Vectrex games coming to Packrat Video Games, LLC

[ozyr]

This is a repost from an intro from another online group (AA is not the only place to be - but it is nice). Reposting here for those on AtariAge:

Quick introduction: David 'Ozyr' Flemming, the new and current owner of Packrat Video Games, LLC (for those who don’t already know — the change from the old Packrat happened during late 2012 into 2013).

I have been involved in the homebrew scene for some time now (dating back to 2004 to be exact), mainly working behind the scenes, doing manuals and lots of play testing. This was mostly for the Odyssey2/Videopac community. I was also good friends with Jarett, the prior Packrat owner. When he decided to sell the business in late 2012, I jumped at it, because I've always wanted to get more into the homebrew scene up front (aka - producing and selling games for programmers).

Started off of course with what Packrat has, and slowly getting games back into production (has taken time and had its share of issues, but getting there). Even released a new 2600 game, the first one from Packrat in 7 years, at the MGC show in April.

Fast forward to Fall 2013, and a friend pointed out that John Dondzila was shutting down his Vectrex game production (and Odyssey2 production too). I've know John Donzilla for years, so contact was made, and an initial agreement was made to take over production and sales of his Vectrex and Odyssey2 games. As with the takeover of Packrat, and no offense to John at all (I respect the guy way too much), but the process has been somewhat slow. Hoping to get games back for sale in the 2nd half of 2014 though, and getting there step by step.

As for games that John sold from other programmers, that will take time, as Packrat will have to contact them all — and negotiate new deals with Packrat. Hoping that this goes through, as I'd like to be able to sell 'all' the games that John was selling, and at close to the same prices that I am able to do (at cost for some of them, and that works fine for me).

So for now, rest assured, John's games will be be for sale again. When is another story (it will happen - just don't have an ETA at this time).

Packrat Video Games, LLC is proud to becoming a member of the Vectrex community (I've personally have three units, and a good amount of Homebrews that I bought myself over the years for the Vectrex — outstanding system).

[+save2600]

[+LS650]

I have bought a couple of O2 carts from Packrat Games since New Years. The service has been prompt and the carts have been good quality!

Edited June 1, 2014 by ls650

[mkiker2089]

I got two clear carts from them for the 2600 and to be honest I bought them for that reason, they are clear hence different.

 

David, it's good to see things ramping up finally. It seems like just yesterday that I bought one of the last Okie Dokie clear carts from you.

[Jess Ragan]

You gonna sell modified Genesis controllers too?

[50TBRD]

Chuck Van Pelt sells modified Genesis Controllers as well as PSX and SNES at Recycledgamer.com. Somebody really needs to make an adapter with multiple connectors so you can use any SNES, Genesis or PSX Controller, something I heard Madtronix was going to work on but he seems a little occupied at the moment. Its not difficult to modify your own Genesis controller, its just labor intensive and difficult to fit everything inside the casing. Making your own boards is the way to go but honestly, its almost as expensive and far easier to make your own arcade style joystick.

[ozyr]

You gonna sell modified Genesis controllers too?

 

Games only for the time being, so Chuck Pelt is a better option for that for now.

[nonner242]

Glad to here all those great Vectrex games will still be around for people.

BTW I had great transactions with Packrat back a few years ago and hope to in the future.

Good to have ppl like this around keeping dreams alive.

[gliptitude]

Thanks for doing this and letting us know about it Ozyr. Nice to hear some backstory too.

 

.. I was wondering if you will offer Vectrex "cartridge building service", like John used to do? He carged A really reasonable fee for a "custom cart", any ROM that you provided him, with the author's permission to reproduce.

[ozyr]

.. I was wondering if you will offer Vectrex "cartridge building service", like John used to do? He carged A really reasonable fee for a "custom cart", any ROM that you provided him, with the author's permission to reproduce.

 

This is a definite possibility!

[gliptitude]

Excellent!!!

[50TBRD]

I'd like to see that too. I had John build me some dedicated carts for some of my favorite games only offered as roms.

[ozyr]

Just a quick update here. Vectrexcarts . com games will be part of the lineup later this year. As for 'cartridge building service,' that will be in place as well. Just a matter of time now.

[Nateo]

This is great news! Its wonderful to hear that these games will continue to be available; I definitely missed out on a lot of the games that were offered. Will the prices remain the same, and will they still come in those cool snap cases?

[ozyr]

Prices are not known at this time, but will probably be going up a bit. Can't really tell till Packrat is a lot closer to production. Can say that Packrat will try to keep prices as low as possible.

 

As for snap cases, if you are talking about the VHS sized ones, the answer is no. Instead, Packrat is switching to the Universal Game cases, the plastic ones. Similar to what Dondzila offered years ago. These are preferred now, as the VHS boxes are becoming harder to find, and more costly — and I still want to keep cost as low as Packrat can, thus the change.

[ozyr]

Details are still being worked on for all Vectrex games, but VeCaves / SpikesSpree has joined the list of upcoming re-released games through Packrat!