mark (10/19/82)
I haven't seen the ad, but with a name like "Vectrex" and the claim that the ad looks like it has an overlay attached, plus the fact that a color monitor would add quite a bundle to the cost of the system (didn't the ad give a price?), I wonder if it's a vector based system, with a b/w monitor and really has overlays?
ijg (10/20/82)
I read an article on Vectrex yesterday in the Nov. issue of, I think, Electronic games or some such. It is a vector system with its own monitor, b & w, with color overlays for the games. The controls on a small console are a joystick and 4 buttons. The games so far are mostly 'space' oriented. The monitor is, I think, 12" diagonal, with the long dimension vertical. Price was quoted at ~$200 but I can't conceive of that since the console for Colecovision or Intellivision is that price alone, without a video monitor, but it may be right. i. j. gordon ihuxi!ijg
dad (05/11/83)
Relay-Version:version B 3/9/83; site alice.UUCP Message-ID:<537@eisx.UUCP> Date:Wed, 11-May-83 12:29:58 EDT Anybody have any news on new Vectrex cartridges. I called California a couple of months ago, and heard that: * There are a couple of new games due around April (its already May). * Some of the new games were "shoot 'em up" types. * One of the games was PINBALL (should be great on Vectrex). * There may be new peripherals on the way: light pen, k/b, perhaps a touch screen. * The programmers are "really" getting into neat graphic special effects now. Also, does anyone out there have SPACE WAR or SOLAR QUEST. I'd be interested in finding out how good they are for two players. In particular, I'd like to know what game options are available with these games (wrap around screen, center screen gravity, etc). I just got the BLITZ Football cartridge... excellent 2 player game (you need the extra controller). Though the graphics are rather simplistic (the teams are composed of 'x' and 'o' characters), the game concept works well. The strategy options (blocking formations, passing, punting, etc.) controlled through the joystick and button controls are well thought out and complement the game. One player mode (you against the computer) is not as good as 2 player mode because the computer strategy is so predictable. Its still challenging to beat at level 2 thought. Level 3 is currently beyond my skill. I recommend it!
knudsen@ihnss.UUCP (06/10/83)
Thanks a billion to Dan for posting the technical info about the guts of Vectrex. My favorite micro (6809) with a D/a or A/D converter yet! I and some others had posted queries about reverse-engineering this box for a graphics terminal or whatever a few months ago. Could anyone come up with the info needed to write programs for it? A little disappointed that it uses analog integration (I thought up, but never built, a similar scheme 10 years ago), but what the heck, it works. Incidentally, McDade's in Chicago area is saling Vectrex for $99 these days. Also, the local teen record store chain stocks over a dozen games -- however, they all seem pretty much alike. When will they do Battlezone? mike k