a belated thank you for this videot...I contacted Kristof, and bought all three games shortly after watching it. You're right too they are easily the best arcade ports on the Vectrex, in many ways surpassing the originals (heck, the cut-scene when you beat a best time for a section of Vector Patrol could easily have been sold as a stand alone demo cart!) Kristof, (along with James G Watt - author of the Vectrex version of Battle Zone (2017's Stramash Zone) has set the bar for future Vectrex arcade conversions (Red Baron and Star Wars Arcade maybe?). To be fair though, while Kristofs games are unchallenged as the best on the system, and his overlays and packaging are outstanding, the overlay for Stramash Zone is quite simply the best overlay ever created for a Vectrex game. It singlehandedly converted my Vectrex to a true arcade cabinet look and created an absolutely convincing full colour game experience. Kristof & James thank you both SO much for your stellar work, and Jenovi, thanks for pointing me in the right direction a few months ago and enhancing the joy of owning a Vectrex (which was already the most joyful 80's home-console experience - period)
Thank you for the very kind message and for drawing my attention to Stramash Zone. This is the first time I've heard of it. That just goes to show how impossible it is for developers to get the word out to all those who are potential buyers and fanatics. If I could get Red Baron on the Vectrex, I would be in heaven! Man, I love that game.
@@Jenovi Not sure if Red Barron would exceed the maximum vector point count of the Vectrex's limited memory, but after seeing Vector Patrol, anything is possible. HIGHLY recommend Stramash Zone (stramash means brawl or 'battle') a wee bit slow at the beginning, but it becomes very challenging and as addictive as the arcade original...plus the overlay will redefine your conception of what is possible. Like Kristof's offerings, there a lot of features (like overhead view play) that the arcade could only dream of. If you liked Battle Zone, you NEED the Stramash Zone! (sexy packaging too!)
@@Jenovi Damned Homebrew limited runs!!...missed out on a cartridge version of Pitfall for the TI-99/4A because of being late to the party (and at least TI based games don't have overlays to worry about so I was able to grab both a ROM and a disc based version. On a Vectrex, you want the original to get that overlay!) Hope he gets back to you and you can order a copy.
@@Jenovi i managed to get a copy of Stramash - great game. Is there any way to still order these 3 games or at least, VectorPatrol, from Kristof? his website is no longer up. thanks
It's amazing what Kristof has been able to accomplish on the Vectrex. Vector Patrol is especially mind-blowing. I couldn't believe the quality of the overlay when I received mine. The whole package is so far beyond what you'd expect from the system that it's almost unbelievable. Thanks for covering this kind of content. I've only recently discovered your channel but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites. Cheers! 🍷
These games look amazing! I’m totally blown away by the music and I’ll have to look into these. I also appreciate the detailed game cases and packaging. Fantastic video!
They are very much worth the price of admission. 52-59 Euros each shipped to your stoop. I just happened across your channel yesterday via your excellent Vectrex video. Fantastic job on it and on capturing that extremely clean footage, I was blown away.
Thanks Jimmy. The Vectrex is the only Second Gen console I own that isn't packed away in a box and stuffed in a dark hole. Actually, my Intellivision was allowed to come out and play, but I can't allow that door stop to stay in view much longer.
Vector Pilot is my favorite. Kristoff nailed it!!!!!! He even included an alternate overlay as an unexpected bonus. As far as “original” 80’s-era Vectrex games, I like Berzerk (minor bugs and all). Vector Patrol is on my short-list of upcoming purchases.
Dude, these games look incredible. I'm absolutely floored by all of them but especially Vector Patrol. The visuals, the music... it's gorgeous. Great video man!
Kristoff Tuts is a Vectrex programming genius and an all-around, super nice guy! I'm happy to see more people discover and play his masterpieces.. They are some of the best, most polished homebrew games ever made for the Vectrex. Great review/video! 👍
Watching this again-a really good, comprehensive video. You covered so much ground in a short time; really appreciate your thoroughness. Also, excellent video capture-such a challenge with Vectrex.
Another great video. Love learning about the Vectrex. Moon Patrol was one of my (and my parents) absolute favorites growing up. I really want to play Vector Patrol!!! Also appreciate you showing off the packaging -- I had the same thought that those cases look a lot like the old Disney VHS clamshells.
I love hearing about the Vectrex. It's a system I don't own and I can never find one for a good price. The homebrew scene for it is incredible The Vector Patrol music is mind blowing. Great as always, Jenovi! If you haven't discovered him yet, you should check out Vectrex Roli. His channel is mostly on Vectrex and Virtual Boy stuff. I think you'd like it as a Vectrex fan
Treychik The company WAS planning a hand-held, until they saw GameBOY. People are experimenting with “flat tubes” used in the early portable TV’s. The hardware has been duplicated recently, not emulated or FPGA. So you never know!
