This bloody vampire FPS with Splatoon movement tech is the best $5 I’ve spent on Steam this week
Blood Vial, a new retro-inspired micro-FPS, launched on Steam this week for $5. The game puts players in the role of a vampire on a blood-soaked quest for revenge against enemies described as “pseudo-Catholics.”
The game’s central mechanic draws comparison to Nintendo’s Splatoon series, though with a decidedly darker twist. Where Splatoon features charming squid characters swimming through ink, Blood Vial has players navigating through freshly-spilled blood in the environment. This core movement mechanic—diving and moving through the blood of defeated enemies—forms the basis of the fast-paced gameplay loop.
The blood vial itself functions as a health meter, collecting the spilled lifeblood of fallen enemies to maintain and restore health, directly connecting the game’s mechanics to its vampire protagonist theme.
Despite its $5 price point and brief nature as a “micro-FPS,” the game has already impressed early players. Coverage highlights the title as excellent value, praising the tight gameplay loop and noting that its retro-inspired design doesn’t detract from the fast-moving experience. The gory aesthetic and unique movement mechanics create a compelling alternative to more traditional FPS experiences.