Retro Gaming Classics... Classic Arcade Games From A Golden Era (80s: Part 2)
This article is a follow-up to our earlier article(s) on The Joy Of Retro Gaming, which looked at 5 classic arcade titles from this era that were impactful on the youth of that era - those youth are now fine Ladies and Gentlemen, sometimes referred to as mum or dad!
Guess what? How about an encore - this time let's do the early 80s!
Here's our list of 7 influential and popular video games from the early 1980s - a period some even call the Genesis era:
Pac-Man (Arcade) 1980: Released by Namco, this iconic arcade game featured a hungry yellow circle gobbling up pellets while avoiding ghosts.
Asteroids (Arcade) 1980: A vector graphics classic where players controlled a spaceship blasting apart asteroids.
Donkey Kong (Arcade) 1981: Created by Nintendo, it introduced Mario (then known as Jumpman) and became an arcade classic.
Joust (Arcade) 1982: In this unique platformer, players jousted atop flying birds.
Dragon's Lair (Arcade) 1983: Noted for its animated graphics, this game used LaserDisc technology.
Mario Bros. (Arcade) 1983: This arcade classic introduced Mario's brother, Luigi, and featured cooperative gameplay.
Tetris (Various) 1984: Created by Alexey Pajitnov, this puzzle game found fame on multiple platforms, including the Game Boy.
Pac-Man: The Iconic Maze Chomper
Release Year: 1980
Console/Platform: Arcade, numerous home consoles
Overview: Pac-Man is an iconic and enduring figure in the gaming world, making his debut in 1980. Created by Namco, this maze chomper became an instant sensation and remains a beloved character. The game is set in a maze, filled with dots to gobble and ghosts to evade. It's a timeless classic that has not only endured but significantly influenced gaming culture.
Gameplay:
Pac-Man's gameplay is deceptively simple: guide Pac-Man through a maze while eating all the dots to advance to the next level. However, there are four colorful ghosts - Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde - relentlessly pursuing our yellow hero. Eating power pellets scattered around the maze allows Pac-Man to turn the tables briefly, turning the ghosts blue and making them vulnerable. During this time, Pac-Man can eat the ghosts for extra points.
The game's challenge increases as players progress through levels, with faster-moving
ghosts and fewer pellets. Clearing the maze advances the player to the next stage, introducing new mazes and more complex challenges.
Key Features:
Simple Yet Addictive Gameplay: Pac-Man's basic premise and easy-to-understand mechanics made it accessible to gamers of all ages.
Ghostly Pursuit: The four ghosts each have distinct behaviors. Blinky is the most aggressive, directly chasing Pac-Man, while the others have more nuanced patterns.
Power Pellets: The concept of power pellets introduced a strategic element - when to consume them for maximum ghost-devouring impact.
Enduring Appeal: Pac-Man's enduring appeal is seen in countless spin-offs, merchandise, and adaptations, cementing him as an iconic character in gaming history.
Cultural Impact: Pac-Man was one of the first games to feature distinct characters with personalities and is credited with helping to establish video game culture.
Popularity and Influence: Pac-Man quickly rose to become a pop culture icon, inspiring various adaptations, including an animated TV series and merchandise like t-shirts, toys, and more. The game's popularity led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, ensuring Pac-Man's continued relevance in gaming.
Legacy: Pac-Man's legacy is immeasurable. He's not just a character but a symbol of gaming itself. Pac-Man's maze-chomping adventures have transcended generations and mediums, making him one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the world of gaming.
Whether you're a casual gamer or a devoted enthusiast, there's one thing we can all agree on - Pac-Man is an enduring legend in the gaming world.
Asteroids: Navigating the Space Frontier Release Year: 1980 Console/Platform: Arcade, Numerous Home Consoles
Overview: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the arcade gaming scene was in full swing, a title emerged that took players beyond the traditional realms of gaming. "Asteroids," released by Atari in 1980, became a pioneering and iconic game in the early years of video gaming. It offered players an experience that was simple yet incredibly addictive.
