Summary
Percepts (1972): The Free Magnavox Odyssey Game
Percepts is a simple but addictive Pong-like game released in 1972 for the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console. It is notable for being the only known game that Magnavox gave away for free. When you purchased the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972, you could get a free game from Magnavox if you registered the purchase by mailing the “free bonus game” coupon to them. Percepts was one of the three games that you could choose from, along with Table Tennis and Ski.
Percepts is a two-player game where the goal is to score points by hitting a ball past your opponent’s paddle. The game is played on a single screen, with each player controlling a paddle on either side of the screen. The ball bounces back and forth between the paddles, and the first player to score 10 points wins.
The gameplay in Percepts is very simple, but it is also very addictive. The ball moves quickly, and the paddles are small, so it can be challenging to keep the ball in play. The game also features a variety of different speeds and angles, so there is always a new challenge to keep you entertained.
Percepts was developed by Magnavox engineer Ralph Baer, who is also credited with creating the Magnavox Odyssey itself. Baer was inspired to create Percepts after seeing a demonstration of the game Pong, which was released in arcades in 1972. Baer realized that he could create a similar game for the Magnavox Odyssey, but with some unique twists.
One of the unique features of Percepts is that it uses a trackball to control the paddles. This gives the game a much more precise feel than other Pong-like games, which typically use joysticks or buttons to control the paddles. The trackball also makes it possible to add spin to the ball, which can make the game even more challenging.
Another unique feature of Percepts is that it features a variety of different game modes. In addition to the standard two-player game, there is also a one-player mode where you can play against the computer. There is also a cooperative mode where two players can team up to play against the computer.
Percepts was a critical and commercial success. It was one of the most popular games for the Magnavox Odyssey, and it helped to establish the console as a viable alternative to arcade games. Percepts is still considered to be one of the best Pong-like games ever made, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts today.
Legacy
Percepts is a significant game in the history of video games. It was one of the first games to be released for a home video game console, and it helped to popularize the Pong genre. Percepts is also notable for being the only known game that Magnavox gave away for free. This made the game more accessible to a wider audience, and it helped to spread the word about the Magnavox Odyssey.
Percepts has been ported to a variety of different platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Switch. The game has also been included in a number of retro game compilations.
Percepts remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts today. The game is simple to learn, but it is also very addictive. The variety of different game modes and the precise trackball controls make Percepts a timeless classic.
Conclusion
Percepts is a simple but addictive Pong-like game that was released for the Magnavox Odyssey in 1972. The game is notable for being the only known game that Magnavox gave away for free. Percepts was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the Magnavox Odyssey as a viable alternative to arcade games. Percepts is still considered to be one of the best Pong-like games ever made, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts today.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
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