In the firmament of video game consoles, the Vectrex shines with a unique light. Launched in 1982, this console stands out for its monochrome vector display and futuristic design. At the heart of this innovation lies a built-in game, a clever marketing technique to attract customers sometimes hesitant to buy game cartridges.
Precise vector display
Thus, the Vectrex comes with MineStorm, integrated into the hardware. As soon as it’s turned on, the game starts instantly. At a time when the video game industry was dominated by pixels and garish colors, the Vectrex offered a bold alternative with its precise vector display.
MineStorm, inspired by the phenomenal success of Asteroids, was developed to showcase the full capabilities of this unique display. Atari was the master of vector games, not only with the famous Asteroids but also successes like Lunar Lander (1979) and later Major Havoc (1983) and the incredible Star Wars game of 1983, which puts the player in the cockpit of an X-Wing in 3D perspective.
Vector graphics is an art, and Atari’s developers were its masters. At Milton Bradley (MB), the engineers in charge of the Vectrex faced a significant challenge: to create a game that not only leveraged this innovative technology but would also be what’s called a “killer app,” a game so good it would make people want to buy the console just for it !
MineStorm transports players to a field of space mines where they must navigate and survive the risks of collisions. With a spaceship capable of moving in all directions, randomly teleporting to an area of the screen, and shooting at mines to destroy them, the game offers an intense experience.
Players must combine reflexes and avoidance strategies. Each level introduces increasingly difficult-to-destroy mines which, from level 4 onward, become magnetic, a true nightmare! A gradual difficulty that tests the player’s skill and reactivity.
Innovation and ambition
MineStorm was not just a game included with the Vectrex; it was a demonstration of what the console was capable of offering: an immersive and visually distinct gaming experience. This game not only demonstrated the technical prowess of the Vectrex but also established a strong bond with its community, becoming one of the favorites among the short list of games for Vectrex. MineStorm is often cited as one of the best examples of the creative exploitation of vector display in video gaming.
Despite its ingenuity, MineStorm was not without flaws. A notorious bug prevented progression beyond level 13 (the curse !). In response, the creators of Vectrex offered a corrected version, MineStorm II, available for free upon request to console owners. This approach, although costly, reflects the brand’s commitment to its community. However, few players reached this level, and even fewer requested the bug-free cartridge, making the original MineStorm II cartridges rarities for retro-gaming collectors today.
MineStorm remains a jewel in the crown of Vectrex, embodying the console’s innovation and ambition. More than just a game, it is a testament to the daring and experimental era of early video gaming. Through MineStorm, the Vectrex reminds us of the importance of technical and creative innovation in the development of video games, a lesson that remains relevant today.
