VECTREX GAMES BETTER THAN ARCADE?

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Which Vectrex games in your opinion are actually better than there
arcade counter parts (if any)?

I have never played the arcade version of "Armor Attack", but the
Vectrex version is a humdinger and would be really hard to top, IMO..

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

I used to love playing Armor Attack at the arcades.
Armor Attack was the first game I purchased for the Vectrex back in the
early 80's. It is a good port but not as good as the original
I think that Mine Storm beats Asteroids hands down.
Also, Scramble is just as good as the arcade version in my opinion.

Dan


"The Space Boss" <drsmith666@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1117777401.389627.84850@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
> Which Vectrex games in your opinion are actually better than there
> arcade counter parts (if any)?
>
> I have never played the arcade version of "Armor Attack", but the
> Vectrex version is a humdinger and would be really hard to top, IMO..
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Check out John D's Patriots, it's a really fine version of Missile Command.

Infact, he's done quite a few really good versions of arcade games -


www.classicgamecreations.com

(my faves are Birds of Prey & Rockaroids Remix)





Richard H.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Richard,

It goes without say that John D. is the Vec game programming Master.
I thought we were talking about the original Vec games, not the new ones.
I have not played Protector (EBAY prices are just crazy) but my favorite of
the newer games is definately J.D.'s port of missile command.

Dan



"Richard Hutchinson" <richard.hutchinson@dsl.pipex.com> wrote in message
news:lPqdnbQRAKmZGD3fRVnyug@pipex.net...
> Check out John D's Patriots, it's a really fine version of Missile
> Command.
>
> Infact, he's done quite a few really good versions of arcade games -
>
>
> www.classicgamecreations.com
>
> (my faves are Birds of Prey & Rockaroids Remix)
>
>
>
>
>
> Richard H.
>
>
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

I think it's ironic that the three non-Cinematronics ports to the
vectrex (Pole Position . Berzerk, and Scramble) were all originally
non-vector games -- and their ports are more faithful in gameplay than
the 'real' vector game ports.

Minestorm is probably the best pack-in I can think of until the
playstation era (Ridge Racer). Minestorm 3D takes the game to a whole
new level, it's simply stunning in colour.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

"kokovec" <dsiewers@socal.rr.com> wrote in message
news:uQ%ne.41224$ya2.37089@tornado.socal.rr.com...
> Richard,
>
> It goes without say that John D. is the Vec game programming Master.
> I thought we were talking about the original Vec games, not the new ones.
> I have not played Protector (EBAY prices are just crazy) but my favorite
> of the newer games is definately J.D.'s port of missile command.

You have to play Protector, it is a great game and a great achievement in
Vectrex programming and don't let eBay prices put you off....

You can buy the non limited version, complete with YASI (excellent Space
Invaders clone) for just $11.50 plus a little for shipping...

http://www.vectrexcarts.com/

Cheers
Marc

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Here in rec.games.vectrex,
"The Space Boss" <drsmith666@aol.com> spake unto us, saying:

>I have never played the arcade version of "Armor Attack", but the
>Vectrex version is a humdinger and would be really hard to top, IMO..

The original Vectrex version has a buglet where one can accumulate an
infinite number of points (effectively) by sitting in a spot where it's
almost impossible for a copter to kill you.

Other than that, it's a decent game.

--
-Rich Steiner >>>---> http://www.visi.com/~rsteiner >>>---> Smyrna, GA USA
OS/2 + eCS + Linux + Win95 + DOS + PC/GEOS + Executor = PC Hobbyist Heaven!
WARNING: I've seen FIELDATA FORTRAN V and I know how to use it!
The Theorem Theorem: If If, Then Then.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

"kokovec" <dsiewers@socal.rr.com> wrote in
news:uQ%ne.41224$ya2.37089@tornado.socal.rr.com:

> Richard,
>
> It goes without say that John D. is the Vec game programming Master.
> I thought we were talking about the original Vec games, not the new
> ones. I have not played Protector (EBAY prices are just crazy) but my
> favorite of the newer games is definately J.D.'s port of missile
> command.
>
> Dan
>
>

Although I highly value the games by John D. and give him all the respect
he deserves as a homebrew developer pioneer for the Vectrex, Alex
Herbert is definately my programming hero for the Vectrex.

Not only did he deliver the two best homebrew games (if not overall!)
the already mentioned protector but also the excellent YASI. It's the only
space invader clone I ever really liked on any platform.

But also, correct me if I'm wrong here, developed the non-volatile memory
option for the homebrew carts. And let's not forget his contributions to
the excellent menu system on Richards Flashcards and the drivers for his
voice related carts.

He truly is an amazing programmer with appearantly real knowledgde of
assembler which gives him the edge developing software of professional
quality and polished finish which really puts him in a league of his own
in the vectrex homebrew scene.

