vectrexnews

New version of ParaJVE

2008-11-26T05:19:00.000-08:00

Parabellum has released a new version of his ParaJVE emulator.

Goto his website for more info and download links.

Eurocon 2008

2008-10-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Eurocon 2008 event (held 10,11,12 october) was, like last year, a great event to be at. Some of the european vectrex crowd was present, like Revival Studios, Mat Allen, Pepijn and Madtronix. Unfortuanately Alex Nicholson (vectorzoa) and Rudy couldn't make it.

Revival Studios had a small update on the VexOS, as well as a presentation of new vectrex products (colorclash slim, the soon to be released v-hockey and the upcoming MVR racing) and Mat Allen showed some rare items like a Lightpen/lightgun prototype and the very rare Android cart (this cartridge was developed specifically for the movie Android).

There should be videos from the event on youtube.

Vectrexians now for sale!

2008-04-10T02:01:00.000-07:00

After years of development, Kristof Tuts' Vectrexians is finally ready for sale:

For more information, go to Kirstof's website.

Vectrex rarityguide v1.2 released

2008-02-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

The new Vectrex rarity guide has just been released. There have been a lot of changes to the guide and it should now include all available/known items for the vectrex, including photo's for nearly all the items.

This guide is compiled by myself with contributions from various big vectrex collectors and is based very long discussions based upon our shared knowledge of the available items, ebay prices and prices of private sellings/auctions.

Here is a full list of changes:
- Updated with new accessories/hardware
- Updated with new homebrew games
- Updated Canadian games list
- Updated MB/European games list
- Added promotional items section
- Added multicart section
- Adjusted some prices based on 2007's ebay auction prices
- Added prices for all items
- Added photos for remaining items

You can check out the new rarity guide at http://www.vectrexnews.com/rarityguide

Enjoy!

Happy 2008-bit !

2008-01-08T02:21:00.000-08:00

Hi,

Vectrexnews.com wishes you, and the classic gaming scene in general a very good 2008.
So far we have a few exciting things to look at:
- The release of VectrexOS and various pieces additional content for it.
- Alex his game: Solarwars (see his blog for updates).
- Hopefully we'll see some of Kristof's brilliant work see the light of day in 2008.
- Revival Studios has a few games planned.
- Madtronix.com will launch a whole new line of beautifully packaged products: new multicarts, vecvoxx, lightpen repro's, his 3d imager and more.

So all in all i think 2008 will be a great year for Vectrex so far, who knows what else is awaiting us in 2008!

New Vectrex game - Vectoblox

2007-11-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

Revival Studios has released a new Vectrex game called "Vectoblox".

VectoBlox is an exciting puzzle game for the Vectrex arcade system, with no less than 40 different puzzles to solve! The player has to clear each puzzle by shoving all the boxes in each level to their respective target area’s.
Are you skilled enough to clear all 40 puzzles ???

Game features:
- Addictive and challenging puzzlegame
- 40 different puzzles + 10 bonus puzzles
- Many other bonus puzzles to be unlocked.

Price: 19 euros + 5 euro S&H

Fore more information and ordering, go to www.revival-studios.com and select Vectoblox from the Vectrex section.

Additionally, a new run of 3D scape carts are now for sale at 19 euro's + 5 euro S&H. These carts include 3 different demo's for your vectrex. Go to www.revival-studios.com and select 3D Scape cart from the Vectrex section for more information.

Eurocon 2007

2007-11-04T17:35:00.000-08:00

I just returned from the Eurocon 2007 convention and i really had a great time. There were lots of new vectrex relating things happening there. Lots of new product demonstrations, very nice items, and the infamous "Joust Evolution" cartridge has been auctioned.

To read all about it, check out the Eurocon 2007 report at the feature article section of the website.
Since its very fresh there are no photos available yet, but these will be added shortly.

Rip-Off designer Tim Skelly speaks about flocking

2007-09-29T11:11:00.001-07:00

Hi,

I recently found an old vectrex related article on my harddrive, its about Rip-Off designer Tim Skelly talking about the usage of "flocking" (a technique that allows group-like behaviour) in his game Rip-Off. Rip-Off is credited as one of the first games to implement this technique.

The article is online at the feature articles section of this site.

Also, i've updated the games section and made some minor corrections to the website.

Vectrex OS announced

2007-08-30T01:18:00.000-07:00

Revival Studios has a Vectrex OS in development.
It allows you to add all kinds of media and generate a vectrex rom using a custom filesystem.

