VectorMan (PS2)

The game's logo.

> **RE-BUILT**
> **RE-ARMED**
> **RE-ACTIVATED**
>
> Dynamic words seen in the Debut Trailer.

VectorMan (simply titled VectorMan in pre-release trailers) was a game set to be released in late 2004 exclusively for the Playstation 2. It was being designed by company Pseudo Interactive. Like similar games from the Genesis era, VectorMan was planned to be a reimagining of the fabled Genesis series for modern day consoles, using full 3D graphics and gameplay mechanics.

Not much is known outside released trailers and images shown, with the first Trailer being shown at E3 2003. Based off gameplay trailers, the game appears to be primarily a third-person action-adventure shooter based title. Originally the game was stated to play out faithful to the original first two *VectorMan* games but was changed due to playtesting from different age groups and an increase in popularity from certain games like *Halo*, which was a massive success on the XBOX at the time. It is believed that Sega was looking forward to releasing VectorMan on the PS2, but after the developers at Pseudo Interactive felt like the game was not a Vectorman game after being initially created, Pseudo Interactives eventually cancelled the project and the company went to invest in other projects instead. Sega decided to ultimately cut the project in fear of layoffs and possible bad reviews and sales.

General reviews apparently are mixed to positive. According to critics at E3, some praised the design updates while others were quick to point out its comparison to *Halo*, which was released a few months prior in 2001. It is unproven if the game's comparison to *Halo* was a major factor in the game's cancellation.

It is also unknown if any of the content planned for the cancelled *VectorMan 3* pitch intended for the Sega Saturn was to make an appearance here, though much of Vectorman's appearance seems to be based off of *Vectorman 3*'s concept art design (such as the arms). Given the content seen in the trailer and Alpha gameplay pre-release, which feature Vectorman utilizing skills never before shown, it is very possible his updated redesigns were to be implemented here. The dynamic words seen in the Trailer reference Vectorman's redesign (**Re-Built, Re-Armed, Re-Activated**).

## Overview

### Plot

According to some information, the plot of *VectorMan* (PS2) was to have Vectorman explore a planet called Gamma-6 to defeat a rogue Orbot named Volt, who planned on destroying said planet. The opening was said to feature Vectorman appear in an ascending crashed ship.

The game was said to utilize a massive engine capable of rendering full 3D environmental activity, with Vectorman able to blast through multiple pieces of environment and potentially using its debris as cover. Orbots were also stated to possess advance unique AI, capable of reacting to Vectorman's presence. This would give the player ideas on how to handle each battle in creative manners.

### Weaponry

VectorMan's new appearance appears to have been remodeled, with some aspects of the improvements resembling what the artwork of the cancelled *VectorMan 3: Ultra* displays (such as his arm designs). In VectorMan (PS2), VectorMan is shown as a fully armor clad green metallic robot, with his head sporting the familiar face and red eyes. Vectorman now wields a blaster or cannon in one arm and a metallic shield in the other arm. VectorMan also comes equipped with a Jetpack, essentially acting as his Boost jumping. In the Trailer, he was also shown to utilize a grappling hook useful for crossing larger gaps.

It was stated that VectorMan was to have 15 upgradable weapons, ranging from shotguns to rocket launchers and could make uses of "Gadgets". Trailers show he can also throw what appears to be explosive grenades, and is capable of punching and tossing enemy Orbots or objects like crates in the environment (it is believed this was one design originally planned for *VectorMan 3: Ultra).*

## Additional Notes

One official play-tester named Joseph had this to say about the game's design:

*"I play-tested this game for Pseudo Interactive before it got cancelled. I had never heard of Vectorman at the time, so I wasn’t comparing it to a game that already existed. But what I found was: the physics engine was awesome, and the AI was incredible. At the time, I had never seen a game where some AI will hide behind walls, others will run and gun you, a couple will try to sneak around to flank you… the AI programming was simply amazing, and it was all done by one guy.*
*"What I did NOT like about the game was how confusing I found it to figure out where I was supposed to go next. But this was probably because it was in the alpha stage and the texturing wasn’t done yet."*

## References

Game review: *What happened to Vectorman (PS2)?*

*Vectorman (PS2) at* Unseen64.com
https://twitter.com/SEGAForever/status/1553775494142705664

*The 11 prototypes and documents from Vectorman Playstation 2: the transition from 2D to 3D of our best friend SEGA's robot* at sega-dreamcast-info-games-preservation.com.

*The Halo treatment of Vectorman Playstation 2 and its five prototypes* at sega-dreamcast-info-games-preservation.com.

1. ↑ https://www.unseen64.net/2008/04/15/vectorman-ps2-cancelled/