Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Arcade, Music
- Platforms: Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Beck-Tech
- Publishers: Epyx
Breakdance (1984): The First Breakdancing Video Game
Released in 1984 for the Commodore 64, Breakdance was the first video game to feature breakdancing. This groundbreaking game was developed by Electric Dreams Software and published by U.S. Gold.
Breakdance is a rhythm game in which the player controls a breakdancer on a dance floor. The goal of the game is to perform a series of breakdance moves to the beat of the music. The game features four different dance floors, each with its own unique music and set of moves.
The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, catchy music, and colorful graphics. Breakdance is considered to be one of the most important video games of the 1980s, and it helped to popularize breakdancing around the world.
Gameplay
Breakdance is a rhythm game in which the player controls a breakdancer on a dance floor. The goal of the game is to perform a series of breakdance moves to the beat of the music. The game features four different dance floors, each with its own unique music and set of moves.
The player controls the breakdancer using the joystick. The joystick can be moved in eight directions to control the dancer’s movement. The player can also press the fire button to make the dancer perform a special move.
The game is played in real time, and the music gradually speeds up as the game progresses. The player must time their button presses carefully to stay in time with the music. If the player misses a beat, the dancer will fall over and the game will end.
Levels
The game features four different dance floors, each with its own unique music and set of moves. The dance floors are:
- The Street: This dance floor is located in a city street. The music is fast and upbeat, and the moves are simple and easy to perform.
- The Club: This dance floor is located in a nightclub. The music is slower and more soulful, and the moves are more complex.
- The Park: This dance floor is located in a park. The music is relaxed and mellow, and the moves are more laid-back.
- The Beach: This dance floor is located on a beach. The music is reggae-infused, and the moves are more playful and energetic.
Reception
Breakdance was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, catchy music, and colorful graphics. The game was also a hit with breakdancers, who appreciated the game’s realistic moves and accurate representation of breakdancing culture.
Breakdance is considered to be one of the most important video games of the 1980s. It helped to popularize breakdancing around the world, and it inspired a number of other breakdancing video games. Breakdance is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it remains a classic example of the golden age of arcade gaming.
Legacy
Breakdance has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. It was one of the first games to feature a realistic representation of a popular dance style. The game also helped to popularize the use of rhythm-based gameplay in video games.
Breakdance has been cited as an inspiration for a number of other breakdancing video games, including:
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Racing (1993)
- Bust a Groove (1997)
- Dance Dance Revolution (1998)
Breakdance is also a popular game among speedrunners, who compete to complete the game as quickly as possible. The current world record for completing Breakdance is 1 minute and 43 seconds.
Conclusion
Breakdance is a groundbreaking video game that helped to popularize breakdancing around the world. The game’s innovative gameplay, catchy music, and colorful graphics made it a hit with gamers and breakdancers alike. Breakdance is still enjoyed by gamers today, and it remains a classic example of the golden age of arcade gaming.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
