Summary

Release Year: 1983
Genres: Platform
Platforms: Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS
Developers: Davidson & Associates
Publishers: Davidson & Associates

Math Blaster! (1983): The Original Math Blasting Adventure

Released in 1983, Math Blaster! is an educational game that teaches math skills through fun and engaging gameplay. Players take on the role of a space cadet who must blast their way through a series of math problems in order to save the galaxy from the evil Emperor Minus.

The game is divided into two main sections: a first-person shooter section and a side-scrolling shooter section. In the first-person shooter section, players must use their laser gun to shoot at math problems that appear on the screen. The problems range in difficulty from simple addition and subtraction to more complex multiplication and division. Players must answer the problems correctly in order to progress through the level.

In the side-scrolling shooter section, players must fly their spaceship through a series of obstacles while shooting at math problems. The problems in this section are similar to those in the first-person shooter section, but they are presented in a more fast-paced and challenging format.

Math Blaster! was a critical and commercial success, and it has been credited with helping to make math fun for a generation of children. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the Apple II, Commodore 64, and IBM PC. It has also been released on modern platforms, such as iOS and Android.

Gameplay

Math Blaster! is a single-player game that can be played on a variety of skill levels. The game features two main modes: a practice mode and a game mode.

In practice mode, players can choose to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Players can also choose the difficulty level of the problems. This mode is a great way for players to improve their math skills before moving on to the game mode.

In game mode, players must progress through a series of levels. Each level consists of a first-person shooter section and a side-scrolling shooter section. Players must complete both sections of each level in order to progress to the next level.

The game mode is challenging, but it is also very rewarding. Players who are able to complete the game will have a strong foundation in basic math skills.

Educational Value

Math Blaster! is an effective way to teach math skills to children. The game is fun and engaging, and it provides a variety of ways for children to practice their math skills. The game also provides immediate feedback to players, which helps them to learn from their mistakes.

Studies have shown that Math Blaster! can help children to improve their math skills. One study found that children who played Math Blaster! for just 30 minutes a week showed significant improvement in their math scores.

Another study found that Math Blaster! was more effective than traditional math instruction in teaching children basic math skills. The study found that children who played Math Blaster! learned more math concepts and were better able to apply those concepts to real-world situations.

Cultural Impact

Math Blaster! was a major cultural phenomenon in the 1980s. The game was featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, and it was even the subject of a Saturday morning cartoon show. Math Blaster! helped to make math fun for a generation of children, and it continues to be a popular educational game today.

The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, its educational value, and its cultural impact. Math Blaster! is considered to be one of the most important educational games of all time.

Legacy

Math Blaster! has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay has been imitated by many other educational games. Math Blaster! has also helped to inspire a new generation of game developers.

The game’s legacy is also evident in the many awards it has won. Math Blaster! has won numerous awards, including the Parents’ Choice Award and the Software Publishers Association’s Codie Award for Best Educational Software.

Math Blaster! is a classic educational game that has stood the test of time. The game is still fun and engaging today, and it continues to be an effective way to teach math skills to children.