Features:
- Drop down menu allows for easy navigation between different files.
- One click binary output using a custom created vectrex filesystem.
- Add all kinds of media to the OS from your PC!!!
- Vectrex fans can now write their own games/programs using BASIC.

Supported Media:
- APPS: Able to run binary code (BIN files)
- APPS: Able to run basic code (BAS files)
- APPS: Able to run brainf*&k code (BF files)
- GRAPHICS: Able to display bitmap graphics (TGA/BMP/PCX/JPG formats)
- GRAPHICS: Able to display Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG format)
- GRAPHICS: Able to display vector graphics and animations (VEC format)
- GRAPHICS: Able to display 3D objects (OBJ format, exportable from 3dsmax)
- GRAPHICS: Able to display Logo hex-dumps (still unstable)
- AUDIO: Able to play digtized sound (WAV format, still not very clean)
- AUDIO: Able to play Atari YM music files.
- DOCUMENTS: Able to display text files

Revival Studios releases "Performance VX" demo

2007-08-20T01:15:00.000-07:00

Revival Studios has released the Performance VX demo on rom and video.
Performance VX is a music-synced demo created in 2003. It was released on cart as part of the 3D scape cart in 2006 (to be rereleased later this year).

check out the revival studios website for more info: www.revival-studios.com

Pitchers Duel announced.

2007-07-15T13:11:00.001-07:00

After years of having 2 different prototypes floating around, the game Pitchers Duel is finally getting a proper release. The downside is that the Limited Edition of the game will only be sold at the CGE'07 expo, making it impossible for us europeans to get our hands on the game :-(
However, a regular edition of the game will also become available after the show.

Meanwhile, We'll keep you updated on this release.

New Vectorzoa game in development

2007-07-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

Alex Nicholson (aka Vectorzoa) is currently working on a new vectrex game, to be released at this years Eurocon convention. At the moment there is no title known for the game, but the good news is that you can monitor its progress.

You can read all about the game as it is written on his web-blog: http://vectorzoa.blogspot.com/

Sector-X announced

2007-06-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Sector-X has been announced at the Fury site!

A unique 2D space shooter, promising to be the best game from Fury yet! Expected to be released in December (no orders are being accepted at this time).

The 3D games, Star Fury and Hellhole, have been canceled. Sorry, but my imager broke and I really don't miss the 3D headaches.

Additionally, the interest in 3D games among Vectrex fans was somewhat less than expected.

Thank you again for your past purchases, and keep a watchful eye for Sector-X!

George Pelonis

New vectrex game release

2007-04-15T04:19:00.000-07:00

Kristof Tuts has finished his Vectrexians game, which is currently available for release.

Vectrexians is a Galaxian type game for the vectrex and comes in box with overlay.
Go to Kristof his website for more information on this and some of his upcoming projects, as well as ordering info.

Retro computer event - Arnhem/The netherlands

2007-02-10T01:28:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I've been terribly busy lately, so bare with me for the new articles and updates.

Right now, just a quick note about the upcoming 'Retro computer beurs' in the rijnhal/arnhem on sunday the 18th of february. Its the second time it has been held like this, and the location is quite large (its usually used for concerts and stuff). Revival studios and jeroen of vectrex.nl will be exhibiting there, and a preview of the forthcoming "Stip" project will be demo'ed.

More soon...

Vectrexnews v.2.0 - Mega update

2007-01-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

As you might have noticed, the vectrexnews.com website has had a complete overhaul. The website has been completely redesigned from scratch and has a new "feature article" section added.

Besides cosmetics, the following changes have been made:
- new section: feature articles
- updated media section
- added seperated emulator section
- added dutch vectrex discount coupon to media section
- added several videos to the media section
- added information about the vecvoxx
- added information about reproduction lightpens
- added information about the keyboard interface
- added previously unreleased review on i,cyborg by Daniel Foot

This is just the beginning. Lots of updates will follow shortly, including new reviews, interviews, feature articles and much more. Also expect the Vectrex Rarity list to be updated shortly.

I hope you enjoy your stay here. If you have any comments or suggestions, please leave them below.

Happy new year!!!

2007-01-01T05:27:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to all !!!

2006 has been a great year for vectrex, and has seen lots of new productions (both on software and hardware end) for the system. Lets all hope 2007 will become just as fruitfull!

Vectrexnews.com to be relaunched soon

2006-11-16T03:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

As some of you might have noticed, there haven't been as much updates as usual around here. This is because i spent some time completely redoing the vectrexnews.com site.
The site is now ready and will be launched shortly. Also we're moving servers for more stability.

