Arcade games were typically played on a small computer, which is placed inside an arcade cabinet which holds and protects the computer, screen and controls, that also runs the game.
Typically played using buttons and a joystick, or a custom controller. Examples of custom controllers include plastic guns, dance mats and steering wheels. Most arcade games use an older Cathode Ray Tube monitor to display on-screen graphics, compared to the more modern flat-screen monitors.
Arcade cabinets were usually coin operated, players insert money into the machine to allow them to play the game. This made sure to be low enough to keep players interested, but it made enough revenue for the creators and the arcades themselves.
Arcade Machines really took off in the 1980's where money made by arcades rose into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Typically played using buttons and a joystick, or a custom controller. Examples of custom controllers include plastic guns, dance mats and steering wheels. Most arcade games use an older Cathode Ray Tube monitor to display on-screen graphics, compared to the more modern flat-screen monitors.
Arcade cabinets were usually coin operated, players insert money into the machine to allow them to play the game. This made sure to be low enough to keep players interested, but it made enough revenue for the creators and the arcades themselves.
Arcade Machines really took off in the 1980's where money made by arcades rose into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The animated takeover...
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To begin with Arcade Machines were very simplistic in the type of game they could produce and run, sticking to simplistic shapes and geometry, to build games such as Pong, Space Invaders and PacMan.
A little later on due to the introduction of the Laser Disk format (it looked like a HUGE CD), companies were able to render animated sequences which could then be shown depending on the action of the player. The famous example of this technique was Space Ace, have a look at the play through on the left, to see it in action. The images below go to show the comparison between a standard CD and the Laser Disk, and with it one of the creators of Space Ace. |
The modern Arcade Machines...
Examples of some more modern Arcade Machines can be seen below. These include some of the most popular arcade machines, some of which are still in use today, with the likes of Dance Dance Revolution, Time Crisis, Guitar Hero, and many racing games being the stars of gaming arcades.
In recent times Arcade Machines haven't been as popular as they may have been in the past, this could primarily be down to the sheer cost of them for an arcade to install the games, as well as the fact that home gaming consoles have enough power nowadays to simulate what an arcade machine could do.
The only real plus point that they have is that they can truly immerse players into the game with their setup. Having a Dance mat in your living room is fine, but the arcade version comes with strobe lighting, huge speakers and a much more sturdy dance mat, ultimately giving the better experience. The same can be said for arcade shooter, flight simulators and many other types of games. It also brings a social element to the world of gaming, having to go to an arcade and meet people, rather than sitting at home.
In recent times Arcade Machines haven't been as popular as they may have been in the past, this could primarily be down to the sheer cost of them for an arcade to install the games, as well as the fact that home gaming consoles have enough power nowadays to simulate what an arcade machine could do.
The only real plus point that they have is that they can truly immerse players into the game with their setup. Having a Dance mat in your living room is fine, but the arcade version comes with strobe lighting, huge speakers and a much more sturdy dance mat, ultimately giving the better experience. The same can be said for arcade shooter, flight simulators and many other types of games. It also brings a social element to the world of gaming, having to go to an arcade and meet people, rather than sitting at home.
The Ups and Downs of Arcade Machines...
Advantages:
Arcade games usually have very simple controls, a few buttons for actions and a joystick to move and they also use custom controllers like dance mats and plastic guns to create a realistic and immersive feel. They encourage gamers to be social and go outside more to get to the arcades. There has been a recent resurgence in Arcade Games, due to the development of the Raspberry Pi and other small computers using emulators such as RetroPie. These can be built into tiny Arcade units (below right) to allow players to play retro games on their own arcade machines. |
Disadvantages:
Arcade games cost money to play. Arcade games have addictive features such as leader boards which encourage gamers to keep playing and keep paying money till they get the highest score. For example; Space Invaders was so addictive in Japan that it caused a national coin shortage. Furthermore, if there isn't an arcade in your area you will have to travel to play arcade games or just miss out on arcade gaming entirely. |
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