The Rise and Fall of the Vectrex: A Forgotten Revolution in Gaming
The Vectrex, a revolutionary video game console, debuted in 1982 amidst the booming video game market. It boasted advanced controllers and the ability to render polygons—a feat still a decade away for the rest of the gaming industry. However, its launch coincided with the market crash that followed, causing the Vectrex to be left in the shadows of its more successful counterparts. It quickly found its way into bargain bins and faded from the public consciousness, only maintained by die-hard collectors.
The Unique Design and Features of the Vectrex Console
The Vectrex was uniquely designed with a built-in 9-inch cathode ray tube (CRT) screen, making it a self-contained gaming system. At a time when most households had only one television, this feature allowed players to enjoy gaming without fighting for TV time. But what truly set the Vectrex apart was its vector graphics. Unlike other consoles that relied on pixels, the Vectrex utilized a system of straight beams of light drawn on the CRT screen, creating a distinct visual experience. Though the console was black and white, transparent overlays provided a colorful touch to the games.
The Vectrex Revival: How New Developers and Collectors are Bringing it Back to Life
Four decades after its initial release, the Vectrex is experiencing a resurgence. New developers are creating fresh games for the console, while hardware hackers and tinkerers ensure its original components remain functional. One notable release is Mail Plane, a game that was never officially launched due to the console’s cancellation. Now, collectors like Sean Kelly have sourced the closest version to completion and brought it to retail. Kelly himself has been instrumental in the Vectrex community, releasing multi-carts and preserving the console’s legacy.
The Captivating Experience of Playing Vectrex Games: A Look at the Graphics and Gameplay
Watching a Vectrex game in action is a captivating experience even today. The lack of pixels in its vector graphics gives the games a unique fluidity and sharpness. Despite the relatively primitive technology, the graphics still hold a novelty factor. The gameplay is diverse, ranging from plotting delivery routes in Mail Plane to racing in Tour de France. Despite its limitations, the Vectrex offers a refreshing and nostalgic gaming experience to those who appreciate its distinct style.
Sean Kelly: The Man Keeping the Vectrex Alive and Uncovering Forgotten Gems
Sean Kelly, a renowned video game collector, has been instrumental in keeping the Vectrex alive. Through his website, VectrexMulti, he has released multi-carts that allow fans to play various Vectrex games. He has also embarked on a quest to uncover forgotten gems, such as Mail Plane, that never saw an official release. Kelly’s passion for preserving the history of video games extends beyond profits, as he continues to seek out former employees and sources the most complete versions of these lost games. His dedication ensures that the legacy of the Vectrex lives on.
Analyst comment
Positive news: The Vectrex console is experiencing a revival after four decades, with new developers creating games and collectors preserving its legacy. The console’s unique design and graphics still captivate players today, offering a nostalgic gaming experience. Sean Kelly, a key figure in the Vectrex community, plays a vital role in keeping the console alive and uncovering forgotten gems.
As an analyst, I predict that the market for Vectrex consoles and games will see a surge in popularity and demand. The revival of the console and the release of new games will attract new collectors and gamers, driving up the prices of vintage consoles and increasing sales for developers and hardware hackers. The legacy of the Vectrex will continue to thrive in the gaming community.
