Video games have come a long way since their inception, from simple 2D graphics and limited gameplay mechanics to immersive 3D worlds filled with intricate storylines and complex systems. Despite the rapid advancements in technology, there are some video games that have managed to stand the test of time, remaining popular and playable even decades after they were first released. In this article, we’ll explore some of the oldest video games that are still played today and delve into what makes them so enduring.
1. Pong (1972)
Pong is widely considered one of the first commercially successful video games and is also known as the game that started the home video game industry. Created by Atari, it is a simple 2D table tennis simulation where two paddles controlled by players hit a ball back and forth across a table. The objective of the game is to score points by making the opponent fail to return the ball within the regulations of the game. Pong’s simplicity and addictive gameplay made it an instant hit, selling millions of units worldwide and paving the way for future video games.
2. Space Invaders (1978)
Space Invaders is another iconic video game that has achieved enduring popularity. Developed by Tomohiro Nishikado, it is a fixed shooter game where players control a laser cannon that moves horizontally across the bottom of the screen and fires at descending rows of aliens who move left to right at varying speeds. The game’s objective is to eliminate all the invading aliens by shooting them with the laser cannon. Space Invaders was revolutionary in its use of a scrolling background, which added depth and complexity to the gameplay experience. It also introduced the concept of high scores, adding an element of friendly competition among players.
3. Pac-Man (1980)
Pac-Man is a maze game where the player controls a yellow character named Pac-Man as he navigates through a labyrinth filled with dots while avoiding four ghosts that try to catch him. The objective of the game is to eat all the dots in the maze while avoiding the ghosts. Pac-Man was groundbreaking in its use of nonviolent gameplay, appealing to a wider audience and paving the way for future puzzle games. Its simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics, combined with its cute and memorable characters, have made it one of the most popular video games of all time.
4. Tetris (1984)
Tetris is a puzzle game where players control falling blocks that can be rotated and placed to create lines of identical blocks, which are then cleared from the screen. The objective of the game is to clear as many lines as possible without letting any blocks fall off the bottom of the screen. Tetris was created by Alexey Pajitnov and quickly gained worldwide popularity after its release on the Soviet Union’s Electronika computer in 1984. Its addictive gameplay mechanics, combined with its simple yet elegant visual design, have made it one of the most iconic video games of all time.
5. Super Mario Bros (1985)
Super Mario Bros is a platform game where players control Mario as he navigates through levels filled with obstacles and enemies while collecting power-ups and coins. The objective of the game is to reach the end of each level by jumping on platforms, dodging obstacles, and defeating enemies. Super Mario Bros was revolutionary in its use of non-linear level design, allowing players to explore and discover new areas within each level. It also introduced new power-ups, such as the mushroom that made Mario bigger and more powerful, which added an element of strategy and variety to gameplay.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an adventure game where players control Link as he navigates through a fantasy world filled with puzzles, dungeons, and enemies. The objective of the game is to defeat the evil Ganon and save the princess Zelda from being turned into a tree.