The Vectrex offers a rich multiplayer catalog… Indeed, long before LAN parties or online gaming, the Vectrex already provided a social, local, and friendly experience. Whether it’s alternating turns, cooperative play, or player-vs-player, the Vectrex surprises with its wide range of two-player formats. And thanks to homebrew games, this catalog continues to grow.
A System Built for Multiplayer
From launch, the Vectrex came with two controller ports, which was not yet standard at the time. Unlike some competing consoles, it didn’t require any extra accessories to play with two players…
You just needed two controllers ! This detail shows how deeply the idea of multiplayer was embedded in the console’s design.
Taking Turns
Many of the original Vectrex games feature alternating turns between two players. This format, inherited from arcade machines, emphasizes score comparison. It builds tension between players, each one watching for the other’s mistakes to try and outperform them. You might get impatient waiting for your turn, but passing the controller isn’t a technical limitation : it’s part of the retro gaming charm.
Some original Vectrex titles that offer alternating 1-2 player gameplay include :
- Bedlam
- Berzerk
- Clean Sweep
- Cosmic Chasm
- Fortress of Narzod
- Hyperchase
- MineStorm
- Polar Rescue
- Scramble
- Solar Quest
- Spike
- Spinball (Flipper pinball)
- Star Trek : The motion picture
- Web wars
Co-op Play
Less common on consoles of this era, simultaneous cooperative gameplay is still present on the Vectrex. These games allow two players to act at the same time, often teaming up against a common threat. This completely changes the gameplay dynamic : it’s no longer about outperforming the other, but about succeeding together. It requires coordination, communication, and sometimes even shared strategy.
Original Vectrex games with 1-2 player cooperative modes include :
- Armor Attack
- Rip Off
- Star Castle
- Star Hawk
The Duel
Player-vs-player (PvP) games are perhaps the ones that age the best. The direct, immediate, almost physical competition remains timeless. Two controllers, one screen, and you’re off to intense sessions where every mistake can be costly. These games were a precursor to what would help make later consoles successful : direct showdowns between friends, centered on games that are simple yet deep.
Original Vectrex PvP games for 1-2 players include :
- Blitz!
- Heads Up (Soccer Football)
- Pitcher’s Duel
- Space wars
Homebrew Multiplayer Games
Today, the Vectrex enjoys a wide range of homebrew games. Many passionate developers are pushing the limits of the system, and multiplayer remains one of the richest areas of experimentation. Several recent titles include cooperative or competitive two-player modes. Some revisit arcade classics, while others create entirely new concepts.
Fun Fact : Vectopia (a homebrew game by John Dondzila) is the only Vectrex game that allows four players to play simultaneously !
Here are a few titles :
- Nebula Commander
- Pitcher’s Duel
- Player 2
- Revector
- Star Sling
- Sub Wars
Vectrex : A Console Meant for Playing Together
Just two controllers, a console, and a good old dose of instant fun. Multiplayer on the Vectrex has a special charm : it’s simple, direct, raw. And that’s probably why it’s so appealing… Whether with friends or family, it comes with shouts of joy, friendly squabbles, and a rematch right after.