Expect the new website, as well as new updates shortly.

Lord of the Robots 3D out now.

2006-08-18T00:38:00.000-07:00

Fury Unlimited is now taking orders for his new game "Lord of the Robots". This is the first homebrew written for the 3D imager. However a 2D version is also included. It also includes a special box with engraved metal lid to give it a nice finishing touch!

More information and screens are available at his website.
So get yourself a copy now at: Fury Unlimited

Spike's Circus out now!!!

2006-08-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

Hi,

As you might have heard, Spike's circus is out now!
I personally had the pleasure of playing it a little while ago, and its a very nice game with very good usage of the analogue controller. Play as Spike an manouver yourself through 50 challenges on your unicycle.
There are also guest appearances of all your favourite Vectrex icons including Minestorm Ships, Scramble Rockets & Berzerk Robots

So pick up this baby now at:

http://www.vectorzoa.com/circus/gi_circus.html

Day to day Vectrex game developments

2006-07-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

I've now opened up a personal blog at: http://www.d3signer.com with the his day to day game development activities. The blog will be updated almost daily with my latest development on the various classic game systems. It is also a way for me to get some more direct feedback from others, so please give me as much feedback as possible.

The blog already features a number of projects for atari 2600, colecovision, vectrex, but also some of the old stuff i did on gameboy (nearly 10 years ago). So if you're interested in classic games or classic game development (be it vectrex, atari, coleco or other platforms), please visit the blog.

The blog will be updated almost daily, so please make sure you to visit it frequently.

http://www.d3signer.com

VecSports Boxing box

2006-07-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered what the limited edition of Vecsports Boxing looks like?
Well, it seems mayhem was able to pick up a copy and made the following photo for us to enjoy...

click here to see it.

Pervertrex!

2006-07-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

It seems adult content has penetrated our beloved Vectrex as well. This little x-rated demo was displayed at last year's Eurocon convention by Pepijn Bakker, but it was not until recently that Chris Romero started asking around about it. So there you have it folks, your daily dosis of vector-pr0n.

Mr. Boston up for grabs!

2006-07-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Good news everyone!

Ubercollector Chris Romero is auctioning his copy of Mr.Boston, along with cool Wodka bottle. Be sure to empty your bankaccount though, current offers are at $3000USD. If you are interested in bidding, please contact Chris Romero (see www.vectrex.com for details).

Update: Mr.Boston auction was closed and sold for $4200USD

News section updated

2006-07-01T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

The newssection has been updated to a blogstyle type, which is much easier for me to maintain + it will allow you to comment on the various news items. I've also included the whole archive of all the previous news for easy navigation.

I hope you'll like it, it will definitely allow me to update news more quickly from now on.

Colorclash reviewed

2006-06-05T08:06:00.000-07:00

Chris Romero just did a review on Colorclash.
Click here to read it.

Space Frenzy reviewed

2006-05-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

A mini preview of Spike's Circus is now online at:
http://www.vectrex.nl

Star Sling released

2006-05-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

Surprise! Alex Nicholson's new game, called Star Sling, is now available on his website.

The great thing about it is that, like much of the original Vectrex titles, the whole game fits in just 4096 bytes! Also it is the first game to support 2 players analogue joystick controls. The game will be made available as public download, vectrex cart and a Limited Edition run of 25 copies (which at the point of writing, have already sold out).

To read everything about this new game, including some exclusive screens and boxart, visit this page

For more information about the game, as well as other games by Alex Nicholson, go to:
http://www.vectorzoa.com

Exclusive interview with John Dondzila

2006-05-01T07:18:00.000-07:00

Celebrating his 10 years anniversary in vectrex game development, vectrexnews.com is proud to announce an exclusive interview with John Dondzila.
Click here to read the interview.

Vectrex rarity guide online

2006-04-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

The definitive Vectrex rarity guide is now online at: http://www.vectrexnews.com/rarityguide
This is the most complete rarity guide for the vectrex up to date and is available in both text format and HTML format (along with photos of all the items listed). Check up on your collection now!!!

Report - Retrocomputerdag 2006

2006-04-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

First of all, happy easter to everyone!
An exclusive report of the retrocomputerdag 2006, held in schiedam, the netherlands on the 10th of september is now online.

Click here to read it.

Vectrexforum.com launched!

2006-04-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

As an addition to vectrexnews.com, David J. Elfstrom and myself have launched a vectrex forum at http://www.vectrexforum.com.