Who else thought Jenovi at 0:42 said Kristof Putz ??????? Cool video Jenovi i to love the VECTREX : ) Love those vector graphics ... Walking into an arcade back in the early 80's the vector games just stood out, calling to you, saying " Put your quarter in me boy " ...lol
Masterpieces! As someone already stated above. While Moon Patrol is not my #1, this Vector Patrol IS my #1 over everything in my collection! You failed to mention unlockable CONTENT in VP. No spoilers, please. Incredible port w/arcade perfect sound effects, same enemy placement + music + cut scenes, THEN add choice of 3 “things to ride / drive” & 3 different backgrounds that you can mix and match makes replay with 9 different configurations. The chip tune at the end? “Walking on the Moon” by The Police! Head=blown.
No joke. It’s my #1. I was lucky to be a Beta Tester and get my name on that billboard seen in the cut scene, along with dozens of others. The chip tune is so good, it’s easy to watch all the credits! Even though this video was posted long before my comments, unlockable content in Vector Pilot and especially Vector Patrol make gameplay better than the arcade original. P.S. My jaw is still open in amazement. Kristof was working on Vectrexians in the 1990’s and we were amazed back then he could draw a whole rack of aliens without slowdown or terrible flicker.
Just got this, vector pilot and stramash zone and 3.0 multi-Cart. Man am I in vectex heaven right now!!! VPilot and Vpatrol are absolute quality and masterpieces in my opinion. Smooth, slick and well animated. I was stunned as I was playing VPatrol. I cannot recommend these games. Stramash zone is a bit ambitious but just pulls it off. Totally playable battle zone clone. Interesting that the best vectrex games are coming out decades after the console is supposedly dead!!! Phenomenal job to the genious who made these!!!!
It really is a great system that seems to hold it's value. With systems like the Colecovision, you can almost wait for one to be given to you. Over the last two years, I see fewer Vextrex for sale when I'm out and about, plus the price of them is slowly creeping past $300.00 for the standalone unit.
I know this is old but...what I'm seeing doesn't make sense (Time Pilot). I am very familiar with the Vectrex and how its overlays work. How is your ship staying green while the enemies are multicolored? Wait...I got it, I turned up the brightness on my phone. Are you changing overlays between levels? Addendum- This was a fantastic video that shows off games I did not know existed on the Vectrex. We (fiancee and I) have an extensive retro gaming collection but we do not have a Vertex. Mostly because I wasn't around for it and started gaming in 1986 with the Nes and Master System respectively. My fiancee is quite a bit younger than me and started with the PS2 so she's really unfamiliar with the Vectrex. I'm thinking of picking one up and want to know if people are still modifying the screens to display color? One last thing, have you seen MAME running on a Vextrex?! It's amazing! Apparently as the Vectrex displays vector graphics it can emulate any game of that type without having to make concessions. I saw Star Wars Arcade *Atari running on one through a PC flawlessly and it was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed a retro machine do. If you haven't seen it...check it out.
Thanks for watching this. I really should do another Vectrex video as this is one of my fav systems. If you get a system and just want to play games, not collect, Sean Kelly makes new overlays and all in one carts. To my knowledge, a color system was in the works, but never released. I'm not aware of any aftermarket color mods. The overlay is the same per game through the entire video. There's something about this system and a legit Vector monitor nothing can match.
Thanks for this vid! Great reviews of amazing games! It would appear that you got overlays 1&3, which just so happen to be the 2 still available. I assume that seeing the actual pattern, as opposed to just colored vectors, of overlay 3 but not overlay 1 in your video is just due to camera/lighting differences, right? Which is more accurate to real life? BTW, your Vectrex needs calibration. According to his site, the rover should always be in the orange section of the overlay. It's not to hard to shift your screen down. I recommend using the test cart/rom and overlay.
Thanks for the great comment. I've been working on the road so I haven't been able to take a second look at the overlays. I will say they variation is minimal between the two. I'll be sure calibrate the system too.
This is kind of an old video. Is Tufts still making these games? You're right, though. The level of polish he puts into his arcade ports is just stunning.
Some may say...I'm wishing my days away...No way...And if it's the price I pay...Some say...Tomorrow's another day...You stay...I may as well play...Moon Patrol...A-K-A...oo-oo-oo V-E-C-T-O-R P-A-T-R-O-L.
a belated thank you for this videot...I contacted Kristof, and bought all three games shortly after watching it.