Gameplay: In "Asteroids," players assume control of a triangular spaceship navigating an asteroid field. The objective is to survive and achieve the highest score by shooting and destroying asteroids without colliding with them.
As you shoot an asteroid, it breaks into smaller pieces, adding to the challenge as you must navigate around the resulting debris. The game is non-stop action as asteroids come from all directions. You have to be quick on the trigger and skilled at maneuvering to stay alive.
The game features wraparound space, meaning if your spaceship exits from one side, it reappears on the opposite side. This adds a strategic element as you can use this to your advantage in avoiding asteroids and enemy flying saucers.
Key Features:
Endless Space Challenge: "Asteroids" introduced players to the idea of limitless gaming. The asteroids continuously spawn, creating a non-stop challenge.
Thrilling Difficulty: As you progress, the game becomes increasingly difficult, with smaller, faster, and more erratic asteroids to deal with.
High Score Pursuit: Like many arcade games of its era, "Asteroids" inspired players to achieve high scores and compete with friends.
Influence on Game Design: "Asteroids" was a notable influence on the design of later space-themed shooters, from "Galaga" to modern titles.
Timeless Appeal: Despite its simplicity, "Asteroids" remains an enduring classic, appreciated for its pure gaming experience.
Popularity and Influence: "Asteroids" was a commercial hit and one of the best-selling arcade games of its time. Its vector graphics and timeless gameplay have earned it a special place in gaming history. It inspired numerous sequels and adaptations, including console versions and remakes.
Legacy: The legacy of "Asteroids" is embedded in gaming culture with its simple yet intense gameplay establishing a foundation for the shooter genre. The game has been celebrated in various forms, from re-releases on modern platforms to references in pop culture.
It's an apt reminder that sometimes, the simplest concepts can have the most profound and enduring impact on the world of gaming.
Donkey Kong: The Origins of Nintendo's Empire Release Year: 1981 Console/Platform: Arcade, Various Home Consoles
Overview: In the annals of video game history, few games have had an impact as profound as Nintendo's "Donkey Kong." Released in 1981 as an arcade title, this game marks the debut of two of gaming's most iconic characters: Mario and Donkey Kong. It laid the foundation for the success of Nintendo and created a lasting legacy that endures to this day.
Gameplay: In "Donkey Kong," players control Mario, a carpenter, on a mission to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from Donkey Kong, a giant ape who has escaped his cage. The game features four distinct stages, each presenting its unique challenges. Mario must jump over barrels thrown by Donkey Kong, climb ladders while avoiding obstacles, and rescue Pauline from the top of the construction site.
While Mario has become synonymous with platforming, "Donkey Kong" was a precursor to these games, introducing elements like jumping, ladders, and varied level design.
Key Features:
Character Debut: "Donkey Kong" introduced players to the first appearances of both Mario and Donkey Kong, who would become gaming icons.
Multi-Level Gameplay: The game was one of the first to offer distinct levels, setting a precedent for diverse gameplay experiences.
Skill and Timing: "Donkey Kong" required precise timing and strategy, adding depth to its gameplay.
Innovation: It played a pivotal role in the development of platform games and set Nintendo on the path to becoming a dominant force in the industry.
Enduring Appeal: "Donkey Kong" remains an iconic title that has been reimagined and celebrated in various forms across multiple generations of gaming.
Popularity and Influence: "Donkey Kong" became a major success and helped establish Nintendo's presence in the arcade gaming scene. Its characters and gameplay would go on to become the cornerstones of Nintendo's future endeavors.
Legacy: The legacy of "Donkey Kong" is immeasurable. It gave birth to the Super Mario franchise and Nintendo's dominance in the gaming industry. The game's impact extends to cultural references, merchandise, and a persistent presence in the hearts of gamers worldwide.
"Donkey Kong" isn't just a classic; it's a defining moment in gaming history.
