News

Canabalt-a-like Vector jumps, tucks, and rolls onto Google Play

Runner up

Canabalt-a-like Vector jumps, tucks, and rolls onto Google Play
|
| Vector

Vector is the latest auto-runner to leap through the App Store's window, and land on the rooftop of Google Play.

Merging realistic animations with silhouetted characters and futuristic backdrops, Vector aims to throw you into a dystopian world where individuality is outlawed.

Thankfully, while The Man has your right to self-expression crushed safely beneath his figurative heel, it seems that the pastime of parkour is keenly encouraged.

In fact, the moment our escapee hero leaps through his first glass window, he starts jumping, tucking, and rolling like he free-ran right out of his mother's womb.

yt
Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on

Now, as you can see from the video above, it's difficult to ignore the fact that Vector is directly 'inspired' by a long list of games and movies.

We have the smashed window panes and startled pigeons of Canabalt; the rooftop chases and white architecture of Mirror's Edge; the fluid animation style of Prince of Persia; and cinematics pulled directly from The Matrix.

Chasing shadows

Unfortunately, while Vector is a pretty slick product, it seems to lack the spark of its lauded influences.

For a start, the game feels frustratingly sluggish. Even when jumps are timed correctly, the character is forced to clamber over walls at a flow-stalling speed.

There are special moves which can be unlocked (using earned purchased credits), but these can only be triggered in specific areas.

Worse still, certain levels demand you have purchased specific skills, forcing you to either grind earlier levels, or cough up real money to progress.

That said, it seems to be striking a chord with the Android crowd, with Google Play reviews both positive and plentiful.

You can download Vector free from Google Play now.

James Gilmour
James Gilmour
James pivoted to video so hard that he permanently damaged his spine, which now doubles as a Cronenbergian mic stand. If the pictures are moving, he's the one to blame.