While most of the games we play in our modern age feature pixel graphics, a lot of classic games from decades ago used vector graphics. In this post, we are going to share some of the best retro vector games of all time with you. But first, let’s explain a little bit more about vector graphics, in case you are not familiar with them.
What are Vector Graphics in Games?
Back in the 1980s, many games were played on special CRTs called “vector displays.” Graphics on these displays worked differently than the pixels we are used to; electron beams generated the moving images they displayed. Today, we still sometimes see vector graphics used in gaming, as well as in a variety of other applications.
Now that retro gaming is making a comeback, gamers are even investing in old CRTs. Want to learn more about old school vector graphics games? Let’s take a look at some top titles from the classic days of gaming.
Top Retro Vector Games
1. Asteroids
Perhaps the most iconic retro vector game of all time is the 1979 classic Asteroids by Atari. In this game, you have to shoot asteroids so they do not hit your spaceship. You also sometimes have to take out the occasional flying saucer. Interestingly enough, the original plan for this game was to use raster graphics. But the team chose vector graphics instead since this would allow the player to aim with greater precision.
2. Battlezone
Also by Atari, Battlezone is another classic vector game from 1980. Battlezone made history. Prior to this game, everything you could play at the arcade was in 2D. But this game featured a 3D, immersive landscape. Not only that, but it was one you could explore in first person. It put you in the tank, and was among the foundational games for the entire FPS genre.
Another unique thing about Battlezone was that the cabinet featured a small viewfinder rather than a large screen. This was meant to imitate the concept of a periscope in the tank. That meant that when gamers looked through it, they were in a sense having a virtual reality experience.
3. Star Wars
Another FPS vector arcade game that was popular in the 1980s was the 1983 Atari title Star Wars. This game put players in the cockpit of Luke Skywalker’s X-wing and gave them the chance to blow up the Death Star. The game was popular for its cabinet design, its digitized voices, its colorful vectors, and its thrilling gameplay.
Fun fact: The world record score for this Star Wars game is 31,660,614 points. David Palmer achieved this score in roughly 7 hours of play during the 1986 Twin Galaxies International Scoreboard/Guinness Book Masters Tournament.
4. Gravitar
Gravitar is a famous vector game from Atari that came out in 1982. In the game, players are able to navigate around various solar systems, stopping off at different planets to destroy bunkers (and the planets themselves). If you are looking for an example of a super hard classic vector game, this is it. In fact, it is so hard to beat Gravitar that even its developers said they could not do it without cheating.
5. Lunar Lander
Another of the best retro vector games is Lunar Lander, which Atari released in 1979. In fact, this was the company’s first foray into vector games. The game’s title makes it pretty easy to visualize the gameplay. The entire goal is to successfully land the module. Running out of fuel leads to a reset, but players can purchase additional fuel just by putting in more money.
6. Tempest
The concept of the 1981 Atari vector game Tempest is a little hard to describe in words. Basically, there is a three-dimensional tube, and the tube has lanes. Positioned at the end of the tube, the player has to take out enemies appearing in the lanes. Using a rotary knob allows the player to aim down different segments with a “blaster.” Tempest became popular for its graphics and its challenging gameplay.
7. Star Castle
In 1980, Cinematronics released a vector game called Star Castle. In the middle of the screen is the player’s target, a turret. Around it are a series of rings shielding the turret. The turret shoots out mines that seek out the player, who is on a spaceship. The player needs to survive and breach the ring that is closet to the turret. At that point, they can attack it. Breaching the outer ring can actually make it harder to win, however, because the turret will generate a brand new inner ring. So, one needs to take a strategic approach.
Now you are familiar with some of the best retro vector games from the classic period. Enjoy learning more about retro video games and collecting old games and hardware to enjoy at home.