You're right too they are easily the best arcade ports on the Vectrex, in many ways surpassing the originals (heck, the cut-scene when you beat a best time for a section of Vector Patrol could easily have been sold as a stand alone demo cart!)
Kristof, (along with James G Watt - author of the Vectrex version of Battle Zone (2017's Stramash Zone) has set the bar for future Vectrex arcade conversions (Red Baron and Star Wars Arcade maybe?).
To be fair though, while Kristofs games are unchallenged as the best on the system, and his overlays and packaging are outstanding, the overlay for Stramash Zone is quite simply the best overlay ever created for a Vectrex game. It singlehandedly converted my Vectrex to a true arcade cabinet look and created an absolutely convincing full colour game experience.
Kristof & James thank you both SO much for your stellar work, and Jenovi, thanks for pointing me in the right direction a few months ago and enhancing the joy of owning a Vectrex (which was already the most joyful 80's home-console experience - period)
Thank you for the very kind message and for drawing my attention to Stramash Zone. This is the first time I've heard of it. That just goes to show how impossible it is for developers to get the word out to all those who are potential buyers and fanatics. If I could get Red Baron on the Vectrex, I would be in heaven! Man, I love that game.
@@Jenovi Not sure if Red Barron would exceed the maximum vector point count of the Vectrex's limited memory, but after seeing Vector Patrol, anything is possible.
HIGHLY recommend Stramash Zone (stramash means brawl or 'battle') a wee bit slow at the beginning, but it becomes very challenging and as addictive as the arcade original...plus the overlay will redefine your conception of what is possible. Like Kristof's offerings, there a lot of features (like overhead view play) that the arcade could only dream of. If you liked Battle Zone, you NEED the Stramash Zone! (sexy packaging too!)
It appears that it might be out of print. I sent a message with fingers crossed.
@@Jenovi Damned Homebrew limited runs!!...missed out on a cartridge version of Pitfall for the TI-99/4A because of being late to the party (and at least TI based games don't have overlays to worry about so I was able to grab both a ROM and a disc based version. On a Vectrex, you want the original to get that overlay!)
Hope he gets back to you and you can order a copy.
@@Jenovi i managed to get a copy of Stramash - great game. Is there any way to still order these 3 games or at least, VectorPatrol, from Kristof? his website is no longer up. thanks
It's amazing what Kristof has been able to accomplish on the Vectrex. Vector Patrol is especially mind-blowing. I couldn't believe the quality of the overlay when I received mine. The whole package is so far beyond what you'd expect from the system that it's almost unbelievable. Thanks for covering this kind of content. I've only recently discovered your channel but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites. Cheers! 🍷
Great video. We need a Vectrex mini.
Somebody get on that.
Vectrex Mini with 4k output or Vector screen plus build in overlay option? I could get behind a project like that.
I'd be backing that immediately. A lot of retro machines are being done, why not Vectrex? Its a classic !
These games look amazing! I’m totally blown away by the music and I’ll have to look into these. I also appreciate the detailed game cases and packaging. Fantastic video!
They are very much worth the price of admission. 52-59 Euros each shipped to your stoop. I just happened across your channel yesterday via your excellent Vectrex video. Fantastic job on it and on capturing that extremely clean footage, I was blown away.
Jenovi I’ll probably end up getting at least one of them, ha. And that’s awesome, thank you very much!
Erin aproved :)
i was just filmed one of these at a game store in california. it was such a trip to see one of these being used!
Oh man, this video was like a wet dream--I'm fascinated by the Vectrex...it's so damned beautiful. Super interesting stuff as usual.
Thanks Jimmy. The Vectrex is the only Second Gen console I own that isn't packed away in a box and stuffed in a dark hole. Actually, my Intellivision was allowed to come out and play, but I can't allow that door stop to stay in view much longer.
Vector Pilot is my favorite. Kristoff nailed it!!!!!! He even included an alternate overlay as an unexpected bonus. As far as “original” 80’s-era Vectrex games, I like Berzerk (minor bugs and all).
Vector Patrol is on my short-list of upcoming purchases.
Dude, these games look incredible. I'm absolutely floored by all of them but especially Vector Patrol. The visuals, the music... it's gorgeous. Great video man!
When I get home, I plan I playing it while in my studio. You know, to distract myself from my video making responsibilities.
Great Review . I have Vector Pilot and Vector Patrol and these games have brought new life to my Vectrex.
Thanks. It makes me happy that the Vectrex still receives support.
The Vectrex footage looks amazing, great job to capture any usable material, here it is so bright and so we'll defined too.
