Notes on "Radar Scope - Bad Game Hall of Fame"

Introduction

• Radar Scope is mostly known by name and often associated with the game Donkey Kong.
• The lecture explores whether this is fair and discusses Nintendo's early video game history.
• Nintendo's history before Donkey Kong is often overlooked.

Nintendo's Early Foray into Video Games

• Nintendo's first venture was a distribution deal with Magnavox for the Odyssey in Japan (1974).
• Developed EVR Race (1975): a gambling simulator using film reels.
• Released several light gun games (1974-1978), starting with Wild Gunman.
• Developed a series of Pong-like consoles, starting with the Color TV-Game 6 (1977).
• Color TV-Game 15 followed, which was an economical success.

1979: A Productive Year

• Foundation of Nintendo of America.
• Coin-op division created in collaboration with Ikegami Tsushinki.
• Released games like Monkey Magic, Space Launcher, and Sheriff.
• Sheriff was an innovative shooter using a 360-degree aiming dial.
• Collaborated with Sega on Head On N.
• Released Space Fever and its sequel SF-HiSplitter.

Radar Scope Overview

• Released in 1979 as a mix of Space Invaders and Galaxian.
• Notable for its one-point perspective and color graphics.
• Had similarities with Galaxian, although likely developed independently.
• Featured a damage meter and enemies attacked by diving rather than in formation.
• Aimed to be more visually impressive than contemporaries.

Commercial Performance

• Initially successful in Japan, becoming the second most popular game after Pac-Man.
• Struggled in the American market due to overproduction and overestimation of demand.
• Leftover units were repurposed for Donkey Kong development.

The Role of Ikegami Tsushinki

• Key in developing Radar Scope and Donkey Kong hardware.
• Later legal disputes with Nintendo over unauthorized production of Donkey Kong units.

Legacy and Conclusion

• Radar Scope is often remembered as a precursor to Donkey Kong.
• Ikegami Tsushinki's contribution significant but often overlooked.
• The game is a noteworthy piece in arcade history, deserving recognition.

References

• Sources include works by Brian Ashcraft, Nintendo's official history, and Chris Kohler among others.