Rip Off was one of the bigger hits for Cinematronics, and remains one of their most addictive titles.

In the center of the screen are a number of triangular fuel cells. One or two spaceships are assigned to defend them from marauding space pirates. They attack in waves of increasing number and speed, but for once getting shot or rammed doesn't end the game; you have an infinite number of ships. So what's the problem? You're always outnumbered, and while you're busy fighting one or more of the pirates, another will slip in and try to steal one of your fuel cells. If it takes it off the screen, it's gone; lose them all and your game ends.

In two-player mode, this was one of the greatest cooperative games ever; a skilled team could hold off the invaders through strategy as much as through superior firepower.

Read the Vectrex Rip Off manual, from the only known home port of this game.

View some Rip Off dipswitch settings and a game description from an original Cinematronics manual.

(If you are using a text browser, download the Rip Off screenshot here.)