Vectrex Top 20 Games
by romhoard-research · 2026/02/14
The Vectrex was a unique vector graphics-based home video game console released in 1982. It was the only home console ever designed around vector display technology, featuring a built-in 9-inch CRT screen. The console had approximately 28 officially released games before its discontinuation in 1984, making it one of the smallest game libraries of any major console.
20
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vectrex
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Vectrex
Shooter
The Vectrex's bundled pack-in game and arguably the best use of the system's capabilities. Mine Storm features an Asteroids-style gameplay with unique differences—instead of random asteroids, enemies emerge from randomly placed mines that fragment into smaller pieces. Each stage progressively increases in difficulty, creating one of the most challenging and rewarding games in the library. Mine Storm II fixed a critical bug that prevented progression past level 13 on some systems.
75
75
Vectrex
Shoot'em Up
One of the most intense games in the Vectrex library. Star Castle provides an arcade-perfect home port of the 1980 Cinematronics arcade classic, featuring a challenge that rewards methodical and precise play. The rotating protective shields around a central fortress create strategic depth rarely seen in early 80s arcade ports. The colored overlay included with the cartridge enhances the visual experience.
75
75
Vectrex
Shoot'em Up
Ranked highly for its strategic depth beyond pure survival shooting. Solar Quest sets itself apart by allowing players to rescue survivors drifting in space for bonus points while fighting alien ships. This rescue mechanic adds a compelling strategic element to the multidirectional shooter formula, rewarding both skill and careful planning.
80
Vectrex
Shooter
Vehicle, Diagonal
A Vectrex-exclusive game that showcases the system's unique strengths. Unlike most space shooters of the era set in open space, Fortress of Narzod takes place within narrow canyons where players control a hovercraft. Enemy bullets ricochet off walls, creating complex tactical challenges. The claustrophobic environment and bouncing projectiles differentiate it significantly from standard arcade shooter ports.
80
80
Vectrex
Shoot'em Up
Horizontal
A faithful port of the 1981 Konami arcade classic that created the foundation for the Gradius series. Scramble features six distinct stages with varied challenges—players must navigate horizontally while managing fuel and dodging terrain obstacles. Each stage presents unique hazards, with the Maze stage being particularly acclaimed. The game maintains the original's addictive gameplay loop while taking advantage of vector graphics.
50
50
Vectrex
Shoot'em Up
Notable for introducing the first shooter with cooperative gameplay on the Vectrex. Players protect fuel canisters from invading tanks while the difficulty progressively increases—the more pirates destroyed, the faster they attack. This two-player cooperative mechanic was innovative for its time and adds strategic depth beyond simple survival.
80
Vectrex
Shooter
Vehicle, FPV
A well-executed licensed game adaptation that stands as one of the better arcade-to-Vectrex ports. Players navigate through different sectors shooting down Romulans and Klingons while managing shield integrity. The gameplay includes strategic elements like docking at starbases to replenish shields, adding tactical depth beyond simple shooting.
75
75
Vectrex
Shooter
Vehicle, TPV
A grounded alternative to the space-based shooter formula. Instead of alien invaders, players control a jeep and must eliminate waves of helicopters and tanks. The controls are praised for their precision, and the game requires the color overlay to enhance the immersive experience. It represents one of the most entertaining grounded action games in the Vectrex library.
75
75
Vectrex
Shooter
More complex and strategically rich than typical Vectrex shooters. Players pilot a spacecraft into an alien planet's labyrinth, must destroy the central core, and escape while avoiding Planet Protectors that attempt to ram them. The game features an expanding center trap that creates intense, methodical gameplay. Cosmic Chasm was so successful it led to an arcade sequel based on the 68000 board—a rare achievement for a home console game.
80
80
Vectrex
Shooter
Vehicle, Diagonal
One of the last official Vectrex releases and arguably the best-looking game on the system. Web Wars features an elaborate three-dimensional web design similar to Tempest. Players pursue mythical creatures on this complex environment using a capture rod to collect trophies. The 3D aesthetic was cutting-edge for the Vectrex library.
80
Vectrex
Racing
A racing game that provides welcome variety on a console dominated by shooters. This vector representation of the arcade classic features qualifying rounds and competitive driving challenges. While the color overlay doesn't capture the vivid arcade colors, the Vectrex version creates its own identity with clean vector line graphics and smooth scaling effects.
75
75
Vectrex
Shooter
A brilliant multiplayer game with simple but addictive gameplay. Players control spaceships that rotate, fire lasers, and engage thrusters within a gravity well created by a sun in the center. The original 1977 arcade game remains engaging even 5+ years after its initial release, proving that vector-based space combat never goes out of style.
70
70
Vectrex
Shooter
An increasingly chaotic arcade shooter that starts manageable but becomes crazy hard the further you get. Your home galaxy has been invaded by alien colonists, and the game ramps up difficulty significantly. It's a cool little arcade shooter that exemplifies the fast-paced action games that defined the Vectrex library.
90
Vectrex
Simulation
The standout game for the Vectrex's 3D Imager peripheral, released in 1984. Players keep riders' arms elevated during thrilling roller coaster sequences. The 3D Imager was the first of its kind, predating Sega's LCD goggles by four years. Only three games were released for this rare peripheral, with 3D Crazy Coaster being the best of the limited library. Highly collectible today.
Protector / Y.A.S.I.
Vectrex
A rare homebrew release from Classic Game Creations that brings out the best in the Vectrex. The cartridge includes multiple unlockable variations featuring mechanics like cloaking invaders, moving bunkers, and guided missiles. Protector received high marks from the Video Game Critic (A grade) and demonstrates the quality of the post-1984 homebrew scene.
70
70
Vectrex
Sports
Football (American)
Vector football offering surprisingly entertaining two-player competitive matches. The game features strategic X's and O's gameplay mechanics that provide depth beyond simple arcade action. Blitz! represents one of the few sports games in the Vectrex library and shows the versatility of the platform.
Vectrex
Shooter
Historically significant as the very first homebrew game released for the Vectrex (March 8, 1996) by programmer John Dondzila. Vector Vaders sparked a plethora of new homebrew games for the platform. It's a pretty standard Space Invaders-type game with 25 invaders in formation, four bunkers for cover that can withstand 16 shots each, and a flying saucer for bonus points. An improved version (Vector Vaders 2) was later included in the Vecmania cartridge compilation.
75
75
Vectrex
Action
Labyrinth
Shooter
A faithful arcade port where players navigate mazes filled with hostile robots, shooting before being shot. The game features the iconic Evil Otto enemy that bounces toward you if you take too long. Berzerk provides the experience of having the arcade game at home, which was a major selling point for console gamers in the early 1980s.
75
75
Vectrex
Action
Platform
Probably the only platformer on the Vectrex and notable for featuring digitized speech. The game stands out in the library for its unique genre positioning and technical achievement in adding voice to a system primarily known for geometric vector graphics.
45
45
Vectrex
Sports
Football (Soccer)
A lesser-known but interesting title that shows the diversity possible on the Vectrex platform. The game represents the puzzle-action hybrid attempts in the Vectrex library and provides an alternative to the shooter-dominated catalog. While not as acclaimed as top-tier titles, it demonstrates the platform's potential for varied gaming experiences.