Space Wars Comes Home

Phetishboy

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Sincerely have not played or seen the Cinematronics version of this game in person since 1982. I saw the Vectorbeam version in a garage when I picked up my Satan's Hollow in Illinois about 3 years ago, then I played that same version last year at CAX. It ignited in me the burning desire to find the Cine version once and for all.

Backstory: I used to play the Cinematronics version of Space Wars with my friend Ralph Brandenburg. He was a foster kid that lived across the street from me and was 3 years older. Well, one day in 1983, he was just gone, having been moved to another foster home or back with his dad, I never did find out which, abruptly ending a 2+ year friendship when I was 10. I have missed the guy ever since. Well, fast forward 27 years and I saw KSKID was planning on parting this machine out. I expressed interest, then was PM'ed about another one in nicer condition. As I waited for the second guy to respond back, I was contacted by KSKID again, this time with a sense of urgency, as he really didn't want to part this machine out and knew I wanted it whole. I had the funds, but wasn't ready to ship a game up here, and sure as hell didn't have the time to make the 9 hour drive down to him. He was adamant that I make this work one way or the other, so I did. I set up shipping with SPEE DEE Delivery, who charged me $114 to ship this to me, business to business, with insurance. It got to me from Corey in less than 24 hours. I couldn't be happier. The delivery from SPEE DEE was the easiest I have ever taken. Lift gate lowered to my truck bed, pallet jack rolled the machine onto my bed, lowered it, done deal. This was my second experience with them, the first I was the shipper. I know SterlingRush had a problem with them, but he didn't have myself or Corey pallet his game. He left it up to them, and that was his mistake and the seller's cop out if you ask me. I will be using SPEE DEE for all my regional arcade shipments from now on. Anyway, thanks a billion for making me buy this Corey, I am extremely pleased. Game works 100%. Pics:
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P9030767.jpg

P9030768.jpg

P9030770.jpg

P9030772.jpg
 
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Wow, that machine is beautiful! It looks like an amazing game to play with a friend. I didn't know the marquee was supposed to light up. I guess that is the Vectorbeam's version that doesn't.
 
Congratulations! Looks pretty good.

What's your plan to repair the front corner damage? Is the cabinet painted, or a melamine-like finish?
 
awesome score, shawn. there's a cine one sitting on the local CL here right now, too. still wondering if a certain member from AZ is gonna buy it or not...
 
Congratulations! Looks pretty good.

What's your plan to repair the front corner damage? Is the cabinet painted, or a melamine-like finish?

It's Formica-like laminate. I'll be using Bondo with rebar and blending it. Then I'll mask the sideart decals and paint white on either side to even the surface. Should take me 3-4 days tops.
 
Nice pickup! I always liked that game but remember playing it with my brother much earlier than '83.

What's the difference between the Cine and non-Cine versions of the game, anyhow? Just cosmetic or are their game differences too?
 
Nice pickup! I always liked that game but remember playing it with my brother much earlier than '83.

What's the difference between the Cine and non-Cine versions of the game, anyhow? Just cosmetic or are their game differences too?

I am not sure on the gameplay differences, hopefully Colonel Moore chimes in, as he restored the Vectorbeam version 2-3 years ago. The cabs are very different. Mine:

P9030767.jpg


Vectorbeam:

spacewar_ur_md.jpg
 
Welcome to the party pal!!

I've had both versions, including a cocktail version. The game play is all the same between them, only cabinet differences.

Enjoy! It's an awesome game and yours looks to be is pretty fine shape.

The upright Vectorbeam Space War is the game I own at the moment.

The upright Cine was sold years ago (don't remember why I sold it). The cocktail was traded for a blue computer space - I did not realize how rare it was while I had it.

Tom
 

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Anyway, thanks a billion for making me buy this Corey, I am extremely pleased.

Your sure welcome, glad it went to a good home and I was also glad I didn't
have to part the machine out considering the condition of the cabinet when compared to other water logged ones I have seen.
 
Wow, great shots of a true classic. Thanks for sharing Phet and others. Is gameplay as complicated as it seems by reading the bezel?


That game has some interesting history as well. The whole Cinematronics/Vectorbeam story. There are a couple Tim Skelly interviews out there where he talks about what was happening with the two companies.

one interview

and another

Apparently Larry Rosenthal turned Cinematroincs from a failing Pong clone making company, to a successful one with that game. He got 50% of the profits from Space War, and made millions before splitting off, creating Vectorbeam so he could then keep 100% of Space Wars profits as well.

Congrats on owning the first Vector.


That first pic is screwing with my brain. Why is the game not sliding backwards off of the pallet!?
 
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Wow, great shots of a true classic. Thanks for sharing Phet and others. Is gameplay as complicated as it seems by reading the bezel?


That game has some interesting history as well. The whole Cinematronics/Vectorbeam story. There are a couple Tim Skelly interviews out there where he talks about what was happening with the two companies.

one interview

and another

Apparently Larry Rosenthal turned Cinematroincs from a failing Pong clone making company, to a successful one with that game. He got 50% of the profits from Space War, and made millions before splitting off, creating Vectorbeam so he could then keep 100% of Space Wars profits as well.

Congrats on owning the first Vector.


That first pic is screwing with my brain. Why is the game not sliding backwards off of the pallet!?

It's bolted to the pallet via the leg leveler holes.
 
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