History of Arcade Games

The first arcade game started from Pong, but then moved on to become one of the
biggest rages of the time. The games where mostly simple in design, but gave you
plenty of raw game time.

With the newer arcade games, you will find that it made use of intense leaps in
technology and now uses some of the best graphic technology on the market. The
arcade games were designed to be played with a group of friends in pubs, malls
and restaurants.

These days arcade games are more than isolated gaming sessions. Keep in mind
that arcade games have plenty of followers and now have built communities and
even cults that are committed to the tradition of playing.

Then the arcade game came into the home, thanks to the home console gaming
units.. They started out as redemption games, pinball machines and video games.

The reason that arcades began to shut down was because they were labeled as
very sinister places and they became known for being unsafe. They saw
resurgence with the advent of the "two players fighting each other" games such
as Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter and Killer Instinct.

But, then, again the game consoles and PC's with 3d accelerator cards
successfully dwarfed the advantage arcade games enjoyed. When it comes to the
success of arcade games, you will find that it has beat the home computer game
popularity and also it has become available on many systems so that you can get
new games with better quality graphics and also you'll be able to use better
sound cards so that the experience of the game is better.

The steep decline ensured that they could no longer fund their technologies.

Then, the decline of the arcade hit hard in the last 1990's, because the
internet made things a bit worse. With help from the internet the competition
between players got a lot more serious.

This is why most of the arcade games have been changed into PC games or home
console gaming units. Today the online arcade games have a huge fan following
with thousands of tournaments being held online every year.

As for the online arcade games, you will find that it is a very fast pace world
that allows the arcade become more virtual and the graphics are a lot better.
When you think about arcades, you have to realize that there is a new type of
future for these games.

Playing online

When it comes to the addition of these games, you have to realize that any
computer game or arcade game can become the object of obsession. The fact is
that there are many people who love to play these games because they are simple
and the graphics allow the gamer to concentrate more on the game then on the
graphics.

When it comes to having an arcade game, you will need to have someone who is a
good mechanic to endorse the game and improve the game. The games are
essentially created to promote an atmosphere of fun. Arcade games have an easy
learning curve which attracts people of all ages.

It is the fighter series that have had most of the success. Games like Street
Fighter and Mortal Kombat have become very popular because of the fighting
moves.

These games survived purely on their intense game play which involves a rapid
carnage of joystick and the buttons. You should still give some credit to these
games, because you'll find that the sophistication of some games like Dead or
Alive are based on these simple games.

Arcade Games like Tetris and Bejeweled involved game play that required one to
rack their brains in order to succeed. Not only are these games good for
entertainment, but they also help you to develop some mental development,
because you basically master them. You are able to think about moves that are
way ahead in the game.

Some of the more intense games that are played have now become a favorite for
those who are into the gaming industry.. Microsoft's Xbox 360 comes pre-loaded
with an arcade puzzle game, Hexic HD. Most of the Xbox Live arcade games have
multiplayer support over Xbox Live.

You can assume that there will be more arcade classics making their way out on
Xbox and other units. You will also want to keep in mind that some of the other
gaming units are remaking some of these old classics in hopes to get a handle on
the whole market and also be able to market their product to many age groups.
Pac-Man arcade games

A lot of people don't realize that Pac-Man is the ultimate arcade game. The
game is built on an old Japanese folk tale, and it was created by Toru Itwani,
while licensed by Namco.

The object of the game was simply to move through a maze, while gobbling the
dots and avoiding ghosts. Pac-Man is such a success that it is still in the
makings of having hundreds and even thousands of cult members.

It was picked up for production in the US by Midway.

Pac-Man is a game that is for the player who is bored with the typical arcade
games and also those who are bored with the space invading games. The game soon
went on to strip "Asteroids" as the greatest selling game of all time.

The player maneuvers the protagonist through a maze eating dots. You will
proceed to the next level once you have gotten your image to eat all of the
dots without getting eating itself.

There are four ghosts which roam around the maze trying to catch Pac-man who is
the character maneuvered by the player. The point of the ghost is that if
Pac-Man is touched, he dies.

The game ends when no lives remain.

If you were to look at the corners of your maze there are four power ups. These
power-ups render Pac-man a short-timed ability to gobble up the ghosts.

Then once the ghost is eaten it will return to the pen where it will be
revived. The regeneration time for the ghosts shortens as the game advances
through the stages.

Even though you may think that the ghosts are moving in a random direction,
basically you will find that they are completely predictable, but it does take
time to find a pattern.
This allows experienced players to devise precise patterns of movement that
enables them to complete levels without being caught ever.

The game is so simple, but you will still be able to get that adrenaline rush
from it. You will notice that a lot of people will become addicted to the game.
It is actually one of the most played games of all times and it is also one of
the most enjoyable game to play.

Arcade Games and their systems

When it came to the first arcade games, you will find that they were designed
with logic and were made for competition. There wasn't any A.I system at the
time.

Heuristic algorithms have been used in the arcade games. Scripting was the
common method of controlling an NPC in the game.

