Video Game Gazette
The Vectrex was released in 1982 by G.C.E. It was the first home video game system to use vector graphics, and was also the first system to have a built in monitor. G.C.E. was acquired by Milton Bradley in 1984.
The Vectrex has a 5"x8" black and white screen. Overlays made from a translucent plastic are used to create a playing field and add color. The system does not have any output as the screen is integrated into the unit. A port for the cartirges is located on the right side of the unit. The controller is stored in the front of the system. It features a proportional thumb stick and buttons. A second controller port is also located on the front of the unit.
The Vectrex has two revolutionary accessories. The first is a light pen. It allows you to draw on the screen. Only three light pen games were produced. They are
AnimAction
Art Master
Melody Master
The second accessory is a 3D helmet. It adds depth and color to the games. The headset contains a wheel made of translucent plastic through which you view the games. Different parts of the wheel are different colors. The wheel can be rotated by a motor to cause the colors on the screen to change. By displaying objects on the screen in sync with the rotating the wheel the game appears to be in color. (This of course causes a flickering effect.) The 3D effect is produced by a similar method. Rather than changing the colors in synchrony with the objects on the screen, one eye is covered while objects for the other eye to see are projected on the screen. Thus the stereoscopic effect is produced over the course of time, even though it seems to be simultaneous.
The 3D helmet came with 3D Minestorm. 3D Crazy Coaster and 3D Narrow Escape were also produced for the system.
