The Greatest 80s Video Games of All Time: A Tribute to the 80s Arcade Game Pioneers
Ah, the 80s – a decade of neon colors, big hair, and some of the greatest video games of all time. The arcade game industry pioneers of the 80s revolutionized the way we play games today. From iconic characters to groundbreaking gameplay, the 80s had it all. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the greatest 80s video games of all time.
Pac-Man (1980)
We can’t discuss a tribute to the 80s arcade game pioneers without mentioning Pac-Man. This game, created by Japanese designer Toru Iwatani, became an instant sensation upon its release. The game’s simple concept, where you play as the titular character and eat pellets while avoiding ghosts, became a cultural phenomenon. Pac-Man became a household name and is still celebrated today, with the character appearing in movies, merchandise, and even a cartoon series.
Donkey Kong (1981)
Donkey Kong, developed by Nintendo and designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, was one of the first games to feature a character with a backstory. The hero, Jumpman, must rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of the titular Donkey Kong. The game’s success lead to the creation of the iconic character we know and love, Mario. Fun fact – Mario was actually named after Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America’s warehouse.
Centipede (1981)
Centipede, developed by Atari and designed by Ed Logg and Dona Bailey, was one of the first arcade games to be marketed to women. The game features a centipede that descends upon the player, who must shoot it while avoiding other bugs. The game’s pastel colors and use of trackballs instead of joysticks made it stand out. Bailey’s inclusion in the game’s development helped break down gender stereotypes in the video game industry.
Space Invaders (1978)
Technically released in 1978, Space Invaders continued to be a hit throughout the 80s. Developed by Taito Corporation, the game sees the player control a ship that must shoot aliens before they reach Earth. Space Invaders was one of the first games to feature a high score system, which added to its addictive nature. The game’s popularity was so high in Japan that it caused a shortage of yen, which lead to the government needing to increase production.
Tetris (1984)
Developed by Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris was initially created while Pajitnov was working at the Dorodnitsyn Computing Centre in Moscow. The game involves fitting shapes together to form complete rows, which then disappear. The game’s simple concept and catchy music made it an instant hit. Tetris has since become one of the best-selling games of all time.
Conclusion
The 80s arcade game pioneers paved the way for the video games we know and love today. From Pac-Man to Tetris, these games continue to be celebrated and played by people of all ages. As we remember these iconic games, it’s important to acknowledge the creators who brought them to life. Their creativity and innovation helped shape the gaming industry as we know it. Who knows what the next decade will bring? One thing’s for sure – the 80s have set a high standard for video games that will continue to inspire and entertain us for years to come.
So, dust off your Atari or Nintendo, and give these games another try. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself with a new high score. Keep on gaming, gamers!
