Summary
- Release Year: 1976
- Genres: Arcade, Puzzle, Strategy
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Gremlin Industries
- Publishers: Gremlin Industries, Taito
Blockade (1976): The Original Snake Game
Blockade is a black and white arcade game developed and published by Gremlin in October 1976. It is the first of what have become known as snake games. The game is played by two players, each of whom controls a character that moves around the screen, leaving a solid line behind them. The goal of the game is to be the last player standing, by avoiding hitting your own line, the other player’s line, or the walls of the screen.
Blockade is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. The game requires quick reflexes and good hand-eye coordination. It is also a very addictive game, and it can be difficult to put down once you start playing.
Gameplay
Blockade is played on a black and white screen. The screen is divided into a grid of squares, and each player controls a character that moves around the grid. The characters can move in any of the four cardinal directions, and they can turn at 90 degree angles.
As the characters move around the grid, they leave a solid line behind them. The line cannot be crossed by either player, and if a player hits their own line or the other player’s line, they lose. The game ends after one player gains six wins.
Strategy
There are a few different strategies that can be used to win at Blockade. One strategy is to try to trap the other player in a corner. Another strategy is to try to cut off the other player’s line of movement. It is also important to be aware of your own line, and to avoid crossing it.
Legacy
Blockade was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular arcade games of the 1970s, and it helped to popularize the snake game genre. Blockade has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Atari 2600, the ColecoVision, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Blockade has also been the inspiration for a number of other games, including Snake, Tron, and Qix. Snake is a mobile game that was developed by Nokia in 1997. It is one of the most popular mobile games of all time, and it has been played by over 1 billion people. Tron is a light cycle racing game that was developed by Bally Midway in 1982. It is based on the 1982 film of the same name. Qix is a puzzle game that was developed by Taito in 1981. It is a unique and challenging game that has been enjoyed by millions of people.
Conclusion
Blockade is a classic arcade game that is still enjoyed by people today. It is a simple game to learn, but it is difficult to master. Blockade is a great game for people of all ages, and it is a great way to spend a few hours of fun.
Additional Information
- Blockade was developed by a team led by Alan Edelstein.
- The game was originally called “Snake”, but the name was changed to Blockade to avoid confusion with another game called Snake that was released in 1976.
- Blockade was one of the first arcade games to use a microprocessor.
- The game was a commercial success, and it helped to popularize the snake game genre.
- Blockade has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Atari 2600, the ColecoVision, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
- Blockade has been the inspiration for a number of other games, including Snake, Tron, and Qix.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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