Qix - 1981 - Taito
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Qix, Taito’s abstract strategy-action game from 1981, was built on dual-processor hardware, innovative area-claiming mechanics, and a completely original concept that stood apart from traditional arcade genres. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite that helped launch a new subgenre in arcade gaming.
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Gorf - 1981 - Bally Midway
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Gorf, Bally Midway’s genre-blending space shooter from 1981, was built on a multi-mission design, synthesized speech, and a talking villain that mocked players in real time. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a cult favorite of the golden age of arcades.
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Tempest - 1981 - Atari
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Tempest, Atari’s groundbreaking vector shooter from 1981, was built on color vector graphics, a rotary spinner controller, and wildly original tunnel-based gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most unique and influential arcade games of its era.
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Scramble - 1981 - Konami
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Scramble, Konami’s side-scrolling shooter from 1981, was built on forced scrolling, fuel management, and multi-stage progression that gave players a real mission to complete. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a foundational title in arcade history and a launching point for Konami’s future classics.
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Galaga - 1981 - Namco
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Galaga, Namco’s fixed space shooter from 1981, was built on multi-CPU hardware, dual-fighter mechanics, and precise bullet logic that redefined the genre. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most iconic and widely collected arcade games of all time.
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Frogger - 1981 - Sega-Gremlin
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Frogger, Sega/Gremlin’s traffic-dodging arcade hit from 1981, was built on deceptively simple joystick controls, grid-based gameplay, and one determined frog. This episode covers how it was developed by Konami, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a massive cultural and commercial success in arcades around the world.
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Donkey Kong - 1981 - Nintendo
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Donkey Kong, Nintendo’s genre-defining platformer from 1981, was built on character-driven storytelling, multi-screen level design, and clever hardware limitations. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most influential and successful arcade games of all time.
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Rally-X - 1980 - Namco
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Rally-X, Namco’s innovative maze chase game from 1980, was built on dynamic scrolling, a tactical radar, and fuel management. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became a foundational influence on future arcade titles.
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Battlezone - 1980 - Atari
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Battlezone, Atari’s immersive 3D tank combat game from 1980, was built on vector graphics, dual joystick controls, and a pioneering first-person perspective. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most innovative and influential arcade games of the golden age.
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Phoenix - 1980 - Amstar Electronics
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info_outlineTempest, Atari’s groundbreaking vector shooter from 1981, was built on color vector graphics, a rotary spinner controller, and wildly original tunnel-based gameplay. This episode covers how it was developed, the hardware behind it, the strategies expert players used, and how it became one of the most unique and influential arcade games of its era.