Back when Electronic Arts was still trying to be different from the rest of them corporate game makers, it released games in a truly unique and utterly brilliant way that was directly inspired by the music industry. You can see a fine example of these album/LP-boxes above and then click on the link to actually grab the complete Amiga version of Marble Madness. It's a pretty excellent arcade port too, mind. Seller ships worldwide.
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What a simply beautiful design that is! Growing up, Marble Madness was a fixture of my gaming universe and of collaborative play with friends, though my one and only version was on the NES. As you know from my site, these days I'm into the vintage packaging and presentation of a game as much (if not more!) than the content of the game itself, so I'm definitely charmed by this clever artifact you've unearthed for us today!
ReplyDeleteAnd you do have your reasons too. Classic and retro packaging is both incredibly interesting and for the most part incredibly beautiful. As for Marble Madness I suggest you try playing it with a trackball. It gets amazing!
ReplyDeleteI did recently have the honor and pleasure of doing exactly that at Funspot in New Hampshire - home of "The World's Largest Arcade" and a truly amazing place. Their American Classic Arcade Museum is a real treasure, and I'm so glad for all the work they put in to keep it running. As a former Arcade owner myself, I know how hard it is! I keep meaning to move closer to them so that I might volunteer my meager services:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.classicarcademuseum.org/
But yes, long story short - I played MM there a few months ago and it was, as you said, amazing!
At the risk of being too linky, here's a video I put together of my last trip there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tJE4DZzTcQ
Oh, but do be linky! That was an amazing (and impressively shot) video! Thanks a ton. BTW, an arcade owner. A dream job of yore...
ReplyDeleteYes - I do miss my arcade. It was a flight of fancy of a 20-something computer programmer with a bit (though not enough) of extra time and cash, but without the business chops to make it last. An endeavor I do plan to repeat, somewhere along in this crazy mixed-up life!
ReplyDeleteAt least I still have most of the games at home - now I just need a nice commercial space with high-traffic carpets, neon and loud classic rock in which to put them all again for v.2!
I loved those flat box designs. Still have quite a few - One on One, Earl Weaver Baseball, Archon, and Pinball Construction Set come to mind. Of course these days EA has grown into the very corporate fatcats they were battling back in the day.
ReplyDeleteOh and I do also have to give my salute to the mentioned American Classic Arcade Museum in New Hampshire. I went there last fall and was completely blown away. Felt like a kid again with all those great old games!
@ Charlie: Ahh, yes, those dirty and most definitely pesky monetary issues. Then again, I understand you're ready to go again!
ReplyDelete@ MadPLanet: New Hampshire is a bit far away, but one can always hope to find the time and money. As for those lovely EA boxes, did you know they sadly never made it to Europe?
Actually its about 2000 miles from Houston so not too close to me either, but I definitely plan a return trip one of these days. If you ever take a trip to the New England area just be sure to work it in. For a gamer, particularly a retro-focused gamer, it's a really cool place.
ReplyDeleteShame the flat boxes never made it to Europe. They looked cool, were nicely functional, and were a hell of a lot easier to store on a shelf than most other huge PC game boxes.
New England... yes, I really should visit the place at some point, but I usually get stuck in New York. Then again, I'd love to drive for once. We'll see I suppose, but truth be said I'd love to visit it.
ReplyDeleteWell, drop us a line if you find yourself headed this way gnome - I can assure you free lodging and good hospitality! The in-laws have a place not 15 miles from Funspot, if you can believe that.
ReplyDeleteI'll absolutely do that! Thanks Charlie!
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