A look at a Vectrex (1982 video game console)

http://twitter.com/ashens Do you like straight lines and old arcade games? Then the Vectrex may well be the console for you! Released in 1982, the Vectrex features an intriguing built-in vector monitor (basically a normal CRT monitor with different control circuitry) that left the living room TV free for Dad to watch the first ever episode of Taggart. The display is strictly black and white, but by using the astonishingly MacGyver-esque technique of placing coloured plastic overlays on the screen you can make everything look a bit blue.

So what games are there? A nifty rip-off of Asteroids called Mine Storm (just don't reach level 13). There's an overly leisurely version of Berzerk. Then there's Spike, a little star man equipped with River Dance jig and the ability to teleport ladders in his quest to save Molly from the evil Spud. And finally Star Ship. Yes you guessed it, nifty spaceships with magic hypnotizing square effects that I still don't understand despite playing it several times.

As far as we know, this is the only video games console ever released that can cause permanent retina damage even if played on a moderate brightness setting. But don't worry - your eyes are quite safe through the filter of YouTube. Pity about mine.

View more game reviews and hilarious* stuff @ http://www.youtube.com/user/ashens (*Due to the subjective nature of humour, hilarity cannot be guaranteed. Your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it.)

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• Vectrex
• Ashens
• Review
• Commentary
• Video Games
• Console
• Entertainment System
• MB
• Milton Bradley
• Video Screen
• Monitor
• MineStorm
• Graphics
• Sega Master System
• Starship
• Space Wars
• Hyper Chase
• hyperchase
• Rip off
• Darkness
• Asteroid
• Space ships
• Dog in a hat
• Light pen
• 3D
• Retina Damage
• Safety
• Vector

[DjFridolf]

in 1982 they did better then the 2012s pop stations !

[OChemistO]

Ive got the 3d headset, if you ever wanted to do video with it i could send it to ya

[SteBrazier2K9]

I'd advise not watching this in the dark, you'll go blind at 11:06

[Clba78]

U had to put a screen on the moniter that comes with the cartridges

[Clba78]

My very first game had star trek and a couple of games I think my mother still has it

[tobitobide]

@DjFridolf They also cost 100 times as much.

[Willitmakeitcom]

I had one Loved it

[wechaseghosts]

The spaceship in mine storm looks like a... (Insert dirty joke here)

[aliffubuntu]

The Vectrex, AKA, CGR Mark's favourite console

[HassanFH]

Can you play online with that??

[lordoftrolling]

5:13

dat hot pink lamp :D

[mongolianape]

fuck that shit! i still own one now! got it hooked up now!