Would anybody be interested in cartridge releases of these..

[garryg]

Hello, I'm looking for a bit of advice from Vectrex players out there.

I've recently made cartridge versions of my 'Circus Vectrex' and 'Trapped' games, both of which are older games and have had BINs released of previous versions, and also appear on the (as of writing this) latest version of Sean Kelly Multicart.



The versions I've made the cartridges from are the latest revisions of the games, although there's not much (if any) visible differences from the versions on the Multicart.
I'd just like peoples opinions of these games and if you think they would work as a single game cartridge release.



They both appear to play fine on my Vectrex, but I'm not sure if I've eliminated drift for all other systems!



I don't know whether or not it's worth releasing these or if I should just keep the hardware, chips, boards, cases I've got for a possible release of the latest game I've been working on (on and off) which is a much bigger version of the Trapped game with both indoor and outdoor areas, and an improved drawing routine. You can also see these games on my blog (Vectrex Page, and Hardware page).

Let me know here or PM me if you think they are good enough. As I have most of the parts, I think I can release these for around £15 to £20 plus P&P in a cartridge with a box and overlay (of sorts). No I'm not really looking at making much profit!


You can see the YouTube links below (no sound and on an emulator) along with playable links on a web emulator.

Circus Vectrex video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGgJAQLXH1g

Trapped video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU2LigCTyus



Circus Vectrex playable link: drsnuggles.github.io/jsvecx/?rom=Circus

Trapped playable link: drsnuggles.github.io/jsvecx/?rom=Trapped







I'd like to see if there is any market for these games, so would appreciate some real honest opinions please.



Thank you.

[VectorX]

There's ALWAYS a market for new Vectrex carts!

I'd just make sure that bug--whatever it is--on Trapped that can make you lose all your life force (or whatever it is) is gone. You had stated in a post ages ago about how you can make it to the end with x amount of life left. There had been many, many times I would see the life very quickly go down right in front of my eyes and there wasn't a fly to be seen anywhere. I don't know if it was some bug with using it on the kind of Vectrex I have, a certain flashcart or what.

Other than that, I don't see why the hell not

[scallen]

i'd grab one of each for sure!

[D-Type]

I'm not really a player, but...

Trapped looks promising but unfinished to me.

Circus, on the other hand, looks a lot more polished and fun!

[garryg]

Trapped was a proof-of-concept for a much bigger and more ambitious game. It was basically an engine test made into a game.

I did look at the way the timer was implemented and redone some of the process, but have still never seen the bug myself, so it's maybe caused by something I'm not doing. I would look at this again before I sold anything.

This is all just a question at the moment, but I will continue to put any progress up as I go.



If I were to concentrate on making a box, overlay (the best I can) and release one game on cartridge first what one would you prefer?

[VectorX]

Jan 29, 2021 16:33:53 GMT -5 garryg said:

I did look at the way the timer was implemented and redone some of the process, but have still never seen the bug myself, so it's maybe caused by something I'm not doing. I would look at this again before I sold anything.

That's good.

BTW everybody, be sure to vote on the poll at the top of the page

[cNp]

Hey, good to hear on progress on your games, I've had your roms on my flash carts for a while and like your style

I would personally release Circus but hold back on Trapped if you are working on more advanced version of it having proved the engine.

The experience of selling Circus will also likely give you ideas on what you'd like to do for "Uber-Trapped" when you come to release it.

As always I'm happy to test for you, and anyone, on multiple Vectrexes if you need help with that.

Chris

[garryg]

Circus Vectrex it is then, based on the feedback I've got from here and other places.

I'm still using the Trapped Demo as my test for making packaging and an overlay just now. Then I'll look at making these for Circus. I'm also looking at tweaking it a bit, the screen draw could maybe be done a bit better to shave off some cycles. Right now the drift has got really bad for this game on my Vectrex, although I know it's fine on others. So will also try to do something about that.

I have no idea when these will be ready, the plan is to just build some then contact everyone who has expressed an interest

[TrekMD]

That's cool!

[50tbrd]

I'd definitely support the release of any of your games.

[garryg]

It looks like the cartridges I was going to get printed for me are not happening!
I had a look at costs from Sean Kelly's Vectrex Page, four grey cartridges for $14 (£10.26) is fine, but $59.25 (£43.41) for shipping four cases is a bit steep.
So unless there is a UK seller I may have to 3D print my own, but I don't know if my printer will be up to it! Anybody know if there is a UK based cartridge supplier, probably not! Unless I can get creative and find a project box that I can modify or something. Not sure how that would turn out!?

Not a game stopper as I've still got a lot of work to do before I need the cartridge cases.

[VECTREXER]

Feb 2, 2021 14:14:33 GMT -5 garryg said:

It looks like the cartridges I was going to get printed for me are not happening!
I had a look at costs from Sean Kelly's Vectrex we Page, four grey cartridges for $14 (£10.26) is fine, but $59.25 (£43.41) for shipping four cases is a bit steep.
So unless there is a UK seller I may have to 3D print my own, but I don't know if my printer will be up to it! Anybody know if there is a UK based cartridge supplier ...

Contact:
Chris over at Binary Star Software.
www.binarystarsoftware.com/

James at Clockwork Robot
www.clockworkrobot.com/

Chris P. over at Vector Republic
www.vectorrepublic.co.uk/

All of them are in the UK and usually have some carts to spare for a project.

[garryg]

Feb 2, 2021 21:35:35 GMT -5 VECTREXER said:

Contact: ... All of them are in the UK and usually have some carts to spare for a project.

Thanks a lot for this, very helpfull.

[mostlyharmless]

I'd buy a copy of each

[albkon77]

I like both and i'll sure buy them