A game-by-game history of Vector display-based arcade games produced between 1979 and 1985. We will also feature occasional "Deep-dive" episodes, in which we look specifically at aspects of vector display technology and history.
In this special bonus episode, I give my thoughts on the Tempest FPGA Multigame kit developed by Scott Swazey of Tattlersolutions.com The kit replaces the PCB in a standard Tempest game with an FPGA-based solution…Continue ReadingSeason 1, Episode 4.1: Review – Tempest FPGA Multigame kit
In Episode 3 of the Season of Atari, we discuss the last of the three “First-Generation” Vector games from Atari. Asteroids Deluxe, designed by Dave Shepperd, was the sequel to one of the most beloved…Continue ReadingSeason 1, Episode 3: Asteroids Deluxe
In the second full episode of the Vectorcast, we discuss Atari’s second Vector game: 1979’s all-time classic, runaway hit, Asteroids. Designed by Ed Logg, Lyle Rains and Howard Delman, Asteroids would re-define what success means…Continue ReadingSeason 1, Episode 2: Asteroids
In this, the first full episode of Season One, The Season of Atari, we discuss Atari’s first Arcade Vector Game: 1979’s Lunar Lander. Lunar Lander was the first game released on Atari’s “Quadrascan” vector system. …Continue ReadingSeason 1, Episode 1: Lunar Lander
Special bonus episode 0.1: What exactly are we talking about when we say “Vector Arcade Games”? Here, I explain what vector games are, and how they are different from Raster-based games.
Welcome to the Vectorcast! Here’s the introductory episode where we basically go over what you can expect in the future.
In Episode 4 of the Season of Atari, we discuss Ed Rotberg’s 1980 first-person tank shooter, Battlezone. In addition to being a classic vector, Battlezone is also one of the first examples of an immersive,…Continue ReadingSeason 1, Episode 4: Battlezone
In this special bonus episode of the Vectorcast, we discuss the basics of black and white vector monitor anatomy, as well as the various monitors that Atari used in their black and white vector games.…Continue ReadingSeason 1, Episode 1.1: Atari Black and White Vector Monitors