Then there is path finding, which was another common A.I. system. It was used
at the time for strategy games. "Path finding" works by calculating how to get
an NPC from one place to another after considering the terrain and obstacles.

There were games known as Quake and Pursuit that displays enemy action and will
store it in a particular pattern. The space invaders further refined this
movement, by adding in-game events which were dependent on the hash functions.

This resulted in more varied and complex enemy movements.

Then Pac-Man became incorporated these types of technologies and then they
ended up improving the game by adding different personalities for each ghost.

Although the ghost movements in Pac-Man felt random, it was a cleverly scripted
and well disguised action.

Getting powered by Rubber Banding, the 1990's saw the beginning of finite state
machines and arcade racing games.

If the computer controlled the opponents "fall behind", they received a superb
boost allowing them to catch up.

The system basically will enable a player to catch up if they simple fall a
little bit behind. They were difficult to play and to get a handle on it. The
arcade shooting games should ideally have a large rule base which is basically
the list of NPC options like attack long range, call for help, flee etc.

The trick to use to a random factor so that you can display some intellect, but
also create something that is fun. The random factor will help the game take off
and become very popular.

Arcade Games and features

Keep in mind that arcade games have very short learning curves, but they are
based on simple levels of challenge. You will find that the games are to give
you an adrenaline rush. When you play a console game, you will notice that the
game is scripted and it's more about putting time into the game to win, rather
than just playing one round.

Basically, you rent an arcade game as long as you can keep your player alive.
The game titles in PC's or consoles can also be termed as the "arcade game" if
it shares the same qualities.

Then the arcade racing game will save certain actions, but the physics of it
all is very simple.. The effects are not always pragmatic; as you can turn
sharply without drifting or losing control.

The arcade racing games just used a very simple Rubberband A.I. System. The
systems are programmed so that you don't get left far behind or move ahead of
the rest.

If you were to compare arcade flight games to flight simulators you would find
that they are highly simple. These games are facing a steady resurgence with
people increasingly favoring action over reality.

The past success of Crimson Tide and even Secret Weapons over Normandy has
become a huge phenomenon.

When it comes to some of the simple games, you will find that the arcade games
are very simple and also very addictive. Arcade classics like Street Fighter,
Mortal Kombat and King of Fighters were built on simple game play.

Often there is just something about pounding the buttons and beating the
joystick mindlessly, but you will also find that even the newer games are very
detailed and the graphics are an improvement on the classic games.

Online gaming community

When it comes to the success of online arcade games, you will find that it is
supported by the many dedicated online communities that help support these
arcade games.

These games have stood against time and they have struggled through the many
technological advances that have ruined a lot of games in the past because of
the graphical capabilities.

The online community regularly conducts tourneys for arcade games with huge
prize money at stake.

In May 1007, Xbox came out with a new Pac-Man and it conducted a championship
in New York for the championship title of highly successful and popular game.

Nine finalists from around the world fought each other for a one of a kind
Pac-man inspired Xbox 360 console, 100,000 Microsoft points, and a Pac-Man Live
Arcade Trophy.

As for the finalists, you will find that they came from all over the world.
They were arcade leaders from Japan, USA, Europe, the Middle East, Australia,
New Zealand, Canada and even Mexico.
When it comes to the reason for the online arcade you will find that there is a
huge demand for these multiplayer games. You will also find that these games
have survived decades and pressed on through intense competition.

The resurgence of arcade titles on consoles and handhelds is another reason for
the growing arcade communities. The online arcade communities have made sure
that arcade games are here to stay.

The arcade games have shown intense surviving skills because they have made it
through the test of home entertainment systems to moving on to the internet.
The arcade communities have played a huge part in seeing the genre through the
hardest of times.

When it comes to the internet you will find that these gaming communities are
in a rise, because these communities are very closely related that it's almost
like being a cult. You will want to keep in mind that competing with these
games is like a new game genre.

Massive Multiplayer gaming communities

There is a new phenomenon hitting the net. You will find that the use of online
arcade games is rising in membership. Also, you will find that there is a rise
in massive multiplayer online role paying games. You will find that there is
much to explore online.

Several thousands of players share a common environment and fight each other
for glory. When it comes to multiplayer online gaming you will find that it is
among the newest rage for some computer programmers.

Almost every game is designed to include a multi-player option. With help from
the internet, arcade games have the ability to overcome numerous obstacles and
existence. You will want to keep in mind that these games are going to continue
to last.

It is obvious that these games are adapting to the internet and have won the
war of struggle and will continue to exist. Arcade industry responded to the
growing threat of multiplayer games on internet by coming up with games of
their own.

You'll want to consider that if you can't beat them; then be one of them. It's
so easy to get caught up in the online game world.

Lunia is an action packed arcade MMORPG that combines the classic RPG elements
like character growth and community system with intense paced action. The game
has great visual aids and graphics. You will find that it can take you down
into dungeons and parts of abandoned castles and it all looks very real from
the details of graphics.

Anarchy Online is a science fiction MMORPG arcade game that's hugely popular
and won 20 international awards.

