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Post by mooseman on Jul 10, 2012 16:05:51 GMT -5
So I wasn't sure whether to post this here or maybe Atari Age instead, but this'll do for now.
I'm a fairly modest collector, I recently completed a full UK Vectrex collection, and have started to buy a few homebrew games. But what's worrying is, a lot of homebrew titles have seen an extremely limited physical release, but then have been doomed to rot on non-updated websites for years. There's really no reason at all for ROMs not to be released - the cartridges will still be incredibly rare and hold their value, and the games get to be enjoyed by all Vectrex owners (or emulator users.)
Let's get Logo, Spike's Circus and Star Sling (the developer has a contact form on his website but never replies.) Let's get VeCaves and Spike's Spree. Let's get Joust, even if it is only 30% complete. There's probably a few I've missed but those are the main ones - most developers have thankfully released ROMs.
These games shouldn't be forgotten - they're part of Vectrex and videogaming history. It's very frustating to read about them but never get to play them, and I'm sure it's the same for many new Vectrex owners. I understand that the developers wanted to sell their work, but some of these games are almost 10 years old - to me it's ridiculous that they haven't been released.
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Post by VectorX on Jul 10, 2012 16:15:26 GMT -5
Welcome aboard, first off  But what's worrying is, a lot of homebrew titles have seen an extremely limited physical release, but then have been doomed to rot on non-updated websites for years. There's really no reason at all for ROMs not to be released - Well, it depends on what the story is, as you can't really say unless you're in the developer's shoes. I don't think anyone knows what's going on over at Vectorzoa, as there's been one other person on here (TrekMD) who has mentioned that he doesn't reply to e-mails. I don't know what the deal is with VecCaves/Spike's Spree either. Some of it may have to do with [lack of] time, as most people from the age of 18 and over (maybe even younger than that), in general, feel they don't have enough time on their hands  A lot of homebrews have been available for years, such as everything Dondzila has done (he's only done a very few limited editions, and all of those [Rockaroids] have made it onto unlimited edition carts [All Good Things]). FURY's first several games were limited editions, but he's made several of them available for free download, will continue to do so (I assume), and with his last several he started making them unlimited edition for the time being. Another example is Christopher Tumber, who disappeared from the scene for many years, leaving those of us wanting Spinnerama, Tsunami/VIX and Omega Chase out of luck for quite some time (a story I heard was that he suffered a house fire, possibly losing all his development stuff in the process, but that's my [again] assuming). He only just suddenly reappeared the other month. Hadn't heard what the deal was with him yet, or if he'll bring back his carts. Anyway, that's about it. Still plenty of games to enjoy in the meantime |
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Post by TrekMD on Jul 10, 2012 16:34:12 GMT -5
I have tried to contact Vectorzoa several times and I do not get any kind of reply. Interstingly, the emails do not bounce back, so they seem to be going to an inbox somewhere. Either they are not being read by anyone or they are ending up as junk mail. I don't know. It would be cool if we could find out what is happening with some of these homebrew games, all of them, not just those by Vectorzoa.
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Post by session on Jul 10, 2012 18:23:30 GMT -5
Would love to see someone new step up and start developing. My friend is a games programmer, I've been on his case to have a go at the Vectrex for a while now. Because of the limited library on the Vectrex it really does need new games to liven it up and push the limits of the machine or introduce some new genres.
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Post by gliptitude on Jul 11, 2012 13:40:49 GMT -5
Even with these issues of 'lost games' Vectrex still looks like the best supported homebrew console scene to me, even currently. There is more available I think for Vectrex than other consoles, and what is available rivals the original games in quality, occasionally surpassing them, which I don't think can be said for most other homebrews. Fury unlimited alone accounts for more new completed productions than some other consoles' entire scenes. And it's not like that accounts for everything good or new happening with the Vectrex.
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Post by TrekMD on Jul 11, 2012 13:57:23 GMT -5
From what I've seen, the Vectrex does have a very good homebrew community that supports it. I think only the 2600 challenges that and then, not all the efforts for the 2600 are so good. I think we have to remember how old these consoles are and be happy that anyone still supports them! |
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Post by gliptitude on Jul 11, 2012 13:59:51 GMT -5
Heh I'm not saying that it wouldn't be awesome though to see more new games and new people..
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Post by TrekMD on Jul 11, 2012 14:08:42 GMT -5
Heh I'm not saying that it wouldn't be awesome though to see more new games and new people.. The more the merrier! |
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Post by session on Jul 12, 2012 9:18:05 GMT -5
I'd like to see maybe a beat mania or vib ribbon to vectrex tunes or new sports game California games style would be cool. Just something new other than a Space shooter.
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Post by desfeek on Jul 12, 2012 15:16:23 GMT -5
I don't mind Space Shooters. The Vectrex is perfect for them (hardware and capability-wise), and they are relatively easy to program. Also, they provide quick, action-packed fun that is eternally satisfying.
Honestly, when I want to play videogames, I mostly just want to zone out and blow up spaceships.
Either that, or work on an epic RPG - but the Vectrex just can't do them.
A 'Beat-Mania' style game might be pretty doable and cool. I just loathe California/Summer/Winter Olympic games. oooo what about an Excitebike clone?
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Post by mooseman on Jul 12, 2012 15:35:52 GMT -5
I'm hoping that some people here are in contact with the developers - I'm interested to hear from Mayhem, as he seems to be quite into the community. I did some research and it seems he won the Joust cartridge at a charity auction.
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Post by TrekMD on Jul 12, 2012 15:39:09 GMT -5
Dang, would love to see Joust released for the Vectrex!
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Post by VectorX on Jul 12, 2012 15:49:28 GMT -5
^Seems to me it could just be called something else, a la Suicide Mission... I'm hoping that some people here are in contact with the developers Many of them are easy to contact and will respond; I've been in contact with George of FURY many times over the years, for example. I'm not going to bug him or anyone else in regards to coming up with games though, I'll just let them do their jobs |
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Post by TrekMD on Jul 12, 2012 15:55:24 GMT -5
^Seems to me it could just be called something else, a la Suicide Mission... They can call it Ostriches, Egg Hunt, Knights, or anything they want as long as it has the game play, as far as I'm concerned. Many of them are easy to contact and will respond; I've been in contact with George of FURY many times over the years, for example. I'm not going to bug him or anyone else in regards to coming up with games though, I'll just let them do their jobs Don't want to piss them off either by nagging them too much. We want them to develop games, not be upset that people are inpatient. |
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Post by VectorX on Jul 12, 2012 16:18:55 GMT -5
^Seems to me it could just be called something else, a la Suicide Mission... They can call it Ostriches, Egg Hunt, Knights, or anything they want as long as it has the game play, as far as I'm concerned. ...or "Voust" or something (in regards to someone who had said something about not liking having the word "vector" in titles; heh. I forgot who that was ;D ) |
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