The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981 • Hacker News Board

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#41

Post by nsxwolf » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 6:19 PM UTC

acomjean wrote: post #20

I like the old machines. I enjoy reading about those brave collectors that buy these machines and try to keep them running. For me I think the arcade experience is now more about the controls map to the games. (track ball/ nob/ flight yoke) for games like missile command/centipede , tempest, star wars). The have "shows" now were people haul their machines to a hall and let the public play. For example the "california…

I have a Joust, keeping one classic machine in running condition is enough for me. I don't know how these big arcades do it.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#42

Post by nsxwolf » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 6:22 PM UTC

greggman wrote: post #32

lolive wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Double Dragon -> Final Fight -> Street Fighter 2.

I'd beg to differ for that progression. Double Dragon and Final Fight are brawl games. A better progression might be Karateka -> International Karate -> Street Fighter

Yie Ar Kung Fu played more like Street Fighter than those two.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#43

Post by disease » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 6:30 PM UTC

emodendroket wrote: post #2

For my money it was the 90s explosion of fighting games or else the rhythm games of the turn of the century. But hey I'm biased by my actual experiences just like everyone else is.

It was also the golden age of pinball in my opinion. Addams Family, Attack from Mars, Twilight Zone.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#44

Post by Toenex » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 6:35 PM UTC

mmjaa wrote: post #9

I was lucky enough to have grown up with computers, writing my first program in 1977, and then entertaining myself with the Arcades of the 80's as they released title after title .. while also having access to the internals of the cabinets, through friends of my Dad who owned an Arcade rental business .. without those halcyon days of burned fingers and EEPROM copiers I don't think I'd have gained the insight I then l…

I recall the first time I encountered a 'Defender' machine. Up until then the machines had basically all been Space Invader or PacMan derivatives. I must have been 11 or 12 years old and it totally blew me away both virtually - it repeatedly kicked my arse as it took 10p after 10p (British btw) and I was only lasting about 20 seconds each game as I grappled with the controls - and also physically - the noise of the thing was epic! Also getting the high score on Phoenix ranks close to the birth of my children as a life moment. (Obviously I'll deny that if they ask).

As a computer nerd the 1980's was a great time to come of age - ignoring the twin threats of imminent nuclear war and AIDS. A generation saw the home computer become a reality. Particularly in the UK where, thanks to people like Sir Clive, Curry, Furber, Wilson, Hauser as well as the good old BBC, for a couple of years it seemed all to be happening on the doorstep. I felt a similar thrill years later at University when I got into BBS's and using fidonet to send electronic messages that got anywhere in the world within 24 hours.

OK, you kids get off my lawn.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#45

Post by toast0 » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 6:35 PM UTC

mod wrote: post #33

intrasight wrote: post #22

I spent more money on arcade/video games in 1981 than any year before or since. Definitely was the golden age. The following year I stopped playing video games with the statement "I'll start playing again when they become interesting again". I am still waiting.

It's not them, it's you. (Me too, but only recently)

A large number of games released in 1981 defined new genres, which I don't think is very true now. It feels like there were a lot more arcade releases going on in that time too (but perhaps I'm just not seeing new things very often, I don't visit many dedicated arcades). The latest trend I've seen is popular smartphone games in the arcade with enormous screens and ticket spitters; these are pretty fun (the angry birds one with a cannon is definitely worth putting in a few credits), but not terribly exciting.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#46

Post by harel » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 6:48 PM UTC

and0 wrote: post #23

harel wrote: post #21

Those of us who lived through those years have a priceless benefit of having witnessed technology history unfold in real time. We saw the evolution of technology beyond just a bigger screen size of slightly faster processor. We had actual leaps and breakthroughs. My kids today will never have that unless some sort of huge technological miracle happens that changes everything.

This will certainly happen again. AR/VR, AI, and drone proliferation, and (fully) self driving cars are a handful that immediately come to mind without really thinking, which are due to really mature in the next 5-10 years.

All true. It will take years to materialise into commodities and I am patient. However, I think my kids will experience those as adults though, which will take a bit of the magic out. I guess what I'm saying is that my children will take this for granted. I still remember my total shock when I saw my first Amiga. Compared to the 8bits it was mind blowing. Then I had a chance to fly on a military F16 simulator powered by an SGI. That was mind blowing. I did not take it for granted. It was pure magic. Then we saw the internet rise through flaming skulls centred on crazy backgrounds and from that to something like Google maps and all that. And now, the same giants, year after year, announce a different screen size or more megapixels in a camera. I want my flying car damn it. I want to see a SpaceX launch become just a routine launch to Mars, or call my driverless Uber to pick me up while i'm mind-jacked into some multiverse... I'm ready... They are not.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#47

Post by jetti » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 7:03 PM UTC

Grazester wrote: post #37

jetti wrote: post #36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I absolutely loved Virtua Fighter and Virtua Racing. I want to get a Sega Saturn just for those two games (but can't actually justify the cost).

Yes Sega was ridiculous with the Saturn's price and its surprise launch. You can pick up a Saturn for pretty cheap(~$60) now if you are still interested and those games are dirt cheap. If you do get a Saturn then also get yourself the scart RBG cables and a scart to HDMI converter if your screen doesn't support scart(if you're in the US then it doesn't). This would give you the best picture.

I know it is cheap now but I just can't justify keeping it around (and I know my wife would hate it). I would love to get all the old Sega consoles such as Sega CD, Saturn and Dreamcast.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#48

Post by taude » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 7:06 PM UTC

intrasight wrote: post #22

I spent more money on arcade/video games in 1981 than any year before or since. Definitely was the golden age. The following year I stopped playing video games with the statement "I'll start playing again when they become interesting again". I am still waiting.

I played mostly through 1983 with Mario Bros.....then Nintendo came out and gave Mario Bros as good of a home experience, but without the arcade.

I think Mario Bros was the last of the arcade style games I was really into. Though I remember a skateboard game called 720 Air that was pretty good....oh, and pinball.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#49

Post by nasalgoat » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 7:08 PM UTC

nsxwolf wrote: post #41

acomjean wrote: post #20

I like the old machines. I enjoy reading about those brave collectors that buy these machines and try to keep them running. For me I think the arcade experience is now more about the controls map to the games. (track ball/ nob/ flight yoke) for games like missile command/centipede , tempest, star wars). The have "shows" now were people haul their machines to a hall and let the public play. For example the "california…

I have a Joust, keeping one classic machine in running condition is enough for me. I don't know how these big arcades do it.

Keeping video machines running is child's play - it's just discrete electronics. The worst part is connectors and power supplies, what with the capacitors that dry out over 20 years.

It's keeping pinball machines running that is a true challenge. I only have five of my nine games playable right now, and two of those have small problems that don't effect game play but the games themselves aren't 100%. Something about a steel ball hurling around and coils firing seems to cause all kinds of breakage on 20-30 year old games only designed to last 5 years.

Re: The Golden Age of the Video Game Arcade: 1981

#50

Post by nasalgoat » Wed, Oct 04, 2017, 7:09 PM UTC

disease wrote: post #43

emodendroket wrote: post #2

For my money it was the 90s explosion of fighting games or else the rhythm games of the turn of the century. But hey I'm biased by my actual experiences just like everyone else is.

It was also the golden age of pinball in my opinion. Addams Family, Attack from Mars, Twilight Zone.

We're in a new golden age now, with the popularity of pinball causing a resurgence in manufacturers and competition forcing innovation.

Check out Jersey Jack Pinball, Spooky Pinball and American Pinball.