I'm not too much into arcade games but I find one thing interesting: It began with physics and it will end with them.
You're quite right, Calibrator! Particularly the "vector graphics" games were very physics-based.
I recall an earlier "Armchair Arcade" article (on the old site) written by Buck Feris, and it made the case that we gamers are seeking "catharsis." It was a very interesting proposition, but one I think is at least partially (if not majorly) valid, and these early "vector" games might have provided "catharsis" via their primitive physics systems, since they couldn't do it with detailed graphics.
I recall an Amiga sci-fi-based platform game called "Exile," which incorporated physics into the game, and I spent more time playing with the game's physics engine as I did exploring the game world. It was absolutely mesmerizing to throw boulders into the wind and watch the boulder roll back at you via the strong winds of the world. ("Exile" is considered a classic game, by the way).
What is it about realistic physics that makes a game seem more attractive? Lunar Lander, Asteroids, Defender, Star Castle, Artillery, Pong, etc. They were all cool physics-based games, but I doubt the average gamer really noticed or cared about the lesson.... they were having too much fun!
I'm not too much into arcade games but I find one thing interesting: It began with physics and it will end with them.
You're quite right, Calibrator! Particularly the "vector graphics" games were very physics-based.
I recall an earlier "Armchair Arcade" article (on the old site) written by Buck Feris, and it made the case that we gamers are seeking "catharsis." It was a very interesting proposition, but one I think is at least partially (if not majorly) valid, and these early "vector" games might have provided "catharsis" via their primitive physics systems, since they couldn't do it with detailed graphics.
I recall an Amiga sci-fi-based platform game called "Exile," which incorporated physics into the game, and I spent more time playing with the game's physics engine as I did exploring the game world. It was absolutely mesmerizing to throw boulders into the wind and watch the boulder roll back at you via the strong winds of the world. ("Exile" is considered a classic game, by the way).
What is it about realistic physics that makes a game seem more attractive? Lunar Lander, Asteroids, Defender, Star Castle, Artillery, Pong, etc. They were all cool physics-based games, but I doubt the average gamer really noticed or cared about the lesson.... they were having too much fun!
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