Vectronom is a puzzle/rhythm game that enables you to perform with its tempo and puts your muscle memory. It’s minimalistic concerning visuals to this point where everything in the game is made up of simple shapes, which range from the platforms that you traverse to your own character, which is a cube. Levels are comprised of programs which alter their routine based on the rhythm of the music playing at the background. The sound essentially serves as your cue to move your block to another platform. The controls are as glossy as the game design.
Player input is limited to the movement, so you can’t move diagonally. Changing systems and the amounts are designed around this simplistic movement, however. Pitfalls that are impending and the platforms are not your sole obstacles; you encounter spikes which can take you out if you happen to land on them. Your intent is to memorize the sequence in which the degree platforms change design and shape, and subsequently, progress near the conclusion of the degree. By failing to do so, you will be returned . You rewarded for being skillful by after the beat, and finishing amounts.
This brings us to the game’s biggest issue: trial and error. The act of memorizing patterns feels like a novelty at first, but it eventually turns into a chore the more time you put into the game, and the more complex levels get. Given the simplistic nature of the game, there isn’t a lot of staying power for solo players. On the plus side, the game doesn’t considerably overstay its welcome and is relatively on the short side. For what it’s worth, the levels themselves are well thought out, therefore they alleviate the aforementioned issues to a certain degree.
A feature that certainly extends the game’s lifespan over social gatherings is its local multiplayer support for up to four players. Given the simplistic controls, it’s possible for each player to play with a single joycon, making it an ideal arrangement for the console’s tabletop mode.
The game’s audiovisual design is on-point for the most part. Despite its minimalistic visual presentation, it sports a very distinct look that’s quite unlike anything else out there. Levels swap through multiple bright colors as platforms alter the shape and the tempo changes. It gives the impression that there’s a lot happening on the screen, even though there really isn’t. It’s almost like a visualization of the output from a DJ’s set.
Vectronom is ultimately designed for a specific kind of audience. Those who are into rhythm games and are familiar with the monotonous trial and error associated with them will certainly find it appealing. Coupled with the multiplayer mode, there’s good value in this $10 purchase for musicians and fans of the genre alike. However, while the concept is neat, there isn’t enough here to appeal to a wider audience.
