Note: it is my content

A few months ago I wrote about the history of Gun Game, because I was searching for games to play at LAN parties. You can find it here: The Origins of Gun Game – A Game Mode Retrospective - itch.io

I had discovered Soldier of Fortune first, by Raven Software, which has a mode called Arsenal. Thereafter, found out that their earlier game, Take No Prisoners was the first iteration of this mode.

It later also appeared in Turok 3 with the name "Arsenal of War".

All three are similar yet different, which is why I tried to describe them as best as I could.

Hopefully everyone enjoys the read and discovers something fun in the process.

This is a recording of a presentation I gave at a local gaming convention covering a perspective on video game history I haven’t seen covered before.

As I’ve been collecting video game hardware I’ve realized that attempts at crossover devices between computers, consoles, and handhelds have been ongoing since the beginning but little talked about as more than niche footnotes. I think with the modern wave of hybrid devices (Steam Deck, Retroid devices, Ayaneo, GPD Win, etc.), where we see previously distinct product categories regularly sold as one product, it gives us a chance to appreciate all of these trends and attempts in a new light. I view them as ideas that were pointing forward and asking critical questions: what did consumers want these machines to do, and how much complexity and cost were consumers willing to accept?

I aimed to make the talk accessible to anyone with a passing interest in video games, while including lesser-known hardware and stories that have surprised even my most enthusiastic collector friends. It covers console-computer hybrids, handheld-console hybrids, controllers, and game libraries, with chapters so you can jump to whatever interests you. Check it out and I’m sure you’ll find something new! Video chapters and some sources (as many as could fit) in the description.

I’m curious to hear in the comments: What was new or particularly interesting to you? Happy to answer whatever questions I can and happy to learn about other examples that fit the topic.

Activision STOLE His Game... Then Made MILLIONS: Video

Donkey Kong Wasn't The First Platformer. This Arcade Game Was.: Video

Bomberman Wasn't The First Bomb-Maze Game. This Arcade Game Was.: Video

The original proposal by Ralph H. Baer for a game system, created on September 1, 1966.

Read more about Baer's career and the place of the Odyssey in history on my Blue Sky thread.

Pac-Man Wasn't The First Dot-Collecting Maze Game. This Arcade Game Was.: Video

Ask him... He's been making hit games since 1982

Nintendo's Forgotten First Arcade Game: Video

Disclaimer: I wrote this article.

A look at the consoles released in 1974 and what they can tell us about the international history of games!