Pitfall video game – why it changed everything
I remember being in high school and hearing about this game for the Atari 2600 that was unlike anything I’d ever played: Pitfall! from Activision. What was so different? Come with me and I’ll explain the Pitfall video game – why it changed everything
First Step – Let’s go back to 1982, shall we?
Ready to travel back in time with me to the golden age of gaming, when arcades were all the rage and home consoles were just starting to take off (Chuck Hughey was the first guy in our neighborhood to get a 2600). Well, grab your joystick and get comfortable, because we’re about to dive into the history of one of the most iconic video games of all time: Activision’s Pitfall!
Now, you might be thinking, “Pitfall? Isn’t that just some old-school game with a dude running through a jungle?” And you’d be right, my friend. But let me tell you, Pitfall was more than just a game; it was a groundbreaking achievement that changed the course of video game history.
Released on this very day (4/20) in 1982, Pitfall was one of the first side-scrolling video games ever created. That’s right, folks, before Mario was jumping on Goombas and Sonic was speeding through Green Hill Zone, there was Pitfall, introducing gamers to a whole new world of exploration and adventure.
Pitfall video game – why it changed everything…here’s why
But Pitfall wasn’t just about its innovative side-scrolling gameplay. It was also a technical marvel for its time. The game featured detailed graphics, smooth animations, and a catchy soundtrack that got players hooked. And let’s not forget about the challenging and addictive gameplay that kept gamers coming back for more. And do you know who’s doing this commercial? It’s a young Jack Black (REALLY)
In Pitfall, you take control of Harry, a brave explorer who must venture into a treacherous jungle filled with all sorts of dangers, from crocodiles and scorpions to quicksand and treacherous pits. Your goal is to collect as much treasure as possible while avoiding the many obstacles in your path.
Jesse Labrocca playing Atari Pitfall video game. (Photo by James Keyser/Getty Images)
And oh boy, did Pitfall deliver on the excitement! Players were captivated by the game’s immersive world, challenging gameplay, and the thrill of discovering hidden treasures. It was like nothing they had ever experienced before.
Pitfall was a massive hit for Activision, selling over 4 million copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling games of all time. It helped establish Activision as a major player in the video game industry and paved the way for future side-scrolling classics like Metroid, Castlevania, and Super Mario Bros.
But beyond its commercial success, Pitfall had a profound impact on the evolution of video games. It showed developers that side-scrolling gameplay could be just as exciting and engaging as traditional platformers. It also inspired a generation of game designers to create new and innovative experiences for players.
Pitfall video game – why it changed everything
So, there you have it, folks. Pitfall was more than just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon that changed the face of gaming forever. It’s a testament to the enduring power of great game design and a reminder that even the simplest ideas can have a profound impact on the world.
It’s hard to explain what it was like at Chuck Hughey’s house playing this game (I think we went to K-Mart to buy it). There was a group of us crowded around the living room TV marveling at this beautiful game. We played as long as we could (generally that’s when Chuck’s mom would kick us out). But Pitfall will always have a special place in my heart. So yeah, I guess this is personal when I say the “Pitfall video game – why it changed everything” is 100% accurate.
