Everyone:

Next week, we will discuss the 1990s in video gaming, where we saw a a continued resurgence of video consoles in the form of the Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, and Sony PlayStation. Additionally, we also witnessed the development of the mainstream handheld gaming market with the Nintendo Gameboy. With the introduction of [optical media] and more sophisticated controllers, this period also saw the development of new gaming genres such as the first person shooter, real-time strategy, and survival horror.

Readings

For this week, you are to read the following articles:

Sega

• IGN Presents the History of SEGA

• The Rise and Fall of Sega Enterprises

• Sega Genesis 25th Anniversary: The Rise and Fall of an All-Time Great

PlayStation

• History of the PlayStation

• The History of PlayStation

• The History of the Sony PlayStation

Game Boy

• IGN Presents the History of Game Boy

• Nintendo Game Boy 25th Anniversary: The History Of The Handheld Console That Shaped A Generation Of Gamers

• The History of Game Boy

Video Games

After doing some reading, you should play a few old DOS or [Sega Genesis] games using the Internet Archive:

• Software Library: MS-DOS Games

  Focus on games from the first person shooter, real-time strategy, [fighting games], or survival horror genres such as Wolfenstein 3D, Doom, Command & Conquer, or Age of Empires.

• Software Library: Sega Genesis

Of course, if you have access to a Nintendo 64, Sega Saturn, or Sony PlayStation, then you may play games from those systems instead.

As you play a game, do some research on the history and story behind the game.

Reflection

For this upcoming week, you are to consider the following question as you perform the readings, discuss in class, and play some old games:

What distinguishes one video game console from another? That is, why would a video gamer choose one platform over another? Hardware specs? Price? Portability? Games? What is/was your favorite console?

Your individual reflection should provide short reviews of the games you played, provided screenshots of gameplay, and ultimately answer this question.