Games developed by Gremlin Industries, Inc.
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Blasto
Blasto is an arcade game that was released in 1978 by Gremlin Industries, designed by Dave Nutting and manufactured by Sega. This action-packed game may have been released over four decades ago, but it still holds its charm and attracts players even today. Blasto was one of the first games to introduce a scrolling background, making it a pioneer in the field of side-scrolling games.
In Blasto, players take on the role of a small spaceship that navigates through various obstacles and enemies while blasting them with its laser gun. The objective of the game is to clear all enemies and advance to the next level. With each level, the difficulty increases, bringing in new enemies and obstacles. This keeps the players on their toes and adds an element of challenge to the game.
One of the key features of Blasto is its unique controls. Unlike other arcade games of its time, Blasto uses a joystick and two buttons to control the spaceship's movement and shooting. This revolutionary control system made the game stand out amongst its competition and made it a favorite among gamers. The intuitive controls coupled with the fast-paced gameplay made Blasto a hit in arcades everywhere.
The graphics of Blasto may seem simple by today's standards, but at the time of its release, they were considered top-notch. The vibrant colors and detailed sprites added to the overall gaming experience and made it visually appealing. The scrolling background, a new concept at the time, created an illusion of movement, making the gameplay more immersive. The game also featured various sound effects, adding to the overall excitement and intensity of the game.
Blasto was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics and gamers alike. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and innovative control system. The game was also known for its high replayability value, with players trying to beat their previous high scores and achieve the top spot on the game's leaderboard. This competitive nature of the game added to its popularity and ensured its place in gaming history.
Although Blasto may not be as well-known as other popular arcade games of its time, its impact on the gaming industry cannot be overlooked. It paved the way for future side-scrolling games and set the standard for graphics and gameplay in the industry. The game also received various port versions for different consoles, making it available for a wider audience.
Blockade
Blockade, released in 1976, is a classic arcade game that has withstood the test of time. Developed by Gremlin Industries, this game is often credited as the first ever multiplayer video game. It was originally designed as a clone of the popular game, Surround, and was released as Blockade in the United States and as Worm in the United Kingdom.
The premise of Blockade is simple – players control a snake-like creature that moves within a confined space. The objective is to avoid colliding with the walls and the opponent's snake while also trying to trap them with its own trail of blocks. The game ends when either player hits the walls or their opponent's trail. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, Blockade quickly became a hit among arcade-goers.
One of the reasons for Blockade's success was its innovative use of multiplayer technology. Up to four players could play simultaneously, making it a popular game for social gatherings and parties. The game also featured various gameplay modes such as Free-For-All, Team Play, and Tournament, adding to its replay value.
In terms of graphics, Blockade may seem primitive by today's standards, but at the time of its release, it was a groundbreaking achievement. It featured bright, bold colors and smooth movement, making it visually appealing to players. The sound effects were also simple yet effective in creating an immersive experience.
Blockade's popularity not only had an impact on the arcade industry, but it also paved the way for future multiplayer games. Its influence can be seen in modern games such as Tron and the popular mobile game, Snake. Blockade also had several sequels and spin-offs, further cementing its place in video game history.
The game's success also led to its adaptation on various home consoles, such as the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, and the Commodore 64. Its availability on these platforms helped introduce the game to a wider audience and solidified its status as a classic arcade game.
CoMotion
CoMotion is a classic arcade game that was released in 1976 by Bally Midway. It quickly became a fan favorite due to its unique gameplay and vibrant graphics. The game was designed by Dave Nutting, who was known for creating other popular arcade games such as Sea Wolf and Gun Fight.
The premise of CoMotion is simple yet addictive. Players control a yellow paddle and must maneuver around the screen to hit a ball towards targets located at the top of the screen. The targets are represented by different colored squares, and players must hit all of them to advance to the next level. However, it's not as easy as it sounds since the ball constantly moves and bounces off walls, making it challenging to hit the targets.
One aspect that sets CoMotion apart from other arcade games of its time is its use of color. The game utilized a color overlay, which gave the game a more vibrant and dynamic look. It also added an extra layer of challenge, as players had to accurately hit the colored squares depending on the overlay in use.
What makes CoMotion even more intriguing is its unique two-player mode. In this mode, two players can compete against each other simultaneously, adding a competitive edge to the game. This feature was quite innovative for its time and added to the game's overall appeal.
CoMotion also has a bonus round, which appears after every four levels. In this round, players can rack up extra points by hitting moving targets that are worth varying amounts. This adds to the game's replayability, as players can try to beat their high scores in each bonus round.
