Summary
- Release Year: 1972
- Genres: Point-and-click
- Platforms: Odyssey
Simon Says: The Original Voice-Activated Video Game
Released in 1972, Simon Says was one of the 12 original games that shipped with the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console. It was a simple but addictive game that tested players’ reflexes and memory, and it quickly became a classic.
Simon Says is a voice-activated game, meaning that players control the game by speaking commands. The game unit features a female voice that speaks the commands, and players must follow the commands only if they are preceded by the phrase “Simon says.” If a player follows a command that is not preceded by “Simon says,” they lose a life.
The game is played on a 12×12 grid of colored squares. The voice will call out a sequence of colors, and players must press the corresponding squares on the grid in the correct order. The sequences start out simple, but they gradually become longer and more complex as the game progresses.
Simon Says was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was the first video game to use voice commands, and it was also one of the first games to feature a computer-generated voice. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to popularize the Magnavox Odyssey.
Gameplay
The goal of Simon Says is to follow the commands of the voice and press the corresponding squares on the grid in the correct order. The game starts with a simple sequence of two or three colors. If the player successfully completes the sequence, the next sequence will be one color longer. The game continues until the player makes a mistake or fails to complete a sequence within the time limit.
There are two variations of the game:
- Standard: The player must follow all of the commands, regardless of whether or not they are preceded by “Simon says.”
- Simon says: The player must only follow the commands that are preceded by “Simon says.”
Legacy
Simon Says was a major influence on the development of video games. It was one of the first games to use voice commands, and it helped to popularize the concept of computer-generated speech. The game also helped to establish the genre of memory games, which test players’ ability to remember and recall sequences of information.
Simon Says has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System. The game has also been featured in several compilations of classic video games.
Simon Says remains a popular game today, and it is still enjoyed by people of all ages. The game is a simple but challenging test of reflexes and memory, and it is a great way to have some fun with friends and family.
Tips for Playing Simon Says
Here are a few tips for playing Simon Says:
- Pay attention to the voice. It is important to listen carefully to the voice and make sure that you are following the commands correctly.
- Be quick. The sequences will get longer and more complex as the game progresses, so it is important to be quick and accurate with your responses.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when playing Simon Says. The key is to learn from your mistakes and try to avoid making them again.
- Have fun! Simon Says is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. So relax, have fun, and don’t take it too seriously.
Conclusion
Simon Says is a classic video game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for over 50 years. It is a simple but challenging game that tests players’ reflexes and memory. If you are looking for a fun and addictive game to play, then Simon Says is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
