The Best Video Games of the 1970s

The 1970s were a transformative decade for video games, a time when the seeds of today’s multibillion-dollar industry were first sown. While the graphics were rudimentary and the gameplay simplistic by today’s standards, these pioneering titles captivated players and laid the groundwork for future innovation. Join us on a nostalgic journey through the best video games of the 1970s, a golden age when pixels and imagination collided to create pure magic.

Pong (1972)

No discussion of 1970s video games would be complete without mentioning “Pong.” Developed by Atari, “Pong” is often credited as the game that launched the video game industry into the mainstream. Its concept was simple: a digital table tennis game where players controlled paddles to hit a ball back and forth. Yet, its simplicity was its charm. “Pong” was easy to understand, instantly addictive, and it found its way into bars, arcades, and living rooms around the world. The game’s success demonstrated the potential of video games as a form of entertainment and a profitable business venture.

Space Invaders (1978)

“Space Invaders,” developed by Tomohiro Nishikado and released by Taito, was a game-changer (pun intended) in the world of arcade gaming. This game introduced the concept of a high score, encouraging players to improve their skills and compete with others. The gameplay involved shooting descending aliens with a laser cannon, trying to prevent them from reaching the bottom of the screen. “Space Invaders” captivated players with its increasing difficulty and the relentless march of its alien invaders. Its success marked the beginning of the golden age of arcade games, inspiring countless imitations and innovations.

Breakout (1976)

Atari continued its success with “Breakout,” a game that took the basic idea of “Pong” and turned it into a single-player experience. Designed by Nolan Bushnell and Steve Bristow, and famously refined by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, “Breakout” challenged players to destroy a wall of bricks by bouncing a ball off a paddle. Each brick destroyed earned points, and the game ended when the ball missed the paddle and fell out of play. “Breakout” was a hit, reinforcing Atari’s reputation as a leading innovator in the gaming industry and influencing future block-breaking games.

Asteroids (1979)

Another Atari classic, “Asteroids,” was a vector-based arcade game that put players in control of a spaceship navigating through an asteroid field. The objective was to shoot and destroy asteroids and flying saucers while avoiding collisions. The game’s physics, which included inertia and the ability to rotate and thrust the ship, were groundbreaking at the time. “Asteroids” was not only a technical marvel but also a highly engaging game that required quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Its popularity cemented its place as one of the greatest games of the decade.

Adventure (1979)

While arcade games were thriving, home consoles were also starting to gain traction. “Adventure” for the Atari 2600 was one of the first action-adventure games and a precursor to modern adventure games and RPGs. Created by Warren Robinett, “Adventure” tasked players with retrieving a magical chalice and returning it to the golden castle while navigating mazes and avoiding dragons. What set “Adventure” apart was its use of hidden objects, multiple screens, and an early form of the Easter egg – a hidden credit revealing Robinett as the game’s creator. This added a layer of mystery and replayability that captivated players.

Galaxian (1979)

Namco’s “Galaxian” took the concept of “Space Invaders” and elevated it with colorful graphics and more complex enemy behaviors. In “Galaxian,” players controlled a starfighter, battling waves of alien invaders who would dive-bomb the player’s ship in coordinated attacks. The game’s vibrant visuals and dynamic gameplay were a hit in arcades, showcasing the potential for more sophisticated and visually appealing games. “Galaxian” paved the way for its even more successful sequel, “Galaga,” in the early 1980s.

Computer Space (1971)

Often overshadowed by “Pong,” “Computer Space” was the first commercially available arcade video game. Developed by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, who would later found Atari, “Computer Space” was inspired by the 1962 computer game “Spacewar!” Players controlled a spaceship engaged in a battle against flying saucers, using thrust and rotate controls to navigate and fire. While not as commercially successful as later games, “Computer Space” was a pioneering effort that laid the groundwork for the arcade gaming industry.

The Oregon Trail (1971)

“The Oregon Trail,” developed by Don Rawitsch, Bill Heinemann, and Paul Dillenberger, is an educational game that many students in the 1970s encountered on classroom computers. The game simulated the journey of a wagon train traveling from Missouri to Oregon, teaching players about the challenges pioneers faced. Players managed resources, made critical decisions, and dealt with obstacles like disease and river crossings. “The Oregon Trail” was one of the earliest examples of how video games could be used for educational purposes, and its legacy continues with various updated versions over the years.

Lunar Lander (1979)

Atari’s “Lunar Lander” put players in the role of an astronaut piloting a spacecraft attempting to land on the moon. The game featured vector graphics and a realistic physics engine that required players to carefully manage their thrust and fuel to achieve a safe landing. “Lunar Lander” was praised for its challenging gameplay and realistic depiction of lunar landing physics. Though not as popular as some of its contemporaries, it showcased the potential for video games to simulate real-world scenarios and complex mechanics.

Conclusion

The 1970s were a foundational decade for video games, marked by rapid innovation and the birth of iconic titles that would shape the future of the industry. From the simplicity of “Pong” to the strategic depth of “Adventure,” these games captured the imaginations of players and laid the groundwork for the sophisticated and immersive experiences we enjoy today. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the scene, exploring these classics offers a glimpse into the origins of an industry that has become a central part of modern culture.

Find old retro games from the 1970s in some of the consoles in our Retro Consoles category.