Arcade games have a long and fascinating history. Discover how arcade gaming has evolved from ordinary pinball machines to sophisticated internet platforms
Arcade games, historically, emerged as early as the late 1920's where you could find theme parks which combined mechanical form of gaming machines and a great fun atmosphere. This was the beginning of modern gaming. The first pinball machines appeared in the and were mainly coin-operated. To play the game, you sloted in your coin or token and when that run out the game ended. You then had to purchase further tokens if so desired. Today, most pinball machines use solid state electronics to operate. Scores and bonuses are all electronically controlled.
Atari, which started in 1972, was now dominating the market with popular arcade games such as Pong (electronic version Ping Pong), Pacman, Space Invaders, Battlezone, Donkey Kong and the Galaxian. Video arcade games started appearing everywhere including shopping malls, public houses such as bars, supermarkets, college campuses, bowling alleys and dedicated amusement parks. However, with video arcade games located in seedy places like casinos and gambling houses, their reputation waned. The sales of arcade games further took a hit with the advent of home video game consoles in the early nineties. People rather preferred to buy or rent out the exact games they used to play in these amusement parks and enjoy it from the comfort of their own homes.
A business just selling arcade games to people, would still be profitable, the decline is such that many of such businesses have had to re-think and offer a variety of attractions in order to keep their visitors coming for more. The reality now is that many such dedicated arcade amusement centers have since closed down. If not, evolved so thoroughly it is hard to remember what they once were. Even if there exist such venues, they are generally visited by hobbyists whose passion for tradition has not waned.
Playing arcade games is now even easier. With most dedicated venues closed due to advances in the gaming console technology and the internet, you do not need to uproot yourself and find a physical venue. If you are into gaming consoles, all you need is to buy or rent your game and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. On the other hand, if you wish to play free arcade games with a bit of social interaction, you can choose from many internet gaming platforms where you can play as well as chat or interact with other game lovers in the forums.
Arcade games have evolved since the early basic games and new games such as Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat and Fatal Fury offer two player fighting themes. There is also more interactivity and more controls, enabling the gamer to feel more connected and thus addicted to the games. Nevertheless, in general, arcade games still offer short levels, easy-to-handle controllers and a progression to more difficult phases. Modern internet arcade games also offer this and just like its predecessors where you play till you run out of tokens or stay alive. Other arcade genre such as racing arcade games or racing simulators are designed to keep the gamer enthused and addicted.
Playing free arcade games may have taken the place of the pinball machines that served us these highly addictive and enthralling games, but the spirit of the arcade still lives on.
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