ATARI (1972)
To kick things off in Level 1, we will be talking about arcade games, particularly Atari.
Why start with arcade games?
I believe it's one of the reasons why games became part of our lives in the first place. Gaming today is as awesome as it can be, but if you're a fan of arcade games, you'll know the feeling you get right when you insert the coin; It's like buying a treat for yourself after a long tiring day, whether it's at school or work. It's where friends gather and play until they run out of coins they saved instead of using it to buy their lunch. It's the adrenaline you suddenly get when the coin takes the machine, ready to push the button to start!
One of the most known game companies in the arcades was Atari. Atari is an American game company that was started and created by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in 1972. They first started creating arcade games, and eventually moved on in creating video game and computer consoles. They have more than over 200 games and have helped shape the gaming industry.
Their earliest work included the arcade game PONG. This was released in June 1972 by Atari Inc., developed by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney. It was the first 2D video game that commercially succeeded during its time of release. This game is based from the sport, Tennis. The main objective is to score as many points from the other player (either being the CPU or 2nd player) by bouncing off a ball between two paddles, hitting it back and forth until one player misses or loses the ball. The player with the most scores, wins the game. This simple, yet insanely addictive game became so successful that it sold more than 35000 units by the end during its time.
Here is an example of the gameplay interface below:
After Atari's success of the arcade version of PONG, multiple versions and variations of the game were created, not only by Atari but also from its other competitors.
One example includes Atari creating a portable version called Home Pong in which allowed people to couch-play this game for two players at home. This change of platform was a huge step during the 70s as it competed against the demand for audiences to go to arcades. Therefore, the idea of being able to own and play this game at home was a big deal and 'changed the game', literally!
Check out the video on the right to see the marketing release of Home Pong.
Another example of a Pong adaption includes one of their competitors, Coleco, creating a different version of the game Telstar, one in which allows players to switch game modes, whilst still keeping the same style of gameplay. This included modes such as tennis, hockey and handball.
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As a kid, one of my favourite home consoles that I was lucky enough to own was The Atari 2600 Plug & Play Joystick. It was definitely a step-up from past competitors like Coleco's Telstar e.g. instead of twisting/ turning knobs you get more control over the paddle when playing pong by moving it up and down. With it, was a collection of Atari games, and it was when I started to appreciate games like Pong, Asteroids, Space Invaders or even just retro games in general. For instance, it's the fact that even though most of the objectives set are more elementary or basic, I would still find myself gaming for days just to beat Yars' Revenge.
Evidently, it was not their only successor, as they created hundreds more of successful titles in the future. Some of Atari's most known titles include Space Invaders, PAC-MAN, Asteroids & Breakout. Check it out!
Breakout (1976)
Asteroids (1979)
Space Invaders (1978)
PAC-MAN (1980)
IGN has included classic Atari games you can play on your computer desktop, for free!
Click below to play.
