Two Amazing Franchises Were Apart Of The Biggest Games of 1983

1983 was a wild ride for video game enthusiasts. The arcade scene was booming, home consoles were becoming a household staple, and gamers were discovering new worlds and challenges. Let’s dive into the top five video games from 1983 that not only defined a generation but also continue to influence gaming today.

From the pixelated streets of urban jungles to the deep space adventures, 1983 had it all. Each of these games had their own charm, quirks, and sometimes, hilariously frustrating glitches. Whether you were a joystick wizard or just a button-mashing newbie, these games offered something for everyone. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; some games had flaws that made us want to throw our controllers out the window.

Here’s a look at why these games were loved, their imperfections, and some fun trivia that might just surprise you.

• Iconic games that shaped the industry
• Memorable glitches and cheats
• Fun facts and personal anecdotes

Mario Bros.

Mario Bros., released in 1983, was a game-changer (pun intended). Developed by Nintendo, it introduced the world to the dynamic duo of Mario and Luigi. Set in the sewers of New York City, the game had players battling various creatures like turtles and crabs. The game was a hit because of its simple yet addictive gameplay and the co-op mode that allowed friends to team up.

Despite its success, Mario Bros. had its share of flaws. The game’s collision detection was often questionable, leading to some frustrating moments where you swore you stomped that turtle, but nope, you just lost a life. Also, the game could be brutally difficult, especially for younger players who were new to platformers.

Fun fact: Did you know that Mario was originally a carpenter named Jumpman in Donkey Kong before becoming a plumber? Talk about a career change!

• Over 3.8 million copies sold worldwide
• Introduced Mario’s brother, Luigi
• Spawned countless sequels and spin-offs
• Had a glitch where enemies would occasionally phase through the floor

Dragon’s Lair

Dragon’s Lair was a visual masterpiece for its time, featuring stunning animation by Don Bluth, a former Disney animator. This laserdisc arcade game put players in the shoes of Dirk the Daring, a bumbling knight on a quest to rescue Princess Daphne. The game was essentially a series of quick-time events, requiring precise timing to avoid death.

While Dragon’s Lair was groundbreaking in terms of visuals, its gameplay was a bit of a mixed bag. The controls were often unresponsive, and the game’s reliance on memorization over skill could be frustrating. Still, the game’s charm and humor won over many players.

Fun fact: Dragon’s Lair was one of the first video games to feature full-motion video, paving the way for future FMV games like Night Trap and Phantasmagoria.

• First video game to use laserdisc technology
• Dirk the Daring became an iconic character
• Featured over 22 minutes of animation
• Had a notorious glitch where the game would freeze during key scenes

Pole Position

Pole Position was the racing game that revved up the arcade scene in 1983. Developed by Namco, it was one of the first games to feature a real-world race track, Fuji Speedway, and realistic driving mechanics. Players had to qualify in a time trial before racing against other cars, adding a layer of strategy to the game.

Despite its popularity, Pole Position wasn’t without its flaws. The game’s collision detection was notorious for being overly sensitive, often resulting in spectacular crashes for even the slightest touch. Additionally, the game’s difficulty curve was steep, making it challenging for casual players to master.

Fun fact: Pole Position was so influential that it inspired the creation of the animated TV series “Pole Position” in 1984. Talk about cross-media appeal!

• Ranked as the highest-grossing arcade game of 1983
• Introduced the concept of qualifying laps in racing games
• Featured a 3D perspective, a first for racing games
• Had a cheat where players could avoid crashes by driving off the track

Star Wars

Long before the Star Wars franchise was synonymous with blockbuster movies and Baby Yoda, it was making waves in the arcade world. The 1983 Star Wars arcade game by Atari let players relive the epic trench run from “A New Hope.” Using vector graphics, the game put players in the cockpit of an X-Wing, battling TIE fighters and dodging obstacles.

While the game was a hit for its immersive experience and iconic soundtrack, it wasn’t perfect. The vector graphics, though revolutionary, could be hard on the eyes after prolonged play. Additionally, the game’s difficulty ramped up quickly, making it a challenge for even seasoned gamers.

Fun fact: The voice samples used in the game were taken directly from the movie, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.

• Featured digitized voices of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader
• One of the first games to use vector graphics
• Had a hidden Easter egg that displayed the names of the game’s developers
• Encountered a glitch where the Death Star would sometimes fail to explode

Ms. Pac-Man

Ms. Pac-Man was the sequel that outshined the original, proving that sometimes, a sequel can be better than the original. Developed by Midway, the game introduced new maze designs, moving fruits, and smarter ghosts. Ms. Pac-Man quickly became a fan favorite, appealing to both male and female gamers.

However, the game wasn’t without its quirks. The collision detection could be finicky, and the increased speed of the ghosts made the game significantly harder. Despite these issues, Ms. Pac-Man’s charm and addictive gameplay kept players coming back for more.

Fun fact: Ms. Pac-Man was originally conceived as an enhancement kit for the original Pac-Man game, but it became so popular that it was released as a standalone game.

• Sold over 125,000 arcade cabinets worldwide
• Introduced four new maze designs
• Featured a female protagonist, a rarity at the time
• Had a cheat that allowed players to skip levels by manipulating the joystick

These five games from 1983 not only captivated players but also laid the groundwork for future innovations in the gaming industry. They were loved for their unique gameplay, memorable characters, and groundbreaking technology. However, they also had their share of flaws and glitches, reminding us that even the best games aren’t perfect.

Reflecting on these classics, it’s clear that they were more than just games; they were cultural phenomena that brought people together and inspired countless future game developers. So, the next time you fire up your modern console or PC, take a moment to appreciate the trailblazers of 1983. They may be pixelated and primitive by today’s standards, but their impact is undeniable.

Feeling nostalgic yet? Why not revisit these classics and see how they stack up against today’s games? You might be surprised at how much fun you still have, glitches and all.

References

1. Nintendo
2. Arcade Museum
3. The Adventure Age 100 (1983-1998)
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