I can't wait for him to turn back his attention to the Vectrex again after
his 2600 adventures. If not, well, I'm completely satistied with the
excellent contributions he's made so far.

chapeau.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

I agree. Alex cut his assembler teeth in the C64 hacking/demo scene
where technical expertise, pizzaz and one-upmanship were the order of
the day.

I used to laugh at buddies of mine who were part of that scene back in
the day, thinking that there could be no possible real-world use for
their work, albiet brilliant.

I was dead wrong. Most of them are some of the best pure assembler
coders and optimizers nowadays, in a bloatware market where everyone
who is a 'programmer' went to school for it or learned from 'dummies'
books any of the newer OOP languages like C++ and Java.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

>And let's not forget his contributions to
>he excellent menu system on Richards Flashcards

He did, I remember when I asked him to knock me up a quick Vec menu
front-end for the cart, what came back was a real piece of art (with the
animated letters, starfield etc).

Alex does nothing by half, he's also the fastest coder I've ever known.





Richard H.

 

[FURY]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

The Space Boss wrote:
> Which Vectrex games in your opinion are actually better than there
> arcade counter parts (if any)?
>


Of the homebrews, I think John Dondzila's Gravitrex wins this hands
down. I hated Gravitar. I love Gravitrex! This game doesn't get
anywhere near the attention of Protector, which is a real shame because
it's just as good (if not, slightly better). There's no overlay and no
fancy box, so it's not as appealing to collectors. Theres's no
hi-score save feature. There IS great game play, outstanding classic
graphics, and goal-driven game play that keeps you coming back for
more.

George

 

[nubian]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Hey All,
I agree with Geofury. GRAVITREX is every bit as good as PROTECTOR, and
if not better. When I first received my limited edition Protector I
played it for many hours until I unlocked 'Spike Goes Down' but I have
played Gravitrex for more hours then I have Protector.

If n any of you guys out there haven' played GRAVITREX then you'tr
missing something really unique. Gravitrex is even much better then the
vector Commodore 64 game called Thrust. The great thing a about
Gravitrex is that it is set at just the right difficulty level. I have
only managed to reach the second world and I've put in may hours on it.

When we mention homebrewing for the Vectrex it is a sin not to mention
George Pelonis who has supported the Vectrex in the homebrewing
department more than other programmers lately. I take my hat off to
George for following up the excellent WAR OF THE ROBOTS with the
equally excellent (and better in my opinion) I, CYBORG released late
last year. Geofury pushed the Vec no-end with later levels of I, CYBORG
and those who haven't seen past the 'corridors' should try and reach
there for a pleasant surprise in the graphics and effects department.

Here is a list of my top 5 Vec games:

1.) Gravitrex
2.) Protector
3.) YASI
4.) I, Cyborg
5.) Minestorm

Now I'm waiting for the Sony PSP to be released over here in Australia.
Until then vector graphics are the coolest post-modern experience on
the planet. Thanks homebrewers.

Regards,

Daniel Foot.

 

[FURY]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Nubian wrote:
> When we mention homebrewing for the Vectrex it is a sin not to mention
> George Pelonis who has supported the Vectrex in the homebrewing
> department more than other programmers lately. I take my hat off to
> George for following up the excellent WAR OF THE ROBOTS with the
> equally excellent (and better in my opinion) I, CYBORG released late
> last year. Geofury pushed the Vec no-end with later levels of I, CYBORG
> and those who haven't seen past the 'corridors' should try and reach
> there for a pleasant surprise in the graphics and effects department.

Thanks very much! But in fairness, this topic is specifically about
clones of arcade games. Mine are both original works.

> Here is a list of my top 5 Vec games:
>
> 1.) Gravitrex
> 2.) Protector
> 3.) YASI
> 4.) I, Cyborg
> 5.) Minestorm

Here are my top 5 Vec HOMEBREW games from other authors:

1) Gravitrex
2) Protector
3) Patriots Remix
4) Repulse
5) Moon Lander


George

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Here in rec.games.vectrex,
"Nubian" <dfoot@tassie.net.au> spake unto us, saying:

>If n any of you guys out there haven' played GRAVITREX then you'tr
>missing something really unique.

Wow.. Sounds like I'm falling way behind. I've been a Vectrex owner
since 1982 and have a pair of Vectrex multicarts, but one of them is a
very old Mark Woodward multcart, and the other is a newer Sean Kelly
one that only had a few of John D's earlier games on it.

I've not played ANY of this new stuff, even on an emulator!

Is there a multicart out there that covered the bases, or do I need to
pick some of these new games up individually?

