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I once got in a huge argument about the superiority of vector graphics displays around 2010. The idea that LCD could match what Tempest had was silly to me, but the kid I was arguing with had never seen a Tempest cabinet and just assumed old meant bad...

Vector vs. raster isn’t about superiority. Each technology can do unique things that aren’t matched by the other.

The dichotomy hasn’t gone away, though. Vector plotters may still be running in certain print shops or scientific settings.

PostScript, PCL, TrueType fonts incorporate vector technology. SVG is a very popular graphics file format for both writing and reading. I know several artists who specialize in SVG and contribute them to Wikimedia Commons.

Also the spinner. The physical spinner is key (but unacknowledged or at least underappreciated)

It was weighted and solid, like from an old stereo. You let it spin and stop it to move a longer distance quickly instead of doing multiple turns.

My family had multiple (various) machines in an arcade and we kept this at home for some time. I often think of this specific example piece of hardware versus everything plastic today.

Not the tank game (Battletanks?)

Battlezone

That’s the one. Thanks!