Vortex Attack
- December 23, 2014
- KaleidoGames
While the graphics remind players of 2015, everything else in Vortex Attack takes them back to an 80s arcade and tests their skills with the best of them.
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Get on itch.io Store"Vortex Attack" is a fast-paced shoot-em-up game with vibrant visuals and frenetic action. Players navigate through stages filled with enemies, dodging bullets and firing back to survive. The game features numerous upgrades and power-ups, as well as a variety of ships to choose from, each with unique attributes and abilities. High scores and online leaderboards add a competitive element to the frenzied gameplay.
PC
Windows
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features a fun and engaging gameplay loop with a variety of ships to choose from, each offering unique play styles.
- It successfully captures the nostalgic arcade feel with bright graphics and a simple control scheme, making it accessible for both new and veteran players.
- Local multiplayer support for up to three players adds a fun social element, enhancing the overall experience.
- The game suffers from repetitive level design and lacks significant variety in bosses and power-ups, leading to a feeling of monotony.
- There are issues with the game's difficulty scaling, with some bosses being disproportionately harder than earlier ones, which can feel frustrating.
- The user interface and menu navigation can be cumbersome, especially when using a controller, detracting from the overall experience.
- gameplay30 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally engaging and satisfying, featuring a mix of arcade-style mechanics that are easy to learn but can become repetitive and basic over time. While the game offers a fun experience with various levels and unique mechanics, some players found the controls to be loose and the boss fights lacking in variety. Overall, it appeals to both nostalgic adult gamers and younger players who enjoy retro-styled challenges, despite some serious flaws that detract from the experience.
“Overall engaging and satisfying gameplay loop.”
“There is some good gameplay balancing out collection combos while trying to dodge and clear the screen as quickly as possible.”
“So, if you are an adult gamer that wants to relive the glory years of the arcade or a younger gamer that has an affinity for retro-styled games for their simplistic, yet engaging gameplay, that's easy to learn but difficult to master.”
“The gameplay itself generally is fine - think an attempt at mashing up Galaga and bullet hell shooters - but sometimes the gamepad controls feel a bit too loose and could be tightened up a bit.”
“There are various extra features, but the core gameplay is disorganized and yet repetitive.”
“Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the boss levels much as the mechanics were basic and very similar in each iteration.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by bright, beautiful neon aesthetics and a retro-arcade UI, evoking a nostalgic feel reminiscent of the 80s and early 90s. While not groundbreaking or award-winning, the visuals effectively complement the addictive gameplay, appealing to both old and new gamers who appreciate a classic arcade experience. Overall, the graphics are well-received, with no reported issues, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game.
“The graphics are astoundingly brilliant, like really bright.”
“Beautiful neon aesthetics and a retro-arcade UI make for a visually appealing package.”
“Ok, so on to the game itself, which I have already mentioned: the graphics are of the 80s and early 90s.”
“And it's not going to win awards for the graphics, but where this game gains ground is on the game itself.”
“While the graphics remind players of 2015, everything else in Vortex Attack takes them back to an 80s arcade and tests their skills with the best of them.”
- music8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as relaxing and acceptable, with players recommending to adjust the audio settings for an optimal experience. Many users found the soundtrack enjoyable enough to enhance their overall gameplay.
“The soundtrack is just acceptable.”
“Last but not least, crank the in-game music slider up full and the sound effects just over halfway to enjoy the soundtrack!”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, portraying a heartfelt connection between childhood memories and arcade gaming. It explores themes of perseverance and self-discovery, inviting players to tap into their instincts.
“This game is a love story between childhood and arcade cabinets; this will reveal your animal instinct!”
“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.”
