Vactics combines a stunning minimalist style and roguelike elements to bring a unique blend of aesthetics and gameplay to the table. I’m always happy to see innovative concepts enter the market, so I was eager to dive in and give Vactics a try, and my experience left me conflicted. While the game’s aesthetics are impressive, it must be noted that the gameplay, which plays a lot like chess with fewer pieces may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and at times made the game feel a bit repetitive.
In Vactics, players step into the shoes of a courageous citizen of Solitude City, a once-thriving metropolis now under siege by a formidable army of rogue robots known as Vactics. Armed with determination and piloting ancient, salvaged mechs, you become the beacon of hope for Solitude City as you battle through each sector of the city, clearing out more and more Vactics as you go. As you progress, the Vactics will grow in both number and strength, posing increasingly difficult challenges. When you fail, you salvage the fallen pieces of your mech and start back at the beginning to try again anew.
You can’t deny the appeal of Vactics’ visuals. The game employs a minimalist style that is both elegant and visually pleasing. The clean lines, subtle color palettes, and attention to detail create a soothing and immersive atmosphere, that both make you feel like you’re looking at a computer screen in some low-tech apocalypse and watching mech battles at the same time. The minimalist animations are super flashy, making each move and action a joy to behold. Vactics certainly succeeds in creating a world that feels unique and captivating, simultaneously giving you a full visual experience while keeping things minimalist enough to play into your theater of the mind, enhancing the experience with your imagination.
One of the coolest features in Vactics is the ability to unlock new color palettes as you play. While the game is initially red and black, you can unlock new palettes like lime green and black, blue pink and green, and more. Each palette looks nice and doesn’t betray the pixelated sci-fi landscape, allowing you to enjoy fighting giant death robots in any aesthetic you please.
Complementing its visually appealing aesthetics, Vactics features an immersive 8-bit sound design and a captivating musical score. The sound effects are well-crafted, providing auditory feedback that enhances the gameplay experience. From the satisfying clicks of moving your mech to the impactful special ability sounds, each audio element adds to the overall immersion. The game’s techno soundtrack further contributes to the ambiance, setting the tone for the apocalyptic battles and creating a cohesive audiovisual experience.
Vactics incorporates roguelike elements into its gameplay, which adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to each attempt you make to save the city. Each playthrough offers procedurally generated levels, ensuring that no two experiences are the same. Considering the game’s emphasis on positioning and careful movement, the shifting maps and enemy placement are a much bigger deal in Vactics than they might be in other roguelike titles. Each location is intricately designed, providing a mix of challenging terrain and interactive elements that add depth to the gameplay experience. The RNG helps to breathe new life into each session, helping to keep players engaged and motivated to try again after each loss without worry that they’re going to replay the same levels again.
The core gameplay mechanic of Vactics is a chess or checkers-like “combat” system. Each encounter is turn-based and takes place on a hexagonal grid, with the player moving their mech across the board, carefully planning their actions to outmaneuver the AI and achieve victory. You must position yourself specifically and carefully to take down Vactic droids, while being careful not to take hits from Vactics or move unnecessarily, with both causing damage to your mech. This position and movement-based strategy is definitely unique, but can also be the greatest barrier of entry to the game for most players.
It has to be acknowledged that, much like chess itself, the chess-like gameplay won’t appeal to everyone. While it initially shines as the innovative mechanic it is, it can quickly become repetitive and boring, especially for players who are not avid chess enthusiasts. The reliance on planning and strategic thinking might deter those seeking more fast-paced and action-oriented gameplay, which is an umbrella I’d count most Mech game fans under, who might find this title, give it a try, and end up disappointed.
Although the roguelike elements inject variety into each playthrough, the chess-like nature of Vactics can lead to repetitive experiences over time. While the game introduces new challenges and enemies, the core mechanics and strategic approach remain constant. This can become monotonous for players seeking more dynamic gameplay and flashy experiences. While the introduction of certain abilities mixes the gameplay up a little, it would have been beneficial to incorporate additional mechanics to alleviate this repetitiveness and provide players with new avenues for exploration and strategy.
The Final Word
Vactics is an aesthetically pleasing and strategically challenging game. It’s visual beauty and immersive sound design draws players into a world that feels both elegant and engaging. The game’s strategic depth and roguelike design can offer countless hours of mental stimulation and satisfaction for those who can really get behind the gameplay. However, the chess inspirations and repetitive nature of the game may not appeal to players seeking more fast-paced or flashy experiences. Nevertheless, Vactics successfully carves its niche and provides a captivating journey for strategy aficionados willing to explore its unique blend of minimalism and strategic depth.
7
Vactics was reviewed on the PC. Find more detailed looks at popular and upcoming titles in the Game Reviews section of our website! Vactics is available on Steam.