The game's popularity was not limited to only players, but it also received critical acclaim from the media. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, beautiful graphics, and clever use of color. Even today, CoMotion is considered to be a classic arcade game and has been included in several arcade game collections.
Depthcharge
Depthcharge is a classic arcade game that was first released in 1977 by the gaming company Gremlin Industries. This single player game was designed by the renowned game developer Dave Nutting and quickly became a sensation among gamers of all ages. The game was a great hit during its time and is still beloved by many retro game enthusiasts even today.
The game is set in a realistic naval setting, where the player takes on the role of a commander of a submarine, tasked with destroying enemy ships that are dropping depth charges on him. The game is played on a black and white monitor, adding to the vintage charm of the game. The controls are simple but require precision, as the player must dodge the incoming depth charges while maneuvering the submarine to drop its own bombs on the enemy ships.
What made Depthcharge so popular was its unique gameplay and immersive experience. The game was a perfect blend of strategy and action, requiring players to use their wit and quick reflexes to advance to higher levels. As the game progresses, the enemy ships become more challenging, keeping the players on the edge of their seats. The sound effects and visual graphics of the game added to its overall appeal, making it a must-play for any arcade goer.
Depthcharge's success not only lies in its gameplay but also in its influence on future games. The game was one of the earliest examples of a scrolling game, with the enemy ships and depth charges moving horizontally across the screen. This idea was later adopted by popular games like Space Invaders and Galaxian, paving the way for the development of scrolling shooters. Depthcharge was also one of the first games to introduce a high score system, encouraging players to beat their own scores and compete with their friends.
The game's popularity gave rise to several versions and clones, with different variations and improvements added over the years. However, the original Depthcharge remains a fan favorite for its nostalgic appeal and challenging gameplay. The game has been re-released in various gaming collections and can also be played online now, ensuring that its legacy lives on.
Frogs
Frogs, released in 1978, is a classic arcade game that took the world by storm. Developed and published by Sega, this game quickly became a hit among gamers of all ages. With its simple concept and addictive gameplay, Frogs captured the hearts of many and became a staple in arcades across the country.
The premise of Frogs is deceptively simple – players control a small frog as it tries to make its way through a series of obstacles to reach a safe haven. The challenge comes in the form of various predators such as birds and snakes that are constantly on the hunt for the frog. Players must use their quick reflexes to navigate their frog to safety while avoiding these dangerous foes.
One of the most unique aspects of Frogs is its use of a scrolling screen. Instead of having a fixed background, the game screen scrolls horizontally, giving players a sense of movement and making the game more dynamic. This feature made Frogs stand out among other arcade games of its time and helped to further increase its popularity.
Another interesting element of the game is its use of multiple levels. As players progress through the game, the obstacles and enemies become increasingly challenging, keeping players on their toes. This added difficulty helped to keep players engaged and motivated to beat their high scores.
Frogs also had a simple and catchy soundtrack, which added to the overall charm of the game. The music, composed by Koji Kondo, is still recognized and loved by gamers today. The sound effects, from the croak of the frog to the chirping of birds, were also well-designed and added to the immersive gameplay experience.
As with most classic arcade games, Frogs had a competitive aspect to it. Players could compete against each other for the highest score, encouraging friendly competition and making the game even more exciting. This aspect of the game helped to solidify its position as a top arcade favorite.
Despite being released over forty years ago, Frogs continues to have a loyal following and has even been remade and released on various platforms. Its simple yet challenging gameplay, unique scrolling screen, and catchy soundtrack have made it a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed by gamers for generations to come. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to the game, Frogs is a must-play for anyone looking for a fun and addictive arcade experience.
Hustle
Hustle, released in 1977, was a groundbreaking arcade game that took the gaming world by storm. Developed and published by Gremlin Industries, this fast-paced, action-packed game captured the hearts of gamers all around the world.
The game itself was simple yet addictively fun. Players controlled a ball that bounced around a grid, trying to avoid obstacles and reach the goal at the end. The graphics were state-of-the-art for its time and the gameplay was smooth and responsive, making it a joy to play.
One of the most unique aspects of Hustle was its use of a trackball instead of a joystick. This gave players a more precise control over the ball, adding an extra layer of difficulty and excitement to the game. The trackball was a new and innovative concept at the time, setting Hustle apart from other arcade games of its era.
With each level, the game became progressively harder, challenging players to think and react quickly. It required a combination of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck to master. This kept players coming back for more, determined to beat their high scores and conquer all of the levels.
