Vactics
- June 20, 2022
- The Lemur Conspiracy
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Vactics" is a demo game set in Solitude City, 2085 AD, where robotic Vactics have taken over. As a mech builder, construct your own mech using different types of tech and mods, and complete the "Save the City" campaign by fighting off Vactics and salvaging mechs. The game features color customization, a codex to complete, and a glimpse into the stories of the city, its residents, and the Vactics.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
PlayStation
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Reviews
- The game features simple yet appealing pixel graphics, with multiple unlockable color schemes that enhance replayability.
- It offers addictive, puzzle-like mechanics that provide a satisfying challenge, rewarding strategic planning and clever positioning.
- The progression system is well-designed, allowing players to unlock various mech skills and pilots, which encourages experimentation with different strategies.
- Some game mechanics are poorly explained, leading to confusion about certain actions, such as how to hack buildings on later maps.
- The health drain per turn mechanic can create frustrating situations, making it difficult to recover and leading to repetitive gameplay.
- The user experience is hindered by a strange interface, such as the inability to change color palettes during gameplay.
- gameplay26 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its addicting, puzzle-like mechanics that are easy to learn yet offer deep strategic complexity, making it engaging for casual players. However, some mechanics are poorly explained, leading to confusion, particularly regarding health management and certain actions like 'hacking' buildings. Overall, while the game provides a satisfying tactical experience, adjustments to the health drain mechanic and clearer explanations could enhance player enjoyment.
“Addicting, smart, puzzle-like core game mechanics.”
“Minimalist gameplay with lots of depth, interesting mechanics, and enough variety to keep engaged.”
“As most people here have said, it's a game with simple mechanics and complex strategy, so if you're looking for a casual challenge, a way to get your brain running while you have a spare half an hour, it's a definite must-play.”
“Some of the game mechanics are poorly explained, or not explained at all (e.g. how exactly can some of the buildings on the later maps be 'hacked').”
“And some maps get you stuck in a lose-lose situation because of the health drain per turn mechanic.”
“The game needs to reduce or outright remove the health drain per turn mechanic, offer more ways to heal, or more variety in the first few rounds to keep it more engaging.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by clean, crisp pixel art that combines a nostalgic charm with a modern aesthetic, featuring a delightful three-tone color scheme. Players appreciate the polished and minimalist design, which enhances the overall atmosphere of the game, even in its early access stage. The unique party mode adds variety by altering the graphics dynamically during gameplay.
“The three-tone pixel art style is an absolute visual delight!”
“It adds a nostalgic charm to the game while maintaining a modern and sleek aesthetic.”
“Already a pretty polished mech turn-based tactical game with well-done minimalist graphics.”
“The graphics are underwhelming and lack detail, making the game feel outdated.”
“The character models are poorly designed and lack any real depth or personality.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story is generally considered lackluster, with sparse lore, but players appreciate the brief snippets of narrative that enhance the experience. The game is described as a compact rogue-lite with engaging, bite-sized missions that allow for easy pick-up-and-play enjoyment.
“The story is a bit lackluster and lore is rather sparse.”
“I did appreciate the little snippets of story you get from the game.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is well-received, effectively complementing its light-hearted, sci-fi theme. Overall, it enhances the gaming experience and aligns perfectly with the game's atmosphere.
“The music is good, well suited to the light-hearted, sci-fi theme of the game.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its immersive atmosphere, complemented by impressive supporting art that enhances the overall experience.
“It has atmosphere and great supporting art too!”
