Vector Strain

About

"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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

77%

Audience ScoreBased on 35 reviews

graphics4 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features good graphics and a unique art style that enhances the overall experience.
It offers a variety of ships with different abilities, providing good replay value and a balanced challenge for both beginners and intermediate players.
The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with enjoyable boss fights and a decent progression system.

The game has issues with controller support, making it difficult to remap controls effectively, which can hinder gameplay.
Sound effects and music are often described as dull and repetitive, detracting from the overall experience.
The game lacks distinguishing features and innovative mechanics, making it feel generic and forgettable in a crowded genre.

music
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
65%
18%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it dull, repetitive, and lacking in quality, while others appreciate its unique metal style that fits the game's aesthetic. Although the soundtrack is described as catchy by a few, many feel it is not memorable and detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the music seems to polarize opinions, with a significant number of players expressing dissatisfaction.
- “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- “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.”
- “Sound effects and music are dull and boring.”
- “Biggest complaint: the music is absolutely dreadful.”
- “The music is a preference thing, but it was dull and repetitive, though slightly moody.”
graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
13%
38%
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising their unique and psychedelic style, while others note a darker, greasy appearance reminiscent of SNES-era visuals. Overall, players find the graphics to be visually appealing and fitting for the game's chaotic gameplay, contributing to an enjoyable experience.
- “Graphically, the game is pleasing to the eye, and the soundtrack is decent.”
- “The graphics are incredible; it's super fun to play, and it gets really crazy and hectic on the harder difficulties.”
- “Music is ok and graphics are on par with what you would have seen in the days of the SNES.”
- “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.”
gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
29%
43%
The gameplay is characterized by a blend of traditional power-ups and bomb mechanics reminiscent of Raiden titles, while also incorporating elements from danmaku and graze shooters, featuring a high volume of projectiles and varying speeds. A unique shield mechanic allows players to absorb damage temporarily, requiring quick reactions to maintain balance. However, the game's 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.”
- “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.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The game's story is polarizing; while some players appreciate its underlying moral about perseverance and the unpredictability of life, others criticize it for lacking any substantial backstory or narrative depth.
- “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.”
- “Absolutely no attempt at a story.”
- “This game appears to provide you with no backstory whatsoever.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game offers solid replayability through five distinct ships, each with unique weaponry and bomb types, two of which require unlocking. Players can earn unlocks by achieving 1-5 stars on levels, encouraging repeated play for those who enjoy the challenge.
- “Five different ships with unique weaponry and bomb types offer great variety and replay value (two must be unlocked).”
- “Unlocks are earned by performing well on a level and earning 1-5 stars, providing a decent amount of replay value for those who enjoy the game.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players report a strong emotional impact, often feeling deeply moved by pivotal moments in the game, such as realizing the stakes involved, which can lead to tears and a profound connection to the narrative.
- “Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
- “The story's depth made me reflect on my own life choices, leaving me emotionally shaken.”
- “I felt a profound connection to the characters, as their struggles mirrored my own experiences.”