Joust: The Pinnacle of Retro Competitive Gaming Release Year: 1982 Console/Platform: Arcade, Various Home Consoles
Overview: Released in 1982, "Joust" is a classic arcade game that is synonymous with competitive and cooperative gameplay. Developed by Williams Electronics, this title gained recognition for its unique premise and continues to be a beloved choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.
Gameplay: "Joust" is a game of knights mounted on giant birds. Players take on the role of a knight, equipped with a lance, who rides a flying ostrich. The objective is to defeat enemy knights who also ride ostriches.
The gameplay is simple but highly competitive. Knights collide in the air, and the one with the higher lance wins. The defeated enemy turns into an egg, which players can collect for additional points. If an enemy egg is not collected quickly, a more dangerous, fire-breathing knight emerges from it.
"Joust" introduced mechanics that would later become staples in multiplayer games, like split-screen gameplay for simultaneous competitive or cooperative action.
Key Features:
Unique Concept: "Joust" stands out with its imaginative concept of mounted knights in aerial combat.
Cooperative Play: The game allowed for simultaneous cooperative play, fostering friendly competition among players.
Aerial Jousting: The central gameplay mechanic of aerial jousting was innovative and fun.
Quick Strategy: Players had to make fast decisions in battles, adding an element of strategy to the fast-paced action.
Enduring Fun: "Joust" is a testament to the idea that gameplay can be timeless. Its simple yet challenging mechanics make it highly replayable.
Popularity and Influence: "Joust" was well-received in arcades and inspired various adaptations and sequels across different platforms. The game's simultaneous multiplayer gameplay was a precursor to later competitive and cooperative gaming experiences.
Legacy: "Joust" remains an influential title in gaming history, especially within the realm of competitive gameplay. Its unique concept, cooperative options, and thrilling battles have made it an enduring classic. While it may not have reached the same level of recognition as some other arcade games,
"Joust" holds a special place in the hearts of gamers who appreciate its retro charm and competitive edge.
Dragon's Lair - The Pioneering Adventure of the Arcade Release Year: 1983 Console/Platform: Arcade
Overview: "Dragon's Lair," released in 1983, is an iconic arcade game that took a revolutionary approach to interactive storytelling. Created by Rick Dyer and developed by Cinematronics, this game's use of laser disc technology set it apart as one of the most visually impressive and innovative arcade titles of its time.
Gameplay: Unlike traditional arcade games that used pixel-based graphics, "Dragon's Lair" used full-motion video captured from hand-drawn animation. Players assumed the role of Dirk the Daring, a knight on a quest to rescue Princess Daphne from a dragon's lair. The gameplay consisted of watching animated scenes and reacting to quick-time events by choosing the correct action, such as moving the joystick in a particular direction or pressing a button at the right moment.
The game's unique approach to interactive storytelling and its stunning animated visuals set a new standard for what arcade games could achieve in terms of presentation.
Key Features:
Full-Motion Video: "Dragon's Lair" was a visual marvel of its time, using hand-drawn animation and full-motion video sequences to create an immersive experience.
Quick-Time Events: Players needed to react quickly to on-screen prompts to guide Dirk through the game's challenges.
Non-Linear Gameplay: The game featured different paths and challenges, offering a degree of non-linearity not common in arcade games of that era.
Revolutionary Technology: Its use of laser disc technology was groundbreaking and showcased the potential of interactive storytelling in video games.
Visual Spectacle: The game's visual appeal was a significant draw, making it a standout in arcades.
Popularity and Influence: "Dragon's Lair" was a commercial success and garnered significant attention due to its innovative use of technology. Its success led to a series of sequels and ports to various platforms, further solidifying its status as a classic.
Legacy: The game's influence on the gaming industry was profound. "Dragon's Lair" demonstrated that games could be more than just interactive challenges; they could be vehicles for storytelling and cinematic experiences. It played a crucial role in the evolution of the adventure game genre and left a lasting legacy of innovation and creativity in game design.
The impact of "Dragon's Lair" can still be seen in modern gaming, particularly in the realm of cinematic storytelling and quick-time events.
