From: howard@sinoda.ultra.COM (Howard Simonson)
Subject: Re: Rating the Games of Vectrex
Reply-To: howard@ultra.com
Organization: Ultra Network Technologies
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 92 03:02:34 GMT

Here are my thoughts on all the games I own.  BTW, all are in original
boxes, complete with manuals and overlays, in mint condition.  I've toyed
with the idea of selling off both my systems and three controllers and
complete set of games lately, but I regard them as *real* collectors items
and I have a feeling that my asking price would be too steep for the
rec.vectrexen out there.  (probably around $1500.00 for the whole shebang)
***************************************************************************

VT 3000        Minestorm [built-in]

Good game, but not one of *my* favorites.  I have to admit, I've
never been past level 7 or so.  I guess I'm a minestorm  wimp :)

VT 3101        Cosmic Chasm

This is the game that got me to buy Vectrex in the first place.
I like it.  I still like it, though better games have followed.
(BTW, I once played the real arcade version and the port was well done)

VT 3102        Rip Off

MUST be played as a two player game to derive significant enjoyment.
As was previously stated, a good port from the arcade version.

VT 3103        Scramble

A tough port from the raster graphic version found in arcades, but
it works extremely well!  One of the few games I've played to
"completion" in an arcade, and found just as enjoyable on the V.

VT 3104        Solar Quest

Yet Another Good Port (YAGP), hard but cool, picking up the
spacemen is most enjoyable.

VT 3105        Space Wars

Not as good as the arcade version, but that probably has a lot
to do with reduced screen width.  Perhaps they should have programmed
this one so you turn the V. on its side?  :)  (then again, not a bad idea)

VT 3106        Starhawk

Perhaps one of the most boring of the bunch, the "skimming the earth"
effect is good, but gets old fast.

VT 3107        Star Trek The Motion Picture [Star Ship in Europe]

Actually a lot of fun, though I don't think I've ever near finished it.

VT 3108        Web Wars

One of the coolest!  I've probably spent the most time on this game of
any.  I've collected all but the last 3 or 4 "trophies".  Someday, I'll
get back in there and get'em all!

VT 3109        Star Castle

YAGP, what more can you say.

VT 3201        Hyperchase

This is the dog!  Thank goodness they righted themselves with Pole
Position.  Play this for humor.

VT 3202        Blitz Action Football

If you like football...  Some games I bought just to fill out my
collection, this falls into or near that category.

VT 3203        Heads-Up Action Soccer [Soccer in Europe]

If you like soccer...  Some games I bought just to fill out my
collection, this falls into or near that category.


VT 3204        Spinball [Flipper in Europe]

Its OK, but nothing to write home about.  I own a real pin, and
I've played pins on various computers; there's nothing like the
real thing, baby, V. included.

VT 3206        Pole Position

Its an OK port, but it lacks the detail and "control" of the
raster version found in arcades.  Its an easy game, even I've
been able to finish the race :).

VT 3301        Armor Attack

Tank game, gotta have one.  This game benefits from the V.
"screen brightness" trick, in that you can get useful info
on the helicopter this way.

VT 3302        Berzerk

Deserves the Buggiest Game Award.  Any play beyond a couple of
minutes/rounds, and you're transported to the world of
"random memory access" and the sometimes surprising
consequences!  Can actually be pretty funny...

VT 3303        Clean Sweep [The Mouse]

As said elsewhere, Pacman with a twist.  Again, gotta have one.

VT 3304        Fortress Of Narzod

A really cool game, good three-D effect, and one I've
actually played to "conclusion" (at least of first round),
but I could still kick myself for not picking up Dark Tower
that day instead.

VT 3305        Bedlam

Possibly my choice as the BEST game ever produced for V., and probably
should be revived for Genesis or LYNX (my current game systems :)
Its simple, its hard, its addictive.  What more could you ask for?

VT 3306        Spike              [with voice][originally Buster?]

Another good one with wonderful use of three-D perspective.  I like
this game because it was fairly innovative and different, and not
*too* hard to play (at least for the first few "rounds").

VT 3308        Polar Rescue

Wow!  This one sorta began the "next generation" just before it all
got canned. :(  (at least, that's how it seemed at the time)
The implementation of the sub is great, and the "radar" scope makes
the game, but it is hard and lining up with the "base" should have
been a bit easier.  And also, you should have to pilot both ways,
instead of it just "hyper-returning" to base after picking up the
"survivors".

VT 3602        Melody Master

A lightpen game, forget it if you're tone deaf, but if you're not,
this could be real useful to "tune your ear".  Provided I don't sell
off all this stuff someday, I figure to drill my kids on it :)
(Oh, provided I have kids, too :)

VT 3604        Animaction

Good demo of tweening, in that that's how the animation is done.
The connect the dots stuff is pretty good.  You know, my kids are
gonna have a field  day with this stuff, someday.

******************************

Had the opportunity but just couldn't see getting the 3-D viewer
and/or any of the games at the time (I think the wife was bugging
me about "thowing good money after bad" or something; V. had folded),
which I only moderately regret.

It seems like I'm missing something, I'm gonna have to take another look
at the collection when I get home.  Heck, maybe its time to get that last
dang bug in Web Wars (then again, I haven't gone too far in Taz Mania yet...:)
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