The Archive preserves classic Vector Unit games for you to enjoy, even after they're no longer available in app stores or actively supported by our development team. These games are provided to you completely free. They contain no ads, no IAPs, no data tracking...nothing but good, clean fun. We hope you like them.
Riptide GP (2011)
Download NOW | itch.io
Riptide GP was the first mobile game developed and published by Vector Unit. The project began as a collaboration with NVIDIA to showcase their Tegra 2 mobile chipset. Even though it was developed in only 6 months primarily by two people, the game stood out at the time for its dynamic water simulation and innovative touch-screen stunting controls. Besides the Play Store and App Store versions, it was also ported to Amazon devices, Blackberry, Game Stick, TCL TVs, Blue Goji exercise equipment, and more. [Original Webpage]
Shine Runner (2011)
Download NOW | itch.io
Inspired by the classic Palm game “Dope Wars”, Shine Runner was a four month project we squeezed in between contracting gigs in the months after Riptide GP’s release. To build it in record time, we leaned heavily into reusable templated art assets and tile-based race tracks, and the design featured highly destructible environments — all of which laid the foundation for 2012’s Beach Buggy Blitz. Shine Runner also marked our first collaborations with artist Timm Sewell and composer Danny Piccione, both of whom became key players in future projects. [Original Webpage]
Why Archive Games?
We put a lot of love and care into our games, and we want people to enjoy them. So why don’t we just keep them available in the app stores forever?
Well, to keep a game live on any app store we need to periodically update it. We need to keep updating SDKs and code to stay in compliance with the latest app store requirements or security updates. Unfortunately, as much as we love every one of our games, there comes a time when it just doesn’t make sense to keep investing in it — when the cost of updating, testing, and supporting the app is no longer sustainable. And when we stop updating a game, the app stores eventually will delist it.
That’s where the Archive comes in. We strip out all the online functionality, all the app store callbacks, anything that might require future updates, and create a pure playable version of the game. So no, you don’t get cloud saving or leaderboards. But you also don’t have ads, IAPs, data tracking or analytics, you don’t need to grant it any permissions, and you of course can play it offline.
How to play archive games
Currently Vector Unit Archive games can come in two flavors: an Android APK and/or a Windows PC executable. We provide the file only — you have to figure out how to install it.
Many Android devices support downloading and sideloading third party APKs. We won’t go into the details of this but if you search the web for your device name and “how to sideload APKs” you should find helpful information.
If an Archive game includes a PC executable, you just have to Unzip the files in whatever location you want to run it, and run it. No installation is necessary. When you’re done with it, just delete it.
Support the Archive
If you want to support our efforts to keep our old games alive, or just say thanks, or buy us coffee, please consider donating whatever you feel is appropriate. You can use the secure link below, or complete the “pay what you want” link on the itch.io pages.
Legal stuff
By downloading and installing these games you agree to the End User License Agreement.
Do not re-distribute these games on other sites, or modify them in any way. Since we don’t make any money from these games, we are not offering any support services for them; if you write to support about them, don’t expect a response. You download and install these games at your own risk.