Has anyone played any vector games on an Arpicade?

Humdinger

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Dying to know how Tempest looks and plays on one of these. Specifically, is it as bright and crisp as a color vector monitor would be, assuming you are using a burn-free, late-model tube and freshly-rebuilt chassis? Spinner work ok? Atari or aftermarket spinner compatible? Thanks!
 
It runs a RASTER monitor. That it of itself should speak volumes as to how it will look...

Even using a high-res raster, vector graphics look like crappy emulation of real vectors.

Wanna know how it will look? Load up MAME and run a vector game.
 
I have loaded Tempest in Retropie which is like Frizz says....it is just MAME.

For me, I couldn't even tell you how many miles I'd have to drive to play a real Tempest, so I don't mind a bit of nostalgia with MAME Tempest.
Actually, I know Logan's in Chicago has Tempest, so I guess I'd have to drive 6hrs to play a real vector monitor...... go MAME! :)
 
The only "MAME" way to play any vector, Tempest included, is with "VECTORMAME". But for that, you need a color XY monitor, a ZVG, a DOS PC etc. (Maybe this requirement will change in the future - at least for the items other than the XY monitor). :cool:
 
The only "MAME" way to play any vector, Tempest included, is with "VECTORMAME". But for that, you need a color XY monitor, a ZVG, a DOS PC etc. (Maybe this requirement will change in the future - at least for the items other than the XY monitor). :cool:

A big problem that I understand with vectors on a non-crt display is the speed and timing is off. Makes a big difference in Tempest from what I've read.
 
A big problem that I understand with vectors on a non-crt display is the speed and timing is off. Makes a big difference in Tempest from what I've read.

that is probably accurate. Tempest doesn't feel as "smooth" on mame as it does real.

For Star Wars, the emulation doesn't feel right at all compared to real. When I asked a mamedev about it he said the issue is likely timing that gets thrown off in the vector to raster conversion process.....so until that is reworked, if even possible, there is no good solution.
 
hate to say it, but playing these games using something like this might be the only way some of us ever add vector games to our collections

I own no vector games, and I'm not willing to pay $600 for a monitor (let alone an entire game) lol
 
hate to say it, but playing these games using something like this might be the only way some of us ever add vector games to our collections

I own no vector games, and I'm not willing to pay $600 for a monitor (let alone an entire game) lol

Too bad. A complete/working color XY vector machine is probably worth $600US (or more; or slightly less). (i.e. SD/GRAV/BW/SW/TEMPEST/SEGA-XYs/etc) IMHO :001_sbiggrin:
 
ah ... I should have been clearer in my response.

would I pay $600+ for a complete, working (e.g.) Tempest, etc? definitely! but if the cost of the monitor is several hundred dollars, and puts the overall purchase/setup of a complete game into 4-figures ... I just can't justify the cost

I got into the hobby too late :(

Arpicade (or something like it) may be the only practical option. I can appreciate the desire/drive for keeping things as original as possible, but it's a luxury that's a bit out of grasp for the newbies (unless loads of cash are involved heh)

Too bad. A complete/working color XY vector machine is probably worth $600US (or more; or slightly less). (i.e. SD/GRAV/BW/SW/TEMPEST/SEGA-XYs/etc) IMHO :001_sbiggrin:
 
I fired up Major Havoc on the ArPiCade last night. I've played the game at Funspot for 10-15 minutes so my experience is limited. The game on the PI was completely playable - sounded okay to me compared to YouTube videos. I'm sure any owner or hardcore vector guy would crap on it however for just trying to get 2-3 games in on occasion it is nice.

I'll likely never get the dedicated cabinet...

Mame is mame guys... It serves a purpose. Maybe not for everyone but for most. I have 13 games but I'll never have 100. Mame gives me over 100. To each their own.

I also play I Robot on the PI (I realize it's a raster game and the thread is about vector). It is totally playable even with the 8 way joystick. Ideal? Maybe not but I can get really far on it. Purists can snub their noses all they want...
 
I fired up Major Havoc on the ArPiCade last night. I've played the game at Funspot for 10-15 minutes so my experience is limited. The game on the PI was completely playable - sounded okay to me compared to YouTube videos. I'm sure any owner or hardcore vector guy would crap on it however for just trying to get 2-3 games in on occasion it is nice.

I'll likely never get the dedicated cabinet...

Mame is mame guys... It serves a purpose. Maybe not for everyone but for most. I have 13 games but I'll never have 100. Mame gives me over 100. To each their own.

I also play I Robot on the PI (I realize it's a raster game and the thread is about vector). It is totally playable even with the 8 way joystick. Ideal? Maybe not but I can get really far on it. Purists can snub their noses all they want...

You totally missed the "main" point.
Vector games on a VECTOR XY monitor makes sense and looks/plays awesome.
Vector games on a RASTER monitor looks like crap. (in comparison)

BTW, I agree that I,Robot plays well on the RPi. (been there, done that) :)
 
You totally missed the "main" point.
Vector games on a VECTOR XY monitor makes sense and looks/plays awesome.
Vector games on a RASTER monitor looks like crap. (in comparison)

BTW, I agree that I,Robot plays well on the RPi. (been there, done that) :)

I hear you - but I just wanted to confirm for the OP it was playable.

Vector really is amazing when you have the real thing in person (we all know this) but I was impressed with the ability to still play a few games of Major Havoc last night.
 
ah ... I should have been clearer in my response.

would I pay $600+ for a complete, working (e.g.) Tempest, etc? definitely! but if the cost of the monitor is several hundred dollars, and puts the overall purchase/setup of a complete game into 4-figures ... I just can't justify the cost

I got into the hobby too late :(

Arpicade (or something like it) may be the only practical option. I can appreciate the desire/drive for keeping things as original as possible, but it's a luxury that's a bit out of grasp for the newbies (unless loads of cash are involved heh)
I don't think it's THAT bad finding vector games. Just like any other, they come up from time to time on the cheap. I've found some for next to nothing, but needed a lot of repair - like my Armor Attack for $60. I've also found a Chiller for $60. I've also paid higher prices on some, like Barrier; but also have done the same with raster games. I think you'll pay a premium for anything you want immediately, but if you search around and wait til something comes up; you'll find it for a fair price eventually.
 
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