The Vectrex, a legendary console from the 1980s with its unique vector display, left behind much more than its official games and quirky accessories. Among the shadowy corners that fascinate enthusiasts, one particular category stands out: games whose existence is only hinted at through rumors or vague mentions. Titles that never progressed beyond the idea stage, prototype phase, or a stray comment in an interview. Here’s a deep dive into these ghostly video games.
Forgotten Sequels for the Light Pen
Among the titles that were mentioned but never seen, sequels to Art Master were supposed to extend the experience of the console’s famous and charming Light Pen accessory. No trace of these sequels remains, aside from a few mentions in technical documents.
Apparently planned by GCE:
- Art Master II
- Art Master III
- Art Master IV
Projects that failed due to unavailable accessories
Some ideas were linked to hardware that was never released. One example is a mysterious touchscreen that never made it to market, along with the games developed for it that couldn’t be completed.
Notable example:
- Hangman
Names Mentioned, Never Proven
Some games seem to have existed at least as concepts, mentioned in documents like Digital Press, the Vectrex FAQ, or in interviews with former employees. These details are now lost in archives. No images, no prototypes confirm their existence… just words dropped in interviews, internal lists, or vague memories from staff. Some suggest these titles never got past the brainstorming phase.
Games mentioned only in lists or publications:
- Chomp
- Imagine
- Laser Ball
- Power Trip
- Ring of Fire
- World Processing
Games Leaving Concrete Clues
A few titles stand out thanks to tangible evidence. Some have left behind traces (probably lost by now too), like a startup screen or a photo of source code.
Titles with light evidence:
- Snowball: A startup screen for this game appeared on the webpage of a former GCE employee. It is said that he assembled it himself, likely from source code or other assets in his possession.
- Air Combat: A photo of the source code exists, along with a statement from John Hall: “All I can tell you is that I’m working on a game involving air combat and a lot of action and you’ll be hearing more about it soon.” (Quote from Passport Magazine, 1984)
Promotional Cartridges
Following the very real Mr. Boston Clean Sweep, GCE reportedly prepared a promotional cartridge for Newport Cigarettes, that was supposed to be a branded version of Web Wars. According to some sources, Bill Hawkins completed the game and sent it to Newport… but nothing came of it. Another cartridge, for Salem Cigarettes, is mentioned in emails from former employees, but it has never resurfaced.
The Computer Module: Software That Never Was
The mysterious Vectrex modem/computer module was supposed to host a series of educational and creative software. Unfortunately, the project’s cancellation left these programs in the concept phase, mentioned only in listings or technical plans.
Planned software for the computer module:
- Art Program in Logo
- Basic Animation
- Basic Science
- Create a Game / Maze
- Expander + BASIC
- Exploring the Solar System
- Music Maestro
- The Sound Studio
Exec ROM B, C, and D: Invisible Evolutions
Finally, some rumors concern the console’s internal firmware. Versions B, C, and D of the Exec ROM were reportedly discussed by former GCE staff, though what they brought or changed remains unknown.
The Remains of Unfinished Potential
These phantom titles are evidence of a Vectrex universe far vaster than the official history reveals. They hint at roads not taken, accessories that never saw the light of day, and ambitious technical dreams cut short.
Source: VectrexMuseum.com
