Vector

Taking a fantasy sport as its theme, Vector uses multiple drop targets or’defenders’ to block shots to the left ramp, via which balls can ultimately be captured on the upper playfield for multiball. The player then has the option of releasing a locked ball by completing the H-Y-P-E targets or can carry on with a strategy aimed at locking all three balls for three ball multiball. The speed of shots to the left ramp is measured and displayed in the centre of the main playfield, as is the fastest shot to date. The upper playfield, which can be accessed in multiple ways, also has its own flipper and pop bumper, which can be used to try to knock down a further bank of three X-Y-Z drop targets for additional scoring opportunities.

In addition to the three ball lock saucers on the upper playfield, Vector has two more saucers incorporated into an unusual inlane/outlane arrangement to either side of the main flippers. This makes for some interesting ball save possibilities, and the right side saucer also allows the Vector bonus to be collected. It appears that Vector was originally rushed into production such that the game code was not entirely finished on release. This meant that a number of features were not implemented such as the skill shot, and several speech calls were not used. A few years ago a new version of the code (version 4) was produced aimed at implementing these missing items and fixing a few problems. This particular machine is running that code, which makes for a more interesting and satisfying game play experience overall. It should be noted that free play is not available when running this newer code even with a new Alltek mpu board fitted. You simply open the coin door and manually trigger a coin switch, which I have set to add 12 credits per activation to the machine. You can add up to 40 credits maximum at any one time – plenty for an hour or two of play before needing to add more credits.