FS: Tabletop VFD 1982 Epoch Astro Command

[InsaneDavid]

I might be the only person on the planet that still plays my tabletop VFD games but I know a lot of people like to collect them. I need more room on the shelves so here's an Epoch Astro Command up for sale.

I purchased this at a flea market over 10 years ago. It works 100% with loud and clear sound, the translucent foreground gel is clean and in great shape, the magnification screen is 100% intact with only the most minor scratches and nicks, the case has a few scratches here and there but no cracks, and the battery door is included. There is some oxidization on the battery terminal PLATES but no battery damage and the battery SPRINGS are clean. This can also be operated off a standard wall wart, 6v negative tip. Joysticks on these are generally floaty and this one is no exception, all control surfaces work properly and the on / off switch has no issues.

Really cool game, plays like a mix of Scramble and Galaxian with full four way movement and changing objectives.

http://www.classicplastic.net/forsale/ForSale-AstroCommand001.jpg

http://www.classicplastic.net/forsale/ForSale-AstroCommand002.jpg

http://www.classicplastic.net/forsale/ForSale-AstroCommand003.jpg

http://www.classicplastic.net/forsale/ForSale-AstroCommand004.jpg

$30.00 shipped standard mail, payment via PayPal.

For $10 more I will include a 1979 Tomy Hit and Missile handheld electromechanical game. This works great although the lower film strip stutters a little due to it stretching out a bit with age. Battery door is included and terminals are clean. I disassembled and serviced this a couple years ago, including oiling all the gearing so it's 100% ready to go. Again, $10 more and I'll toss it in with the Astro Command.

http://www.classicplastic.net/forsale/ForSale-AstroCommand005.jpg

[OldSchoolGamer]

Very nice DAVID! Good luck with your sale. I have the Astro Command myself though no where near that condition. I also LOVE VFD games, so bright and colorful with that distinctive sound, such a great display technology that I truly miss. This is tempting but I am pretty broke these days not to mention I am in CANADA so just wanted to say good luck with the sale and anyone who has never experienced these type of games really should do some research and check it out as it was an interesting time in Tabletop gaming history that will never be repeated. Wonderful games and tech.

[InsaneDavid]

Very nice DAVID! Good luck with your sale. I have the Astro Command myself though no where near that condition. I also LOVE VFD games, so bright and colorful with that distinctive sound, such a great display technology that I truly miss. This is tempting but I am pretty broke these days not to mention I am in CANADA so just wanted to say good luck with the sale and anyone who has never experienced these type of games really should do some research and check it out as it was an interesting time in Tabletop gaming history that will never be repeated. Wonderful games and tech.

Thanks! I think a lot of VFD games get a raw deal but many go above and beyond in terms of creativity to overcome (and sometimes utilize) the limitations of the display technology. Nothing looks like the soft glow and sharp lines of a VFD. Also impossible to properly replicate in any other way. Even with vector based games one can use a vector monitor to replicate the original but a VFD can only be reproduced as an exacting VFD.

My favorite VFD is easily Tomy's Caveman, most commonly released under the Tandy brand. For me, top three are:

1. Caveman (Tomy / Radio Shack - Tandy)
2. Q*bert (Parker Bros.)
3. Frogger (Coleco)

Astro Command is in the top 10, as is Dracula, another great Epoch designed VFD tabletop. Shame that Coleco didn't get to work on a VFD Donkey Kong Junior and instead opted to import Nintendo's tabletop Game & Watch version. Nintendo's tabletops are fine but not different enough over the handheld versions, which were spectacular for what they are. (No G&W hate from me)