You can discuss all your favorite games here, show off your collection, exchange wishlists, talk tech and much more. Click here to go to vectrexforum.com.

Logo reviewed

2006-04-06T13:26:00.001-07:00

A review of Logo is now online. Click here to read it.
Thanks to: George for submitting the review.

Colorclash & Debris Exclusive box photos

2006-04-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Box photo's of Colorclash and Debris Exclusive Edition are now online at the Colorclash page and Debris page on www.revival-studios.com

Space Frenzy released!

2006-03-29T13:31:00.000-08:00

John Dondzila's great new game Space Frenzy is now available on his website. Buyt it now!
Go to his website for more information.

Vector21 release

2006-03-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

It just seems to be raining announcements and modern releases lately.
Fury Unlimited seems to be releasing his Vector 21 bonus game as a single release.
Vector 21 is a card game for the vectrex, which was originally intended as a bonus game for Starfury 3D (out later this year), but now made its way as a solo release
Go to his website for more information and ordering information.

More system variations

2006-03-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

More system variations to the system section.
German and australian system are updated with new photos, UK, french and swedish system added.

New game release - Colorclash

2006-03-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

Revival Studios is proud to present a new game release for the vectrex called "Colorclash".
Colorclash is an arcade/action game for the Vectrex, developed by: Revival Studios, using a specially designed overlay to provide full color graphics on the vectrex
Click here to read all about it.

Logo - An awesome new software project

2006-03-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Alex Nicholsons has announced a his new project called "Logo".

Logo was created in 1966 at BBN, a Cambridge research firm, by Wally Feurzeig and Seymour Papert. Its intellectual roots are in artificial intelligence, mathematical logic and developmental psychology. The most popular Logo environments have involved the Turtle, originally a robotic creature that sat on the floor and could be directed to move around by typing commands at the computer. Soon the Turtle migrated to the computer graphics screen where it is used to draw shapes, designs, and pictures.

Go to his website for more information and ordering.

Various updates

2006-02-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

Several updates have been made to the website:
- Added manual-scan part to the media section.
- Added Vector-display installation guide.
- Added 3D colorwheel scans to the media section.
- Added experimental vectrex photograph to the media section.
- Added Vectrex Trackball to the system section.
- Added the different system variations to the system section.
- Added a retro event agenda to the news page.

Debris L.E. reviewed

2006-01-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

A review of Debris Limited Edition is now online.
Click here to read it.

Thanks to: Inger & Pelle Ankarberg for submitting the review.

New 3D Imager reviewed

2006-01-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

While at it, some of you have been waiting for this for a while, so here it is:

The review of the new Vectrex 3D-Imager.

Is it as good as the original??? Click here to read all about it.

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!

Let us hope 2006 will bring even more new hardware/software releases for the vectrex than the previous year!

To kick off 2006 right, let me start with the announcement that the Vectrex FAQ has been revived and updated to version 6.0. As of today i am now the new maintainer of the famous Vectrex FAQ. Thanks to BaronVR for maintaining it for the last few years and passing the torch to me. You can download the new FAQ here or you can view the FAQ online at: www.vectrexnews.com/faq

Maybe a bit off-topic, but i'd also like to announce here that of today i've launched a new ColecoVision website called: "ColecoWorld". I hope that ColecoWorld will become for the ColecoVision what VectrexNews is for the Vectrex. So please visit the website and let all your (ColecoVision-) buddies know about the website and make "ColecoWorld" a success. You can visit the website at: www.colecoworld.com

I'm also happy to announce that i've revived and updated the ColecoVision FAQ as well, you can find the new FAQ at: www.colecoworld.com/faq

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone!

I've updated the tools/emulator section with 2 new emulators. First up is a new release of the famous VecX emulator. This version includes a WIN32 gui, improved timing and the ability to change the screensize. I've also included the newly released Xbox port of VecX.

Enjoy!

John Dondzila's new project

2005-12-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

John Dondzila is preparing a new project for 2006, celebrating his 10 year anniversary with Vectrex programming. Go to his website and check it out.

Debris trailer online

2005-11-20T14:11:00.000-08:00

Finally, the new Debris trailer is now available. Click here to read all about it.

Emulator/Tools updates

2005-11-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

Finally, some vectrex emulator/tool updates at the tools section:
- MESS is updated to version 1.1
- A special 'programmers version' of VecX, hacked by: Ville Krumlinde
- Added driver-code for VecVoice and Eeprom programming.
- Added the VecFlash tools.
- The Beos and Amiga binaries for the Veccy transfer tool

More gaming news

2005-11-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Fury Unlimited has announced a new game release calld "Star Fury 3D", which is expected to have a summer 2006 release. For more information, visit the Fury Unlimited website.

