Today, let’s talk about video games. While their roots go back to the 1970s, with early arcade machines and home consoles, the 1980s were a truly transformative decade. It started with arcades, headlined by Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, before a major North American industry crash in 1983. The market was revitalized with the 1985 U.S. launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System, which introduced iconic franchises like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
At the same time, handheld electronic games became incredibly popular. They were small, pocket sized devices with a simple LCD screen, usually offering just one game per device (can you even imagine today?) and powered by button batteries. The most iconic line was the Game & Watch by Nintendo.
In the remaining years of the decade, Sega ignited a console rivalry with Nintendo. Developers affected by the crash began experimenting with computer games, and Nintendo released the Game Boy, which went on to become one of the best selling handheld gaming devices for decades.
How did Donkey Kong work? The character originally known as Jumpman, later Mario, tries to rescue Pauline from a giant ape by navigating four distinct, obstacle filled levels. Using a joystick and a jump button, players climb ladders and dodge barrels or fireballs to reach the top. Along the way, a hammer power up can be used to smash obstacles, with points awarded based on speed and survival.
I did not have Donkey Kong myself, but I got to borrow it. I cannot even remember the name of the game I owned. It probably was not spectacular, but for a while I spent hours and hours trying to beat my own record. My mom did not really understand the excitement, but she admired my stamina.
My real obsession was Tetris, created by Alexey Pajitnov at the Soviet Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Inspired by a pentomino puzzle, the game uses falling shapes made of four squares, called tetrominoes, which must be arranged into complete lines. It became an instant hit in Moscow, spread to the West, and turned into a global phenomenon after Nintendo bundled it with the Game Boy in 1989.
I used to play it on my then boyfriend’s computer when, in reality, I was supposed to be working on my term paper.
To this day, I claim that playing Tetris promotes coordination and resilience. As the pieces fall faster and faster, you have to make quick decisions that might pay off later or completely backfire.
Also, I am convinced that children who were good at Tetris back then can easily load a dishwasher today.
Do you agree?
Let me know what your favorite video games were!
Ahh yes the video games... I think it was an atari with ping pong before tetris and my favorite, centipede. But I really did love Zelda and Yoshi's Island too. I think you are right about kids knowing how to load a dishwasher...
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Barbie
I barely knew about video games except through the movies. I didn't play any of the games - I've never seemed to have an interest. I did play Tetris in the late 90's but wasn't too good at it but it was enjoyable - sure you don't really learn skills from playing it but it was fun.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
lissa@postcards from the bookstore
I didn't get into games in the 80's being a new Mom who finished the decade with three girls under 5. I try and avoid them even now as I get a bit obsessed (understatement).
ReplyDeleteOnce again I was too old to get into gaming and my girls weren't excited about it either. However when my grandkids arrived in the late '90's they got hooked in the gaming world. I remember them playing Tetris, PacMan and Donkey Kong. My 28 year old grandson is a collector of all the old game systems and games. He has every Play Station console (new in boxes) that has come out even before he was born.
ReplyDeleteI didn't really get into handheld video games until my first smartphone. Phone games are way too convenient!
ReplyDeleteI played Tetris quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteI was not into video games but I did play one on my Blackberry. I can't remember what it was called.
ReplyDeleteI kind of remember really enjoying Ms PacMan. I especially liked all of those sound effects, especially when Ms. PacMan was gobbling everything up. The whole thing was entertaining and it was so new to me.
ReplyDeleteThe first video game I remember seeing was Pong, on a friend's nephew's computer. Who knew what it would turn into!? We had the first NES game system with Mario and Duck Hunt. My kids have been playing video games ever since. They play mostly on their computers now, on Steam. We play the easy for me games once a week. They are a good way to unwind.
ReplyDeletep.s. I love playing Tetris, but it's addictive for me. There was another app, Zen Koi, that I got hooked on. I tend to stay away from games I know are like that for me.
ReplyDeleteWe had an old Intellivision console and hubby and I played Burger Time for hours! Sometimes I even beat him. LOL
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