Homebrew games made by hobbyists still appear on Vectrex every year. Homebrew games are games made by one person or a small group, and the budget used to make them may be close to zero. Homebrew games are popular collectibles alongside original games.

Many retro games, as well as Vectrex, have fan circles all over the world. Vectrex homebrew games can be, for example, games designed entirely by enthusiasts, improved versions of original games, or compilations of several different games. The value of homebrew games varies depending on the author and editions. Next, we present a few different Vectrex homebrew games that can be found in Retro Game House’s collections.

High Score Edition

High Score Edition versions of the original Vectrex games have been made. As the name suggests, the game saves the played high score or high scores. This feature is not present in the original Vectrex games. The High Score Edition games are otherwise similar to the original games. The recording of the high score inspires players to compete against each other or to improve their own score without having to record the results separately.

Multi-Cart

Usually Vectrex games are each with their own individual game modules. However, several different games have been compiled for the Multi-Cart game modules. This makes it possible to change the game being played without having to change the game module. For example, a Multi-Cart game module can have a collection of original games, a collection of hobbyist games, or a collection that includes both.

Game modules and packages for homebrew games

In Homebrew games made by hobbyists, you can see several different packages and game modules of different levels. Several plastic “shells” of the game modules of amateur games are 3D printed, inside which the game circuit is placed. Self-designed stickers are glued on top of the game module. The game may even have a separate packaging that follows the same visual look. A letter, brochure or instructions for use may also be included in the package.

Alongside detailed game modules and packs, less finished versions can also be seen. Homebrew games can also be found in shells, which are the cheapest possible 3D printing material, and the name of the game is also written on the shell in marker. Or it could be that there isn’t even a plastic game module shell around the game circuit. These homebrew games are often even more popular among enthusiasts than games with fancy packages and game modules.

Also check out the original games in our Vectrex virtual exhibition.