VectaGuard is available now on Windows PC and Steam Deck through Steam. Developed entirely by industry veteran Tony Barnes under his new indie studio RetroNinja, the arcade-inspired shmup is the designer's first solo project in over 30 years.
Quick Facts
- Platforms: Windows PC and Steam Deck out now; native Linux, Mac, and console versions coming later.
- Engine: Built using Unity 6 and the Built-in Render Pipeline.
- Inspirations: Classic arcade shooters including Gravitar, Caverns of Mars, and Defender.
- Design: Hand-made levels and systems with no AI content or procedural generation.
Gameplay Features and Controls
The shooter features bright 2.5D vector art with stackable weapon upgrades during runs, an electronic soundtrack that shifts as the action intensifies, and a global scoreboard tracking players across platforms. Full gamepad support is included and recommended for quick movement.
While the Windows build is live and playable on Steam Deck using Proton, Valve has not yet granted the game a Verified status. A native Linux build is currently in development with no firm release date announced yet, followed sequentially by Mac and console ports.