Deflector is a rogue-lite game in which the player takes waves of deadly viruses that fire endless streams of projectiles. The aim of the game is to defeat the waves of viruses, and the main skill at the player’s disposal is the ability to deflect the virus’ projectiles back at them. Players can combine upgrades and improve their abilities.

As the term “rogue-lite” suggests, Deflector is not quite a full-fledged rogue game. For examples of other games in this subgenre, one can look to Streets of Rogue and FTL: Faster Than Light.

Fight viruses

In Deflector, the player becomes a warrior whose job is to fight viruses face-to-face. Combat takes place in various arenas, which is affectionately known as “bullet hell” combat. The screen is often full of projectiles from all the various enemies. The player must use their abilities to protect themselves from all the projectiles while fighting back and defeating the viruses.

Upgrade your DNA

Progression is delivered in the form of DNA upgrades, granting the player-character new and improved abilities that they can use to battle the viruses. Upgrades can be combined to deliver new abilities, with the player being free to experiment with whatever combination of DNA upgrades they want to try.

Fast-paced combat but a little shallow

For players looking for fast-paced action, Deflector certainly ticks that box. Where it may fall short — and indeed has fallen short for some players — is in the skills and progression system, which is not especially deep. For players just looking for action, there is plenty to be had, but this may not be the game for those looking for something deeper. Abilities are quite varied, from superior deflection capabilities to the ability to rupture the ground around enemies.