Star Castle: Vectrex or Atari 2600 which is better?

[rhindlethereddragon]

Well for many years the only way to play Star Castle at home was on the Vectrex.

 

Now, all these years later, the Atari 2600 proves (despite the mantra to the contrary that is often repeated) that with the correct programming techniques, more is possible on this machine than ever previously thought.

 

Star Castle for the Atari 2600 is absolutely incredible. Had games like this been coming out in the 80's, it could have been a real game changer.

 

But as good as the 2600 version is (and it is breathtaking), is it better than the Vectrex?

[VectorGamer]

But as good as the 2600 version is (and it is breathtaking), is it better than the Vectrex?

 

No

[cd-w]

There are 2 versions of Star Castle on the 2600. Do you mean "Starcastle Arcade" in the Atariage store, or the earlier Kickstarter "Starcastle" by D. Scott Williamson?

 

Chris

Edited March 14, 2017 by cd-w

[rhindlethereddragon]

There are 2 versions of Star Castle on the 2600. Do you mean "Starcastle Arcade" in the Atariage store, or the earlier Kickstarter "Starcastle" by D. Scott Williamson?

 

Chris

 

Thanks for the heads up. I mean this one, friend:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQ1afyYkMZA

[+GoldLeader]

Personally I Love Thomas Jentzsch's version for all that it represents...

 

It strikes me as the apex of 2600 programming, it brings the arcade home, it does something they say couldn't be done...And I definitely think in terms of "what ifs" and how much good this could have done if it had been released in the 80's, and the effect vs. The Crash etc.

 

Let's just say it is the Best Atari version of the game...And I don't have a negative thing to say about it.

 

But if I'm answering your question exactly...No version could compete with Vectrex, unless it had vector graphics like the original. I'd also say MAME makes a very nice recreation that would be second only to owning a real deal Star Castle machine, but that, too, is a different beast and is outside the scope of your question.

 

Vectrex owner or not, I think everyone who has even the slightest interest in this game should buy Star Castle Arcade for Atari...

[Tanooki]

Vectrex without any doubt, works just far nicer compared to the original in style.

[rhindlethereddragon]

Vectrex without any doubt, works just far nicer compared to the original in style.

 

Do you think it plays better than the Arcade version?

[Vectrexer]

The YouTube video looks great!

[Nebulon]

 

Do you think it plays better than the Arcade version?

 

I'd say the arcade version is the best (or course). But the Vectrex version of the game is darned close.

[VectorGamer]

 

I'd say the arcade version is the best (or course). But the Vectrex version of the game is darned close.

 

After playing all 3 different ROM sets of arcade Star Castle, the Vectrex version is based on what is referred to as "easy chip" i.e. it's the one that can be marathoned.Which is why if you look at some old magazines you'll find Star Castle arcade scores of something ridiculous like 10 million.

[JamesD]

As good remarkable as the recent 2600 port is, I have to go with the Vectrex version.

If I were voting which is the greatest achievement, that would go to the 2600 version.
Let's face it, a vector game on a vector machine is not as difficult to pull off, especially given the 2600's limitations.
But that wasn't the question.

Edited March 21, 2017 by JamesD

[rhindlethereddragon]

 

I'd say the arcade version is the best (or course). But the Vectrex version of the game is darned close.

 

The other night, I scored my highest game of Star Castle ever on the Vectrex: 11,150 - what do you think??