--
-Rich Steiner >>>---> http://www.visi.com/~rsteiner >>>---> Smyrna, GA USA
OS/2 + eCS + Linux + Win95 + DOS + PC/GEOS + Executor = PC Hobbyist Heaven!
WARNING: I've seen FIELDATA FORTRAN V and I know how to use it!
The Theorem Theorem: If If, Then Then.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

"Nubian" <dfoot@tassie.net.au> wrote in news:1117952775.564191.194030
@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com:

> Hey All,
> I agree with Geofury. GRAVITREX is every bit as good as PROTECTOR, and
> if not better. When I first received my limited edition Protector I
> played it for many hours until I unlocked 'Spike Goes Down' but I have
> played Gravitrex for more hours then I have Protector.
>
> If n any of you guys out there haven' played GRAVITREX then you'tr
> missing something really unique. Gravitrex is even much better then the
> vector Commodore 64 game called Thrust. The great thing a about
> Gravitrex is that it is set at just the right difficulty level. I have
> only managed to reach the second world and I've put in may hours on it.
>
> When we mention homebrewing for the Vectrex it is a sin not to mention
> George Pelonis who has supported the Vectrex in the homebrewing
> department more than other programmers lately. I take my hat off to
> George for following up the excellent WAR OF THE ROBOTS with the
> equally excellent (and better in my opinion) I, CYBORG released late
> last year. Geofury pushed the Vec no-end with later levels of I, CYBORG
> and those who haven't seen past the 'corridors' should try and reach
> there for a pleasant surprise in the graphics and effects department.
>
> Here is a list of my top 5 Vec games:
>
> 1.) Gravitrex
> 2.) Protector
> 3.) YASI
> 4.) I, Cyborg
> 5.) Minestorm
>
> Now I'm waiting for the Sony PSP to be released over here in Australia.
> Until then vector graphics are the coolest post-modern experience on
> the planet. Thanks homebrewers.
>
> Regards,
>
> Daniel Foot.
>

I agree with Daniel!

George wrote some excellent games, very original and challenging.
In fact Daniel, thanks, you just inspired me to two things:

give I, Cyborg more time, as I didn't make it through the corridors yet.

and play Gravitrex, as for some reason, I never 'really' did.

still envying you habitat,

regards,

Pepijn

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

> Although I highly value the games by John D. and give him all the respect
> he deserves as a homebrew developer pioneer for the Vectrex, Alex
> Herbert is definately my programming hero for the Vectrex.
>
> Not only did he deliver the two best homebrew games (if not overall!)
> the already mentioned protector but also the excellent YASI. It's the only
> space invader clone I ever really liked on any platform.

Wow, thanks!

> But also, correct me if I'm wrong here, developed the non-volatile memory
> option for the homebrew carts.

With a bit of help from Richard.

> He truly is an amazing programmer with appearantly real knowledgde of
> assembler which gives him the edge developing software of professional
> quality and polished finish which really puts him in a league of his own
> in the vectrex homebrew scene.

I am a robot. LOL!

> I can't wait for him to turn back his attention to the Vectrex again after
> his 2600 adventures. If not, well, I'm completely satistied with the
> excellent contributions he's made so far.

VecLink Maze to be finished next...

Alex

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

>I agree. Alex cut his assembler teeth in the C64 hacking/demo scene
> where technical expertise, pizzaz and one-upmanship were the order of
> the day.

Huh? No. Never got beyond poking around in BASIC on the 64. In fact I'd
barely done any 6502 (just a bit of tinkering on a friend's BBC micro) until
I started writing MGD on the Atari 2600. Atari ST (and Sinclair QL) is
where I really got to grips with assembler. I was part of the Microdeal
clan - had a couple of my early games published - nothing like the standard
of my stuff these days. Not wanting to sound big headed or anything here -
just that Goldrunner II really was a bit poo in places. I'm still rather
fond of my Boulderdash clone called Stone Raider for the QL though. Shame
my Microdrive cartridges are all knackered now and won't load any more. :¬(

> I used to laugh at buddies of mine who were part of that scene back in
> the day, thinking that there could be no possible real-world use for
> their work, albiet brilliant.

Fun stuff to work on, and very experimental - all part of the learning
process.

Alex

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

My bad for assuming you were from that scene. From the moment I played
Protector/SGD it totally felt like something somebody in that clique
would have done -- and that's a compliment! There's a certain
insubstantial quality in how the final game comes together and plays
that would take way too many man hours to duplicate if you wanted it to
look/feel like something those 64 guys did. You nailed that esthetic
spot on.


Microdeal had it's hand in the Coco/Dragon market if I remember
correctly (I definitely remember playing Time Bandit for hours).
MIchtron also got their start there, as did Shadowsoft/Dave Dies. All
of them 'graduated' to Amiga/ST.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

> Of the homebrews, I think John Dondzila's Gravitrex wins this hands
> down. I hated Gravitar. I love Gravitrex! This game doesn't get
> anywhere near the attention of Protector, which is a real shame because
> it's just as good (if not, slightly better). There's no overlay and no
> fancy box, so it's not as appealing to collectors. Theres's no
> hi-score save feature. There IS great game play, outstanding classic
> graphics, and goal-driven game play that keeps you coming back for
> more.

