Vector Strain
- December 8, 2015
- OMNIDREAM CREATIONS
Get on Steam"Vector Strain" is a Sci-Fi shooter game with 5 unique stages, 5 upgradeable ships, and an elaborate scoring system. It offers 3 difficulty levels, beautiful 1080p graphics, and supports keyboard, controller, and joystick. Players can choose single-player, local co-op , and split-screen modes.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has good graphics and tight controls, making it enjoyable to play.
- It's a great beginner shoot-em-up, allowing new players to easily pick up and learn the basics.
- The gameplay offers a nice balance between different styles, combining elements of Raiden and Danmaku.
- The game has significant issues with controller support, limiting the ability to use all necessary buttons effectively.
- Sound effects and music are often described as dull and repetitive, detracting from the overall experience.
- The game is considered extremely difficult, which may lead to frustration for players, especially those new to the genre.
- music26 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its unique heavy metal style that fits the game's aesthetic, while others find it dull, repetitive, and lacking in quality. Many noted that the soundtrack is catchy but suffers from muddy sound quality, and the overall experience is described as unmemorable or akin to "elevator music." Ultimately, opinions vary widely, suggesting that musical preference plays a significant role in how players perceive the game's audio.
“It's a pretty game with a uniquely metal soundtrack that I normally would not dig but fits the game excellently.”
“The music tends more towards the alternative or heavy metal style rather than the frenetic techno musical style which most of these kinds of games have.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
“Sound effects and music are dull and boring.”
“The music is a preference thing but it was dull and repetitive, though slightly moody.”
“The music is somewhat catchy, but the overall quality of both the sound and music is somewhat muddy.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic Raiden titles, featuring power-ups and bombs, but leans more towards the danmaku and graze shooter genres with a high volume of projectiles and varying speeds. A unique shield mechanic allows players to absorb damage temporarily, requiring quick reactions to maintain balance. While the gameplay is engaging, the menu navigation can be cumbersome, best suited for mouse use, while gameplay is optimized for keyboard controls.
“Oh, and there is a shield mechanic that will let you absorb damage for a very short period of time, but it must always be activated and held by the player on reaction, which I think helps balance the mechanic from making things too easy.”
“Gameplay-wise, I'd liken it to a combination of the two as well.”
“There is no special, innovative mechanic to the game.”
“Gameplay-wise, as far as power-ups and bombs, this is very much in the mold of the Raiden titles, but the gameplay feels more akin to danmaku and other graze shooters in the volume of projectiles and changing speeds from very slow and methodical to hectic and fast.”
“Oh, and there is a shield mechanic that will let you absorb damage for a very short period of time, but it must always be activated and held by the player on reaction, which helps balance the mechanic from making things too easy.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their unique, dark, and shiny aesthetic, contributing to an interesting visual style. However, some players express frustration over performance issues that require lowering graphics settings, particularly in a fast-paced bullet hell game. Overall, the graphics are seen as fitting the game's psychedelic theme, enhancing the overall fun despite some technical drawbacks.
“The graphics in this game are fairly dark though and look oddly greasy and shiny, making for a fairly interesting and unique style.”
“The graphics and audio aren't hi-fi and that's the point, just a bit psychedelic, but with all that action going on there I think it's a fun game though.”
“Good graphics, tight control, elevator music (if the elevator is in a night club).”
“The graphics in this game are fairly dark and look oddly greasy and shiny, making for a fairly interesting and unique style.”
“There's no reason why I should turn down my graphics in a bullet hell game just to make the framerate better.”
“The graphics and audio aren't hi-fi, and that's the point; just a bit psychedelic, but with all that action going on, I think it's a fun game though.”
- story4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's story conveys a moral about perseverance and the unpredictability of life, emphasizing that giving up can prevent personal growth. However, it lacks a substantial backstory, leaving players without context for the narrative.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“This game appears to provide you with no backstory whatsoever.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features five distinct ships, each equipped with unique weaponry and bomb types, which enhances its replayability. However, two of these ships must be unlocked, adding an incentive for players to revisit the game. Overall, the variety in gameplay options contributes positively to the replay value.
“Five different ships with unique weaponry and bomb types offer great variety and replay value, with two needing to be unlocked.”
“The variety of ships and their distinct weaponry significantly enhances the game's replayability.”
“Unlocking different ships adds an exciting layer of replay value, encouraging players to explore various strategies.”