Nice to see when more than one game is ordered the packaging is a box instead of a bubble mailer. Will have to order multiple next time.
Totally agree, we reviewed Vector Patrol recently on our channel and we were blown away with it! A superb game by a genius of a programmer 👍
Oh shoot, looks like you have an interesting channel. I'll be sure to check it out.
Jenovi Thanks, that means a lot!
I really enjoyed your enthusiasm for this system, Jenovi! Keep up the great work!!
Man, I love the Vectrex.
Kristoff Tuts is a Vectrex programming genius and an all-around, super nice guy! I'm happy to see more people discover and play his masterpieces.. They are some of the best, most polished homebrew games ever made for the Vectrex. Great review/video! 👍
His games are incredible. Thank you for checking this out and giving feedback.
Man, those games do indeed look amazing!
Watching this again-a really good, comprehensive video. You covered so much ground in a short time; really appreciate your thoroughness. Also, excellent video capture-such a challenge with Vectrex.
Thanks! Sure feels like we should be close to a new release.
Vector patrol is amazing ! I had the same reaction playing it. It seems they can add more into the modern cartridges made today
It’s wild how good this stuff is.
DUDE!! The games are certainly impressive, but the cutscenes in Vector Petrol blew me away. :D
This retro console is the retroest you can get for gaming experience. I just loooove all about it.
Another great video. Love learning about the Vectrex. Moon Patrol was one of my (and my parents) absolute favorites growing up. I really want to play Vector Patrol!!! Also appreciate you showing off the packaging -- I had the same thought that those cases look a lot like the old Disney VHS clamshells.
It's kind of funny that my parents owned an arcade and had 80's arcade games in our home my whole life yet I never played Moon Patrol growing up.
I love hearing about the Vectrex. It's a system I don't own and I can never find one for a good price. The homebrew scene for it is incredible The Vector Patrol music is mind blowing. Great as always, Jenovi! If you haven't discovered him yet, you should check out Vectrex Roli. His channel is mostly on Vectrex and Virtual Boy stuff. I think you'd like it as a Vectrex fan
I’ll have to check that channel out. Thanks for the recommendation.
This is awesome...console! :) wish somebody to release Vectrex mini :)
Treychik The company WAS planning a hand-held, until they saw GameBOY. People are experimenting with “flat tubes” used in the early portable TV’s. The hardware has been duplicated recently, not emulated or FPGA. So you never know!
My God, the boxes are gorgeous! TutsTronix doesn't fuck around.
This system is just so cool looking.
It's my favorite of the era.
Who else thought Jenovi at 0:42 said Kristof Putz ??????? Cool video Jenovi i to love the VECTREX : ) Love those vector graphics ... Walking into an arcade back in the early 80's the vector games just stood out, calling to you, saying " Put your quarter in me boy " ...lol
There are people now making reproduction cardboard Vectrex boxes. It would be awesome to have these newer games packaged up like the originals!
Wow.. moon patrol, now I need to make chicken money for that game. Great video Shaun.
I'll try remembering to bring it down next month so you can check it out.
Very cool
Masterpieces! As someone already stated above. While Moon Patrol is not my #1, this Vector Patrol IS my #1 over everything in my collection! You failed to mention unlockable CONTENT in VP. No spoilers, please. Incredible port w/arcade perfect sound effects, same enemy placement + music + cut scenes, THEN add choice of 3 “things to ride / drive” & 3 different backgrounds that you can mix and match makes replay with 9 different configurations. The chip tune at the end? “Walking on the Moon” by The Police! Head=blown.
No joke. It’s my #1. I was lucky to be a Beta Tester and get my name on that billboard seen in the cut scene, along with dozens of others. The chip tune is so good, it’s easy to watch all the credits!
Even though this video was posted long before my comments, unlockable content in Vector Pilot and especially Vector Patrol make gameplay better than the arcade original.
P.S. My jaw is still open in amazement. Kristof was working on Vectrexians in the 1990’s and we were amazed back then he could draw a whole rack of aliens without slowdown or terrible flicker.
These games are the absolute pinnacle of Vectrex collecting and gameplay experience. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.
Just got this, vector pilot and stramash zone and 3.0 multi-Cart. Man am I in vectex heaven right now!!! VPilot and Vpatrol are absolute quality and masterpieces in my opinion. Smooth, slick and well animated. I was stunned as I was playing VPatrol. I cannot recommend these games. Stramash zone is a bit ambitious but just pulls it off. Totally playable battle zone clone. Interesting that the best vectrex games are coming out decades after the console is supposedly dead!!! Phenomenal job to the genious who made these!!!!
