Vector TD is a simple and stylish fixed path tower defense game. It features eight maps spread across three difficulties, each with 50 waves of enemy Vectoids to destroy using 11 upgradeable tower types.
There is no story or overarching narrative to speak of in Vector TD, you simply select the map you want to play and begin. You can trigger enemy waves manually, meaning you have plenty of time between waves to strategize and upgrade your towers. Once the enemy wave has started, the action is real-time and cannot be stopped. You can also chose to have enemy waves advance automatically.
A queue will tell you what type of Vectoid is coming in the next wave. There are seven conventional enemy types such as those that travel quickly and those resistant to certain types of tower attack. Every five waves, a larger boss Vectoid will appear.
Destroying this boss earns an Energy Cell that can be used to purchase special upgrades like a tower that increases the strength of others around it or a permanent upgrade that grants you more resources at the end of a wave.
You begin the game with 20 lives and will lose one every time an enemy reaches the end of the path. Enemies will loop through the map if they aren’t destroyed.
Vector TD looks great on both the PSP and PS3 thanks to a clean and simple retro style that resembles Geometry Wars or Tempest. Enemies and towers are easy to see and the game runs smoothly at all times. There are also some nice explosion effects thrown in for good measure.
The music in Vector TD is good and seems to evolve as you play, however the solitary techno track loops too often for my taste. There are no sound effects for weapons fire or enemies being destroyed, so the soundscape feels thin overall.
Players looking for a solid, challenging, no-frills tower defense game will likely enjoy Vector TD, however it is somewhat light on content and does little to advance the genre.
Positives:
+ Clean, Stylish Look
+ Solid Tower Defense with Good Tower Upgrade System
+ Great Difficulty Progression
Negatives:
– Little Originality
– Only Eight Maps with no Variations
– No Sound Effects, Music Loops too Often