Debris sold out!

2005-11-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

Debris is now officially sold out. Probably the fastest selling vectrex game.
Thank you all for your enthousiasm and nice comments about the game. New videos and material of the game will be online soon.

New game release - Debris

2005-11-06T00:43:00.000-08:00

Revival Studios is proud to present a new game release for the vectrex called "Debris".
Debris is a bitmap-based vertical shooter for the Vectrex, developed by: Revival Studios.
Click here to read all about it.

Another big update

2005-10-26T00:43:00.000-07:00

- Reordened the games section.
- Special table for a complete list of all Canadian games at the games section.
- Added photo's of the boxart for all US games to the games section.
- Added photo's of the boxart for most canadian games to the games section.
- Added Screenshots and Overlays for most games to the games section.
- Added photo of a boxed MB controller to the system section.
- Added a movie of a zooming Bandai Kousokusen logo to the Bandai Vectrex and the media sections.
- Added a list of wanted media- and newsitems.
Thanks to: Steve Bender and Jeroen of www.vectrex.nl for supplying photos.

Snowflake coding competition

2005-10-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

Alex Nicholson (ShaddamVI) has organised a nice vectrex coding competition. For more information please go to the competition page.

Games update

2005-10-17T00:54:00.000-07:00

- Added all Canadian and European games to the games section.
- Completed the Modern/homebrew games list at the games section.

Catching up

2005-10-15T00:55:00.000-07:00

- Added Alex Nicholsons Bandai Vectrex system to the system's database at the Bandai Vectrex section.
- Added Pepijn's Vectrex Cabinet project to the homebrew hardware development part of the system section.
- Added Richard Hutchisons MemTrex RAM cart to the homebrew hardware development part of the system section.
- Added a 'hardcase vectrex (technician?) case' to the systems accessories list at the system section.

Exclusive - The Bandai/Japanese Vectrex

2005-09-20T00:56:00.000-07:00

Added the following exclusive scans to the Bandai Vectrex special:
- Bandai vectrex system manual.
- Bandai Kousokusen member card.
- Bandai warranty card.
- Bandai highscore sheet (?).
Thanks to: David J.Elfstrom for supplying the original photos.

Report - Retrocomputerdag 2005

2005-09-15T01:18:00.000-07:00

An exclusive report of the retrocomputerdag, held in apeldoorn, the netherlands on the 10th of september is now online, including photos and videos. Click here to read it.

Exclusive - The bandai/japanese vectrex

2005-08-31T01:20:00.000-07:00

Added the following japanese game photos to the Bandai Vectrex special:
- Photos of gamecarts: Clean Sweep & Space Wars.
- Photos of boxart: Cosmic Chasm, Clean Sweep & Space Wars.
- Photos of manualfronts: Clean Sweep & Space Wars.
- Photos of a japanese controller cover.
- Added David's boxed Bandai Vectrex
Thanks to: Pepijn Bakker & Crille C for supplying the original photos.

Exclusive - The bandai/japanese vectrex

2005-08-29T01:27:00.000-07:00

- Added an exclusive special about the Bandai/Japanese vectrex (aka Kousokusen).
- Added a complete overview of Japanese games to the Bandai Vectrex and games sections.
- Added a list of Bandai-Vectrex owners (including serial number).
- Added exclusive photo's of Japanese gamecarts.
- Added complete manual scans for 3 japanese games: Armor Attack, Cosmic Chasm & Minestorm.
- Added new Bandai/Japanese vectrex media to the media section.

Website update

2005-08-18T01:40:00.000-07:00

Website updated:
- Added information about Jay Smith to the system section.
- Added homebrew hardware projects to the system section.
- Added information about Pitcher's Duel to the system & games. sections.
- Added Polar Rescue prototype rom to the games section.
- Added more modern games to the games section.
- Added a few more gamedemo's to the demo section.
- Added a whole lot of photo's & media to the media section.

Events - Retrocomputerdag 2005

2005-08-04T01:42:00.000-07:00

On the 10th of September 2005 the Retrocomputerdag convention will be held in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. Both vectrexnews.com and Revival Studios will attent the convention. We will exhibit various items, like the japanese vectrex system and have various items for sale.

For more information check out http://www.retrocomputerdag.nl

Website Launched!

2005-08-01T01:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome to www.vectrexnews.com