Sci Fi Games have been part of computing as long as computers have existed. From the early arcades to modern computers and game consoles every game developer cites an inspiring moment. We look at some of the influential games that inspired generations of programmers.
The first arcade game to be a success around the world was the Japanese invented Space Invaders. Released in 1978 by Taito in an era when the younger generation were looking up at the sky and asking the most questions. This 2D fixed shooter game resulted in a shortage of 100 yen coins. Within pop culture the pixelated image of the alien spacecrafts have become a popular retro image.
Many early home computers were sold by people wanting to play the popular and highly addictive space trading simulation Elite. The trading portion of the game was relatively simple and was enriched by wireframe space combat. A much enhanced second edition was released for more powerful computers in the late 1980s and the development team have promised to release a modernized version.
Elite was the game that made the BBC and Acorn computers famous. During the early 1980s these computers were primarily used as teaching computers however this game was so hugely popular that many people purchased them just to play it. It also inspired many younger users to consider software development as a career so it could be said it inspired a generation. More recently the the lead designer, David Braben, called for changes in education to inspire a new generation of developers.
Although not the first game of its type Speedball was a very popular and violent sporting game. Based around a metallic arena that resembles an ice skating rink or handball court it became popular amongst sports fans. The concept that sports can be enriched with fantastical power-ups has since become a standard.
Futuristic first person shooters were du jour in the 1990s. Quake opened up the genre and was succeeded by Half Life, which remains a model for games today. By combining Quake's first person model with difficult puzzles it became difficult enough to keep players interested for months. The protagonist, scientist Gordon Freeman, works at the Black Mesa Research Facility. He arrives late but in time for a hugely destructive explosion that knocks him unconscious. When he comes to he finds a portal has been ripped into a hostile universe. Certainly not the first but it was the most inspirational game of its era.
War simulation games were fronted by the hugely popular Civilization series, one sci fi version was made titled Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. This popular strategy simulation was based around a colonial ship from Earth that has colonized an alien planet. Leaders with personalities based on diametrically opposed personalities form different types of military and diplomatic relationships that varied form vendetta through truces through to pact alliances until one faction is dominant. Futuristic strategies are often compared against this production in the late 90s.
Sci Fi games have been around as long as arcades and home computers. Generations of developers have been inspired by some of the most inspirational games. Each time a game is released that successfully tries something a bit different a new generation is inspired.
The first arcade game to be a success around the world was the Japanese invented Space Invaders. Released in 1978 by Taito in an era when the younger generation were looking up at the sky and asking the most questions. This 2D fixed shooter game resulted in a shortage of 100 yen coins. Within pop culture the pixelated image of the alien spacecrafts have become a popular retro image.
Many early home computers were sold by people wanting to play the popular and highly addictive space trading simulation Elite. The trading portion of the game was relatively simple and was enriched by wireframe space combat. A much enhanced second edition was released for more powerful computers in the late 1980s and the development team have promised to release a modernized version.
Elite was the game that made the BBC and Acorn computers famous. During the early 1980s these computers were primarily used as teaching computers however this game was so hugely popular that many people purchased them just to play it. It also inspired many younger users to consider software development as a career so it could be said it inspired a generation. More recently the the lead designer, David Braben, called for changes in education to inspire a new generation of developers.
Although not the first game of its type Speedball was a very popular and violent sporting game. Based around a metallic arena that resembles an ice skating rink or handball court it became popular amongst sports fans. The concept that sports can be enriched with fantastical power-ups has since become a standard.
Futuristic first person shooters were du jour in the 1990s. Quake opened up the genre and was succeeded by Half Life, which remains a model for games today. By combining Quake's first person model with difficult puzzles it became difficult enough to keep players interested for months. The protagonist, scientist Gordon Freeman, works at the Black Mesa Research Facility. He arrives late but in time for a hugely destructive explosion that knocks him unconscious. When he comes to he finds a portal has been ripped into a hostile universe. Certainly not the first but it was the most inspirational game of its era.
War simulation games were fronted by the hugely popular Civilization series, one sci fi version was made titled Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri. This popular strategy simulation was based around a colonial ship from Earth that has colonized an alien planet. Leaders with personalities based on diametrically opposed personalities form different types of military and diplomatic relationships that varied form vendetta through truces through to pact alliances until one faction is dominant. Futuristic strategies are often compared against this production in the late 90s.
Sci Fi games have been around as long as arcades and home computers. Generations of developers have been inspired by some of the most inspirational games. Each time a game is released that successfully tries something a bit different a new generation is inspired.
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