Hustle was also one of the first arcade games to incorporate power-ups and bonuses, adding an element of surprise and excitement to the gameplay. The game featured different types of power-ups, such as lightning bolts that helped players clear obstacles and reach the goal faster. This added a whole other level of depth and strategy to the game, making it even more addictive.
The game's success was not limited to just arcades. It was also released for home consoles, such as the Atari 2600, bringing the thrill and excitement of Hustle into the homes of thousands of gamers. This only added to its popularity and cemented its place in the history of video games.
Invinco
Invinco - a timeless arcade classic that remains beloved by gamers even after four decades since its release in 1979. Developed by Taito, Invinco was one of the first vertical scrolling shooters to hit the arcade scene, paving the way for other popular games such as Space Invaders and Galaga.
The premise of Invinco is simple yet captivating - players control a spacefighter and must navigate through various levels, fighting off waves of enemy ships and avoiding deadly obstacles. The controls were smooth and responsive, allowing for precise movements and strategic shooting. The game also had a unique feature where players could control the speed of their ship, adding an extra layer of challenge and skill.
One of the most striking aspects of Invinco was its graphics. At the time of its release, the game boasted colorful and detailed visuals, which were a rare sight in the arcade world. The enemies were designed with careful attention to detail, and the background scenery was well-crafted, adding to the immersive experience. The game also featured a dynamic soundtrack that intensified as the levels progressed, giving players an adrenaline rush as they fought their way through the game.
Invinco's success can also be attributed to its innovative gameplay. Unlike other shooters of its time, Invinco introduced multiple levels, each with its own set of enemies and challenges. This kept players engaged and motivated to keep playing, as they never knew what to expect in the next level. Additionally, the game featured various power-ups and bonuses, rewarding players for their skills and accuracy.
Despite its simple concept, Invinco was notorious for its difficulty. The game became increasingly challenging as players progressed through the levels, with tougher enemies and more complex patterns. However, this only added to the game's appeal, as players were constantly trying to beat their high scores and conquer the game entirely.
Invinco's popularity sparked the release of various sequels and remakes over the years, including Invinco Deluxe and Invinco Gaiden. The game has also been re-released on various gaming platforms, ensuring its legacy lives on. Moreover, Invinco is also credited for influencing many other popular games in the shooter genre, making it a true pioneer in the world of arcade gaming.
Safari
Safari, released in 1977 for upright arcade cabinets, places the player as a safari guide crossing the African plains. The objective is to observe and non-lethally interact with wildlife while keeping the expedition on course. Players navigate a single-screen arena with a standard joystick to move the explorer and a single action button to fire tranquilizer darts. Each encounter with an animal offers a timing challenge: aim, release, and watch a dart arc toward a moving target across the terrain. Score rises with successful hits.
Movable terrain and wandering animals create a dynamic field. Animals roam randomly with simple patrol paths; some predators lash out, others wander aimlessly. Darts travel in a straight line from the explorer, with straightforward projectile behavior; hits score points and briefly remove the animal from the screen. Missed darts reduce ammunition and stretch the challenge, while strategic repositioning improves accuracy. Periodically, landmarks such as waterholes or trees provide cover, offering new angles for approaching targets and a momentary respite from pursuit.
Visual style: The game uses a bright, low-resolution color palette to evoke a savannah. The playfield is a flat, two-dimensional plane with a distinct horizon and stylized sprites for explorer, animals, and obstacles. Ground texture is achieved with tiled patterns, while trees and landmarks appear as simple silhouettes to preserve clarity at arcade scale. Animations are brisk but restrained, with animals bobbing along their paths and the guide moving in measured steps. On-screen information includes score, lives, and level progress.
Audio: A two-channel sound system delivers a rhythmic, percussion-oriented backdrop suggesting a distant drumbeat. Animal calls and footsteps are represented by short synthesized tones and chirps, changing in pitch with distance. The firing of tranquilizer darts produces a sharp, high-tone ping, followed by a muffled impact when a hit registers. Subtle environmental cues reinforce the savannah atmosphere without overwhelming the core action, while occasional crowding or chatter accents the sense of a busy expedition.
Player experience: Safari rewards careful positioning, timing, and steady aim. The challenge grows as animal behavior becomes less predictable and the playfield densifies, requiring quick decisions and efficient movement. Points accumulate from precise shots and rapid clears, with higher rewards for chaining successful hits. The cabinet presents a straightforward control scheme and a vivid safari setting, delivering a concentrated arcade session that blends strategy with reflex testing in a compact, satisfying package.
