode-4-is-now-live-opening-up-two-new-dungeons-and-raising-the-level-cap-to-44|url-status=live}}</ref> These episodes are grouped into larger seasons. In season 1 the player character is a new member of the crimson blade mercenaries, who get caught up in a war between humans and [[fomors]]. Season 2 has the player travel to the island town of Malina and join a group of treasure hunters called the coffer chasers. Season 3 takes the player to the underground city Berbhe, as they investigate everyone losing their memories of the previous seasons. Season 4 is a direct continuation of season 3 as the player and their allies continue to face new threats.

==Development==
''Vindictus'' was developed in the [[Source (game engine)|Source engine]].<ref name="PCG" /> Director Eun-Seok Yi explained in an interview that they chose the Source physics engine in order to make the entire world more realistic and interactive.<ref name="PCG" />

''Vindictus'' is a prequel to the MMORPG ''Mabinogi'' which was also developed by devCAT. A third game in the series titled ''Mabinogi II: Arena'' was also in development, but canceled in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014-01-02-mabinogi-ii-arena-stops-development.html|title=Mabinogi II: Arena stops development|publisher=[[Engadget]]|date=January 2, 2014|access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>

In 2015 an update was released for Vindictus containing artwork from ''[[Diablo III: Reaper of Souls]]''. Nexon removed the image and apologized.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/05/getting-caught-using-diablo-iii-art-makes-nexon-very-sorry/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718025300/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/05/getting-caught-using-diablo-iii-art-makes-nexon-very-sorry/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 18, 2015|title=Getting Caught Using Diablo III Art Makes Nexon Very Sorry|publisher=[[Kotaku]]|date=May 1, 2015|access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>

In February 2024 Nexon revealed ''Vindictus: Defying Fate'', a new game developed in [[Unreal Engine]]. ''Defying Fate'' is an action RPG set in the same universe as ''Vindictus'', and features returning characters from the original game including Lann and Fiona, the first two playable characters. The game had a public pre-alpha test one month later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/new-action-rpg-vindictus-defying-fate-announced|title=New Action-RPG Vindictus: Defying Fate Announced|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=February 28, 2024|access-date=February 28, 2024|archive-date=February 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228175246/https://www.ign.com/articles/new-action-rpg-vindictus-defying-fate-announced|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Release==
''Vindictus'' was originally released in South Korea on January 21, 2010. In North America ''Vindictus'' launched as an open beta on September 15,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/03/vindictus-to-kick-off-early-access-to-open-beta-on-sept-15-2010|title=Vindictus to Kick Off Early Access to Open Beta on Sept. 15, 2010|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=September 3, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2023|archive-date=July 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725232126/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/09/03/vindictus-to-kick-off-early-access-to-open-beta-on-sept-15-2010|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by the full release one month later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/vindictus-has-launched-officially/|title=Vindictus has launched! Officially!|publisher=[[PC Gamer]]|date=October 10, 2011|access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref> The game was originally distributed through Nexon's website, and was later released on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://store.steampowered.com/app/212160/Vindictus/|title=Vindictus on Steam|publisher=[[Valve Corporation|Valve]]|date=June 22, 2012|access-date=July 25, 2023|archive-date=July 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725231751/https://store.steampowered.com/app/212160/Vindictus/|url-status=live}}</ref> From 2011 to 2015 the game was also released in Europe, Australia, and other parts of Asia, although some of those regional versions have since been shut down, or merged with the North American server.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/vindictus-opens-australian-server-welcomes-mexicans|title=Vindictus opens Australian server, welcomes Mexicans|publisher=[[VG247]]|date=November 22, 2012|access-date=July 25, 2023|archive-date=July 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725214847/https://www.vg247.com/vindictus-opens-australian-server-welcomes-mexicans|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/mabinogi-prequel-vindictus-is-shutting-down-after-almost-7-years-of-service-in-japan/|title=Mabinogi Prequel Vindictus Is Shutting Down After Almost 7 Years Of Service In Japan|publisher=[[Siliconera]]|date=May 30, 2018|access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 76/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/vindictus/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Vindictus for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>
| EuroG = 7/10<ref name="EG">{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/vindictus-review|title=Vindictus Review|publisher=[[Eurogamer]]|date=November 21, 2011|access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 82/100<ref name="MC" />
}}

''Vindictus'' received "generally favorable" reception, according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC" />

John Bedford of [[Eurogamer]] rated ''Vindictus'' 7/10 praising the game's graphics, combat, and controls, but criticized its [[microtransaction]]s.<ref name="EG" /> Mike Splechta from GameZone also praised the combat and called ''Vindictus'' "a huge advancement" in free-to-play MMOs but complained about repetition in the dungeons which "constantly recycle rooms from previous areas".<ref name="GZ">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/vindictus_review/|title=Vindictus review|publisher=GameZone|date=May 4, 2012|access-date=July 25, 2023|archive-date=July 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726210025/https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/vindictus_review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Vindictus'' won awards at the 2010 Korea Game Awards for its planning/scenario, graphics, character, and sound while also receiving the "Popular Game Award" and "Grand Prize" for a total of 6 awards won.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/11/18/nexons-vindictus-named-top-game-at-the-2010-korea-game-awards-at-g-star|title=Nexon's Vindictus Named Top Game at the 2010 Korea Game Awards at G-Star|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=November 18, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{official website|vindictus.nexon.net}} (North America)
* {{official website|heroes.nexon.com}} {{in lang|ko}}
* [http://www.vindictuswiki.com Official ''Vindictus'' Wiki]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Vindictus (Video Game)}}
[[Category:2010 video games]]
[[Category:Free-to-play video games]]
[[Category:Hack and slash role-playing games]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Nexon games]]
[[Category:Source (game engine) games]]
[[Category:Video games based on Celtic mythology]]
[[Category:Video games developed in South Korea]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows-only games]]

Vindictus - Revision history

imported>Waxworker: Rescuing 7 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5