Everyone:
Next week, we will discuss the 1980s in video gaming, where we saw the rise of home computing and PC gaming, along with the revival of console gaming with the introduction of the Nintendo. In class, we will focus on DOS and video game classics such as Bomberman, Castlevania, Choplifter, Final Fantasy, King's Quest, The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Metroid, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Prince of Persia, SimCity, The Oregon Trail, and Warlords. Additionall, we will also briefly discuss the origins of game development studios such as Broderbund, Sierra On-Line, and Electronic Arts.
For this week, you are to read the following articles:
The complete history of the IBM PC, part one: The deal of the century
The complete history of the IBM PC, part two: The DOS empire strikes
Also, feel free to peruse the Computer History Museum's Personal Computers exhibition.
We will watch the following video in class: Nintendo and a New Standard for Video Games: Crash Course Games #7
After doing some reading, you should play a few old DOS, Apple II, or Macintosh games using the Internet Archive:
As you play a game, do some research on the history and story behind the game.
For this upcoming week, you are to consider the following question as you perform the readings, discuss in class, and play some old games:
How is gaming on a personal computer different from gaming on a video console? What are the advantages and disadvantages of either platform? What sort of games are better suited for either type of system?
Your individual reflection should provide short reviews of the games you played, provided screenshots of gameplay, and ultimately answer this question.