The game allows for unmatched character customization, hundreds of devastating
special attacks and thousands of items. You will find that the game is a very
fast pace game and it deals a lot more than action and game play time then
storyline time.

The Anarchy online has a well scripted deep story line. When you play the game,
you can be a soldier, a healer, a tech expert, and even an adventurer.

The game features stunning environments with clubs, bars and apartments.
With Anarchy online, you will find that it will give you tons of options and
also you will find a lot more challenges with fighting and you'll battle with
thousands of monsters.

Arcade games on console home systems

When it comes to the classic arcade games you will want to keep in mind that
they have become the biggest rage in the gaming industry. This trend is
definitely bringing back some of the arcade games that everyone loves, but also
it proves that arcade games are not dead.

The gamers are not only just the younger crowd now, but those who grew up
playing these games are also now addicted to them. You will find that the games
are being redone, but you also have to realize that a lot of these people have
never given up their addiction. You will also find that there is an addiction
that is growing because these games are being redone and they are now marketing
the game to many age groups.

In the past, arcade games have not been known to have the best graphics. You
will also find that the move to other gaming units have now giving in the games
very detailed graphics. This move successfully negates the fact that the
popularity of a game largely depends on its game play and not seemingly
awe-inspiring graphics.

This phenomenon has also triggered a resurrection of arcade games and made it
popular among online gamers. Arcade games are also being ported into handheld
consoles like PSP. This is clearly an indication that there is popularity among
gamers for arcade games.

Some of the ported titles are:

Geometry Wars was a classic game from the 1980's. The upgrade features high end
particle physics, digital sound, new special effects, a new scrolling area and
high end graphics.

It is set in the far reaches of the galaxy where you battle hordes of vile,
neon blazoned aliens. You can also choose from the newer version or choose the
updated version.

As for Pac-Man it has become an all time classic game that everyone has played
at one time or another. It has now become upgraded with the help of high
definition. The game still retains the original game play and the charming
retro look.

As for the newer versions of these games, you will find that they are still
packed with fun and action, but also you will notice that the game also has the
original sound and music themes so that you can still feel like it's the
original.

Online Arcade Games

The most popular online game is Pac-man. Also, don't forget about Pong,
Bejeweled, and even Street Fighter. These games are almost timeless and they
will stay alive through hi-definition graphics, which makes the game a bit more
sophisticated.

Joust

Joust is a classic arcade game that puts you in the role of a knight with a
lance while mounted on an ostrich. The game has a split screen with five
platforms that hang in the mid air.

The enemies come in wave after wave from the one end of the screen. They appear
at the screens in four different spawn points. Basically, for you to destroy you
enemy, you will need to collide with the knight, but you have to be at the
higher position in order to do so.

Donkey Kong
Then there came Donkey Kong, which was released by Nintendo. The game was the
pioneer in the platform genre as the game play basically revolved around
maneuvering.

The main character comes across a series of platforms while dodging various
obstacles. When it comes to the hero of the game, you will find that it is
basically a huge ape named Donkey Kong and it has become a very popular
character.

Despite an initial slow down, the game went on to become a tremendous success.
Consequently, the game was developed for personal consoles.

Crimson skies
A lot of people don't realize that Crimson Skies is an arcade game that was
developed by FASA. The game was released as a flight simulator with an arcade
touch. Flight control scheme is fairly simple. Then the take off and the
landing happen almost automated.

Some of the games of recently been placed on Xbox, but you will find that there
is a whole fleet of options when it comes to fighters. There are a lot of great
designs and graphics to go along with these games.

Designs for online gaming

The arcade games happen to be first an coin operated machine. The use of arcade
games became very strong because it was based on a new type of technology, which
soon became a commodity.

The coin operated games have custom made hardware inside, but it is also
powered by many CPU's so that you can get the special sounds and the great
graphics.

The design simplicity of these games enabled the programmers to spend more time
into enhancing the basics of game play. When it comes to the conception of a
great game, you will find that it is based on mostly how the graphics are
perceived.

Often, the first games where very clever, because they could hide their graphic
limitations in many ways. A fine example is Atari's Night Driver, the first
racing game to deliver a "first" person perspective, and also showing the road
as seen from the cockpit.

Often the night theme was one of the best ways to hide some of the images that
were not created or not created well. It gave the perception that the need for
complicated images wasn't necessary. The Night Driver's concept of "scaling"
flat images called "sprites" to stimulate a 3d movement was a cult design basis
for most 3d games.

Once these games were ported to PC, they were designed with Flash, Java and
DHTML. Then there are online arcade games that happen to be programmed on
flash, but the graphics are in a file format.

The design was very simple, but that didn't take away the need for playing time
and did not hinder the success of the game. This was, perhaps, the most probable
reason for the immense resilience in these games.

Keep in mind that the newer arcade games have now began to seek newer gadgets
to improve the appearance of the game. You'll find that light guns and even
some dance mats have now been able to draw the crowd in and you'll find that
the old joystick has become outdated.

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