Vectorman

Infobox VG| title = Vectorman


developer = BlueSky Software
publisher = Sega
designer = Rich Karpp
Mark Lorenzen

engine =
released = Genesis
vgrelease|NA=October 24, 1995|EU=November 30, 1995 Virtual Console
vgrelease|JP=February 27, 2007|EU=April 7, 2007|NA=September 22, 2008
genre = Action/platform game
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: Kids to Adults (K-A)
platforms = Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Mobile phone, Virtual Console
media = Cartridge
requirements =
input =

"Vectorman" is a platform game developed by BlueSky Software and published by Sega for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis. It was released on October 24, 1995 in North America [ [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1995_Oct_23/ai_17424312 Sega begins 24-hour countdown to "Vectormania"] ] and on November 30, 1995 in Europe. The game is also a part of the "Sega Genesis Collection" for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable and is part of the Sonic Gems Collection for the Nintendo Gamecube. It was released on the Wii Virtual Console on February 27, 2007 in Japan and April 5, 2007 in Europe, and in North America on September 22, 2008 [cite news|title=Mega Man 9, Dodge Ball and Vectorman Hit Wii Shop Channel|url=http://gamefreaks365.com/newsarticle.php?sid=2873|accessdate=2008-09-22] .

Story

In 2049, the human population of Earth embarks on a migratory voyage to try and colonize other planets. They leave mechanical "orbots" to clean up the mess they made on Earth through littering and pollution. Raster, a high-level orbot who watches Earth through a planetwide computer network, is accidentally attached to a working nuclear missile by a lesser orbot and goes insane, becoming an evil dictator named Warhead. He declares himself ruler of Earth, and begins preparing to execute any humans who dare return to their planet.

Enter Vectorman, a humble orbot in charge of cleaning up toxic sludge by simply discharging it into the sun. As he lands on Earth after his last trip, he finds chaos and confusion. Because all the other Orbots are controlled by Warhead (Vectorman having not been affected because he was away), Vectorman takes it upon himself to destroy the errant orbot and restore peace to Earth.

Graphics and Gameplay

"Vectorman" uses pre-rendered 3D models in its level and character designs. This gives the game a smooth, computer-generated feel. The original name of the villain, Warhead, was Raster (as in raster graphics, the opposite of vector graphics). Vectorman was considered the answer to Nintendo's Donkey Kong Country at the time, as they both used graphical tricks to look beyond what the console could do.

The game itself is a straightforward 2D action platformer. Vectorman is an orbot (something like a robot) powered with a ball gun in his hand; powerups include a machine gun, "bolo" gun, and triple-fire guns.

Vectorman possesses the ability to transform, through the use of powerups, into several different forms: including a drill, to cut through floors; a bomb, to destroy all surrounding enemies or breakable walls; and an aquatic form, useful for swimming underwater. In addition to powerup transformations, 3 levels host unique morphed forms with which to combat bosses in. Overall, the game consists of 16 levels.

Critical reaction

Vectorman is both a critical and commercial success, becoming a Genesis Mega hit. It was acclaimed for its game-play, level design and 3d graphics, and a great techno soundtrack. It has a 91% critical ranking, based on 3 reviews, making it one of the highest ranking critical games released on the Sega Genesis.

Sequels

"Vectorman 2" was produced for the Genesis, and released in 1996.

Although Blue Sky Software, the original developer of both "Vectorman" games closed in 2001, a "Vectorman" game for the PlayStation 2 was announced in 2003, but was soon cancelled. [cite web | author=Dunham, Jeremy | year=2003 | title=Sega Rumor Clarification | url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/441/441671p1.html | work=IGN.com | accessdate=2007-08-07] Initial reports criticized the game heavily for deviating from the Genesis titles by turning the game into a third-person shooter. It is believed that this criticism contributed to its cancellation.

"Sonic Gems Collection" has both "Vectorman" and its sequel as unlockable games. "Vectorman" can be unlocked by playing the compilation for at least 5 hours or by having a save file of "Sonic Heroes" or "Sonic Mega Collection" on the memory card. This was also the first time the game was released in Japan.

"Sega Genesis Collection" ("Sega Mega Drive Collection" in Europe) also features "Vectorman" and its sequel, this time as games available from the beginning.

References

External links

*GameFAQs|id=563354|name="Vectorman"