Vector Thrust PC

Vector Thrust for PC is an arcade flight simulator, characteristic for its cel-shaded visuals unusual for this genre. The developers from Portuguese TimeSymmetry were mostly inspired by console air warfare games such as Ace Combat. The game is distributed by Iceberg Interactive, a company that gave us titles such as Zeno Clash, Killing Floor, or Endless Space series.

Mechanics

TimeSymmetry decided to recreate over 200 authentic aircraft, including prototypes as well as serial models. The individual machines are unlocked as the player progresses in game, and are different not only in terms of looks, but also in responsiveness and the way that they behave in flight. The flight model is purely arcade, which should come as a relief for beginners. The authors also boast an advanced AI – the computer-controlled pilots can adapt to every situation, adjust their tactics to the player’s playstyle, and even cooperate with each other. The advanced AI makes the course of each mission different, even if we’d beaten the whole campaign, and decided to repeat one of the battles.

The game offers a few campaigns with fleshed out storylines, but as you might guess, air battles are the mainstay of the game. The authors introduced a large choice of game modes, from quick battles versus AI, to head-to-head multiplayer clashes.

Technical Aspects

Vector Thrust for PC is powered by OGRE engine, previously employed in adventure games such as Book of Unwritten Tales, Jack Keane, or Ankh series. The use of cel-shaded visuals makes the graphics a bit cartoonish. The game also gives players full control over almost all aspects of the gameplay, including the parameters of individual machines, custom skins, scenarios, etc. As a result, the game is a good platform for all modders.

Last updated on 05 March 2014