Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit

Upgrade your original SNK Vanguard arcade PCB with permanent Top 5 high score saving, 3-character initials entry, Free Play, selectable 1-button or 4-button firing modes, menu-driven settings, backup and restore, and optional Wi-Fi leaderboard support.

This HighScoreSaves kit is designed specifically for compatible original Vanguard hardware using a 6502 processor. It adds modern convenience and additional configuration options while continuing to use the original arcade PCB, controls, sound, timing, and gameplay hardware.

What the Vanguard High Score Save Kit Adds

The Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit adds useful modern functionality to compatible original SNK arcade hardware without replacing the game PCB with a multicade computer or unrelated emulation platform.

In addition to permanent score saving and Free Play, the kit provides selectable shooting modes, separate score tables, menu-driven settings, score backup and restore, ROM Saver functionality, Reset, Fast Boot, Stealth Mode, God Mode, and optional online leaderboard support.

Compatibility and What to Check Before Ordering

• PCB: Designed for compatible original SNK Vanguard arcade hardware.
• Processor: Requires a 6502 processor.
• Processor Socket: The 6502 location must have a proper 40-pin socket for normal kit installation.
• Cabinets: Supports upright and cocktail Vanguard cabinets.
• Original Program ROMs: May optionally be removed when using the kit's ROM Saver functionality.

Check your PCB before ordering. If the 6502 processor is soldered directly to the board, a compatible 40-pin socket must be installed before the kit can be fitted.

Choose Your Vanguard Kit Configuration

Select either a Standard Save Kit or a Wi-Fi Enabled Kit when ordering.

Standard Save Kit

Saves scores permanently and includes the core Free Play, firing-mode, menu, score-table, backup, restore, ROM Saver, and advanced gameplay features without online connectivity.

Wi-Fi Enabled Kit

Includes the same local high score and gameplay features and adds compatible online leaderboard functionality.

Settings Menu Access

Kit configuration is accessed using the cabinet's Player 1 Start button, so normal settings-menu access does not require an additional external control.

• Open the Settings Menu: Power the cabinet off, hold the Player 1 Start button, power the cabinet back on, and release the button when prompted.

Vanguard Kit Features

• Permanent High Score Saving: Stores the Top 5 scores
• Initials Entry: Enter 3-character initials in the original arcade style
• Serial EEPROM: Reliable nonvolatile score storage without batteries or NVRAM
• Separate Lives Tables: Different high score tables for 2, 3, 4, or 5 lives
• Free Play: Play without coins while retaining normal coin-up operation
• Coin-Up Support: Continue using quarters or tokens when desired
• On-Screen DIP Settings: Configure supported settings through the kit menu
• Attract Mode Protection: Helps reduce long periods of static display content
• Copyright Message: Select original manufacturer or HighScoreSaves branding
• ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may optionally be removed
• Backup and Restore: Back up saved high scores and restore them later
• Reset Button: Restart the game without cycling cabinet power
• Fast Boot: Start without a long initialization delay
• Stealth Mode: Boot directly into gameplay for a stock-style presentation
• God Mode: Additional enhanced gameplay option
• Shooting Modes: Select 1-button or 4-button firing
• Independent Shooting-Mode Leaderboards: Separate high score tables for each firing configuration
• Cabinet Compatibility: Supports upright and cocktail cabinets
• Optional Wi-Fi: Compatible kits add supported online leaderboard functionality

1-Button and 4-Button Vanguard Shooting Modes

Vanguard's original control layout uses directional firing controls. The HighScoreSaves kit provides a selectable choice between 1-button firing and the 4-button firing configuration.

Each shooting mode uses its own high score tables. This keeps scores earned with different control configurations separated rather than combining them into a single leaderboard.

Reset, Fast Boot, Stealth Mode, and God Mode

Reset Button

Enable the Reset option in the menu to restart Vanguard without shutting the cabinet off and turning it back on.

Fast Boot

Fast Boot reduces unnecessary initialization waiting and gets the game running quickly.

Stealth Mode

Stealth Mode allows the cabinet to boot directly into gameplay for a more stock-style presentation.

God Mode

God Mode is an additional enhanced gameplay option available through the kit.

Installation Notes

• 6502 Processor Required: The kit installs at the 6502 processor location on the original Vanguard PCB.
• Socketed CPU Required: The processor location must have a compatible 40-pin socket.
• No Soldering on a Properly Socketed PCB: If the processor is already installed in the correct socket, no soldering is required for normal kit installation.
• Unsocketed PCB: If the 6502 is soldered directly to the board, a 40-pin socket must be installed before fitting the kit.
• ROM Saver: Original program ROMs may optionally be removed after installation.
• Orientation Matters: Follow the installation guide and verify processor and kit orientation before powering the cabinet.

Optional Wi-Fi and Online High Scores

Choose the Wi-Fi Enabled version if you want your compatible Vanguard cabinet to add supported online leaderboard functionality in addition to saving scores locally.

The Standard kit saves scores locally and does not require an internet connection for gameplay, Free Play, configuration, or local high score storage.

Vanguard Free Play and High Score Save Kit FAQ

Vanguard Kit Resources