Hard to disagree with that. Gravitrex is a damn fine game! Patriots III on
the same cart ain't half bad either.

I also really like the Vectrex version of Thrust - never really keen the C64
version.

Alex

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

>> Here is a list of my top 5 Vec games:
>>
>> 1.) Gravitrex
>> 2.) Protector
>> 3.) YASI
>> 4.) I, Cyborg
>> 5.) Minestorm
>
> Here are my top 5 Vec HOMEBREW games from other authors:
>
> 1) Gravitrex
> 2) Protector
> 3) Patriots Remix
> 4) Repulse
> 5) Moon Lander

What, no Wormhole? That's one I keep coming back to.

Alex

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

> Geofury pushed the Vec no-end with later levels of I, CYBORG
> and those who haven't seen past the 'corridors' should try and reach
> there for a pleasant surprise in the graphics and effects department.

Which reminds me, I still don't have a copy of that. Is it still available?

Alex

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

>Atari ST (and Sinclair QL) is where I really got to grips with assembler

http://www.micromart.co.uk/content/features/default.asp?Category=Article&Type=&ID=1582

http://www.lemonamiga.com/games/details.php?id=464


Very nice !




Richard H.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

> >Atari ST (and Sinclair QL) is where I really got to grips with assembler
>
> http://www.micromart.co.uk/content/features/default.asp?Category=Article&Type=&ID=1582

Hmm... Very interesting... To quote the website selling it:

"Many of our programs for the Sinclair QL, are re-releases of software
previously written by other companies, now updated to ensure that they work
on the latest operating systems and with some improvements. We have
obtained their permission to release the updated versions, and still pay
royalties on any software which we sell."

Well, I'm still the copyright owner and they've never contacted me or sent
me any cash. Buggers! Microdeal only had permission to publish (in
exchange for an ST dev. kit) not the copyright. And besides, they don't
exist any more. Ho hum, well I guess I know where to get a working copy
now.


> http://www.lemonamiga.com/games/details.php?id=464
That's the Amiga version which was ported by Timothy Purves at MichTron -
had horrible slowdown.

Here's the one I was actually responsible for:
http://www.atarilegend.com/games/games_detail.php?game_id=1122
One of those screenshots has munged graphics - probably a dodgy crack, LOL!

Very strange gameplay was Goldrunner II - sort of a cross between Uridium,
Defender and Choplifter, if that makes any sense. It was killed by some
really awful last minute design decisions though. The first Goldrunner had
speech and music during the game, but mine didn't and the publisher insisted
it should. I didn't have the CPU time to play samples and keep the 50Hz
screen refresh so it paused the game and popped up instructions "Gauntlet
style" when it spoke. Not what you want in a hyper-fast vertical scrolling
shooter! (At least you could probably work out how to play it without
reading the instructions though, LOL.) Plus the speech sounded nasty. And
I never did like that David Whittaker tune. I made all that stuff optional
though (from the function keys) so at least it could be played with the
sound effects and without the pauses/speech as I originally intended.

A cracked version of it is available here:
http://www.herbs64.com/file/PP_049.ZIP if anyone's interested. It's kind of
playable if you can get used to it. What can I say... I was young!

Actually, god that makes me feel old - I've been homebrewing now for 23
years! I guess I should be pretty good at it by now!

Alex

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

> A cracked version of it is available here:
> http://www.herbs64.com/file/PP_049.ZIP if anyone's interested.


Oops, bad link. This should work:

http://www.herbs64.com/files/PP_049.ZIP

Oh, and you'll need an Atari ST emulator to run it of course.
Right, I'm off to hang my head in shame.

Alex

 

[FURY]

Archived from groups: rec.games.vectrex (More info?)

Hi Alex

>Hard to disagree with that. Gravitrex is a damn fine game! Patriots III on
>the same cart ain't half bad either.


All of the Patriots games are great, but I like the Patriots Remix
better than Patriots III. I realize that Patriots III is probably more
accurate when compared to the arcade version, but the firing is slower
than the first two Patriots games. There IS the 3rd canon, but I'd
rather have two canons and faster bullets!

> >1) Gravitrex
> >2) Protector
> >3) Patriots Remix
> >4) Repulse
> >5) Moon Lander



>What, no Wormhole? That's one I keep coming back to.


My 6th favorite homebrew.


>Which reminds me, I still don't have a copy of that. Is it still available?

I, Cyborg is still available! I have a limited supply of cartridge
cases. Because of this I had to turn down a couple of wholesale orders
(totaling 60 cartridges), but I have recently been informed that Sean
Kelly is not to blame for this. He has actually been hibernating for
the past 6 months, and is expected to awaken shortly!

George