Mario Bros. - The Arcade Classic that Gave Birth to a Legend Release Year: 1983 Console/Platform: Arcade
Overview: "Mario Bros." is a legendary arcade classic developed by Nintendo in 1983. It serves as the precursor to the iconic Super Mario series and introduced players to the beloved characters, Mario and Luigi. With its unique platforming gameplay and cooperative mode, "Mario Bros." laid the foundation for one of the most successful and enduring franchises in gaming history.
Gameplay: In "Mario Bros.," players take control of Mario and Luigi, who work together in the sewers of New York City to clear out various pests, including turtles and crabs.
The game introduced a side-scrolling platformer format where players had to flip enemies on their backs by hitting the platform from below and then kicking them off the screen. Each level featured a series of platforms and pipes that added complexity to the gameplay. While primarily designed as a two-player cooperative game, "Mario Bros." allowed for competitive play, as players could compete for the highest score while working together to clear levels.
Key Features:
Cooperative Gameplay: The introduction of cooperative gameplay with two playable characters, Mario and Luigi.
Unique Enemies: The game introduced memorable enemies like the Shellcreepers and Sidesteppers.
Versatile Platforming: Players navigated platforms and pipes in a side-scrolling format, setting the stage for future Mario games.
Multiplayer Interaction: The cooperative aspect added a layer of strategy and camaraderie to arcade gaming.
Enduring Characters: The game introduced Mario and Luigi, who would go on to become video game icons.
Popularity and Influence: "Mario Bros." was well-received in arcades and contributed to the growing popularity of the Nintendo brand. It laid the groundwork for the Super Mario series, which would become one of the most beloved and enduring franchises in the gaming industry.
Legacy: The impact of "Mario Bros." is immeasurable. It introduced the world to the iconic characters Mario and Luigi, and the platforming gameplay it pioneered would become a staple in the gaming industry. The cooperative gameplay aspect also influenced many multiplayer games that followed.
Today, Mario stands as one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in video game history, with his adventures continuing to captivate players across generations.
Tetris: The Block-Stacking Classic That Defined a Genre Release Year: 1984 Console/Platform: Various
Overview: "Tetris" is a timeless puzzle video game created by Russian game designer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984. Its simple yet challenging gameplay has made it one of the most iconic and enduring video games of all time. "Tetris" is known for its addictive block-stacking mechanics that continue to captivate players across generations.
Gameplay: In "Tetris," players are presented with a playfield that features a continuous cascade of various geometric shapes composed of four square blocks. These shapes, known as tetrominoes, must be rotated and maneuvered as they fall from the top of the screen. The objective is to manipulate these tetrominoes to create solid horizontal lines. When a line is completed, it disappears, and the player scores points. The game continues, with the blocks falling at an increasingly faster pace, until the playfield is filled, leading to the end of the game.
Key Features:
Endless Challenge: "Tetris" offers endless gameplay with progressively faster tetromino descent.
Simple Yet Addictive: The game's easy-to-understand mechanics make it accessible to players of all ages while providing a deep and addictive challenge.
Tetromino Variety: "Tetris" features seven different tetromino shapes, each with its own unique rotation possibilities.
Global Appeal: "Tetris" became a worldwide phenomenon, thanks to its universal appeal and addictive nature.
Puzzle Genre Pioneer: It laid the foundation for the puzzle genre in gaming, inspiring countless other games.
Popularity and Influence: "Tetris" quickly became a sensation in the gaming world, capturing the attention of players on a global scale. It was among the first video games to have a truly worldwide following and is often credited with popularizing puzzle video games.
Legacy: The legacy of "Tetris" is unparalleled. The game's addictive nature and timeless gameplay have led to numerous adaptations and versions on nearly every gaming platform imaginable. "Tetris" has become synonymous with gaming itself, enduring for decades as an iconic representation of the medium. Its influence can be seen in countless puzzle games that followed, and it remains a symbol of gaming's universal appeal and ability to connect people across cultures and generations.
For links to fan videos and gameplay see the links below
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