Vector Thrust

Combat flight simulators used to be all the rage in the earlier years of gaming. While not as prominent, the genre still lives on either via simulators or more arcade-style titles like Ace Combat 7. Vector Thrust is a dogfighting game that emphasizes fast-paced yet accessible controls that give the adrenaline rush would-be pilots seek out. Its unique art style makes the moment to moment action look and feel as intense as it should be, delivering a visceral flight combat experience.

Here’s everything you need to know before you download Vector Thrust.

Challenge and Unlock

If you like unlocks, Vector Thrust has them in spades. With over 260 different aircraft to open up and try out, you’ll be spending hours working on your collection.

Unlocking aircraft requires taking on and completing Vector Thrust’s 170 unique challenges, each of which will test your piloting skills. From basic flying skills to nuanced and intricate manoeuvring tactics, each challenge will place on the path to becoming an ace pilot. Taking each and every aircraft through all of the challenges means you’ll have quite a bit of content to keep you busy.

Advanced AI

Vector Thrust’s main feature is its advanced tactical AI. Your computer opponents won’t just sit there while you take potshots at them. Depending on the difficulty scaling, the game’s NPC pilots analyse the battlefield and change tactics based on the situation. Got them pinned down? They’ll try to manoeuver to throw off your aim. Think you’ve got the upper hand? Watch out for enemy wingmen who’ll likely attempt to sideline you. While Vector Thrust isn’t a simulator of actual flying, it definitely will give you the feeling that you’re up against more than just a run-of-the-mill AI.

Unlimited Expandability

One thing that players want is to be able to customize and alter games to their liking. Vector Thrust opens itself up to infinite customizability and expandability. The developers of the game fully embrace the modding community. This means you can customize your aircraft with user-made skins, change battlefields and add others elements to make your game your own. Vector Thrust achieves this through its robust Map, Mission and Campaign editors which give you full control over how your play. Coupling this with user-made elements and there’s no limit to how far you can expand the game.

The Bottom Line

When you compare Vector Thrust to a game like Ace Combat 7, you may feel it’s of a lower standard. It may not be a AAA made title, but what Vector Thrust lacks in polish, it gains in options and customizability.

Pros

• Advanced tactical AI provides a real challenge
• Unlimited expandability from the game’s editors and modding
• A ton of stuff to unlock and challenges to undertake

Cons

• Doesn’t feel as polished as other similar titles
• A lot of the unlockable aircraft don’t feel as unique as you’d expect