Cannot recomend these games enough*
Man, I want a Vectrex so bad. I almost bought one at TooManyGames two years ago, but stayed my hand and someone else bought it (of course).
It really is a great system that seems to hold it's value. With systems like the Colecovision, you can almost wait for one to be given to you. Over the last two years, I see fewer Vextrex for sale when I'm out and about, plus the price of them is slowly creeping past $300.00 for the standalone unit.
breathtaking
Absolutely mind blowing for such old system,now we do need a space invaders clone on the vectrex.
I almost can't believe one hasn't been done yet.
@@Jenovi It has :) Y.A.S.I. / Protector is a perfect clone of Space invaders and defender (yet another space invaders = YASI)
Oh, I’ll have to check it out.
WOW !!!!! Kristof is going to getting an order from ME ..... Hell yeah, love it
He really deserves more recognition. Glad to hear your picking games up as you won't be disappointed.
I know this is old but...what I'm seeing doesn't make sense (Time Pilot). I am very familiar with the Vectrex and how its overlays work. How is your ship staying green while the enemies are multicolored? Wait...I got it, I turned up the brightness on my phone. Are you changing overlays between levels?
Addendum- This was a fantastic video that shows off games I did not know existed on the Vectrex. We (fiancee and I) have an extensive retro gaming collection but we do not have a Vertex. Mostly because I wasn't around for it and started gaming in 1986 with the Nes and Master System respectively. My fiancee is quite a bit younger than me and started with the PS2 so she's really unfamiliar with the Vectrex. I'm thinking of picking one up and want to know if people are still modifying the screens to display color? One last thing, have you seen MAME running on a Vextrex?! It's amazing! Apparently as the Vectrex displays vector graphics it can emulate any game of that type without having to make concessions. I saw Star Wars Arcade *Atari running on one through a PC flawlessly and it was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed a retro machine do. If you haven't seen it...check it out.
Thanks for watching this. I really should do another Vectrex video as this is one of my fav systems. If you get a system and just want to play games, not collect, Sean Kelly makes new overlays and all in one carts.
To my knowledge, a color system was in the works, but never released. I'm not aware of any aftermarket color mods. The overlay is the same per game through the entire video. There's something about this system and a legit Vector monitor nothing can match.
Thanks for this vid! Great reviews of amazing games! It would appear that you got overlays 1&3, which just so happen to be the 2 still available. I assume that seeing the actual pattern, as opposed to just colored vectors, of overlay 3 but not overlay 1 in your video is just due to camera/lighting differences, right? Which is more accurate to real life?
BTW, your Vectrex needs calibration. According to his site, the rover should always be in the orange section of the overlay. It's not to hard to shift your screen down. I recommend using the test cart/rom and overlay.
Thanks for the great comment. I've been working on the road so I haven't been able to take a second look at the overlays. I will say they variation is minimal between the two. I'll be sure calibrate the system too.
This is kind of an old video. Is Tufts still making these games?
You're right, though. The level of polish he puts into his arcade ports is just stunning.
Wow- I've not seen these games. Incredible.
Yay!
YOU TEASED ME now how and where do I get these scores??? Thought you'd have a url to the guy.......please let me know
Sexy vector graphics.
Great video!
Still got mine works need a joystick 🕹 new one
I did not know that by a wide margin Vectrex is your favorite 2nd gen console. Do you consider Atari 5200 to be a different generation?
Same Gen. 5200 is high on the list, but Vectrex is one of my all time favorites.
How did this fella manage to make all the cases and overlays?
Not a clue. It's very hard to get ahold of this guy.
Tac/Scan! If any developer is listening...
Some may say...I'm wishing my days away...No way...And if it's the price I pay...Some say...Tomorrow's another day...You stay...I may as well play...Moon Patrol...A-K-A...oo-oo-oo V-E-C-T-O-R P-A-T-R-O-L.
Hey, How much are these worth? I just got 11 of them in the boxes and they look new.
What ones exactly?
@@Jenovi I just sold them for 256 on ebay.
The order page for Vector Patrol Ordering is up: kristofsnewvectrexgames.comli.com/vectorpatrolorderlisting.htm
Hi Pacific Java Cafe, recently the vector patrol-page has changed to: kristofsvectrexgames.000webhostapp.com/vectorpatrolorderlisting.htm
Hey is it possible you could give me his email address? His website seems to no longer exist...
Hi Satoshi, it's kristof_tuts@hotmail.com and the website has moved to kristofsvectrexgames.000webhostapp.com
If any of you want these games Kristof's new website is: www.kristofsvectrexgames.be/