mcad LS3322

In this class we looked at the emergence of home computer gaming, which was very closely tied to gaming:

• Intel 4004, 1971 - The release of this chip, though expensive and slow, marked the beginning of the time where a modern CPU was available to the general public. The homebrew computing community build countless machines around this chip and other chips that would follow (the MOS 6502, for example)
• MITS Altair 8800, 1975 - The first computer sold as a kit or fully assembled. It didn’t have a keyboard or monitor by default, but was a full usable computer, though it took a dedicated individual to do much with it. Demand was very strong, though, and the home computer market was born.
• Apple I, 1977 - Apple Computer was started April 1, 1976, and the Apple I was the first product. It was a kit, was easy to assemble and use, and was affordable.
• Apple ][ family of computers, 1977-1993- The original Apple ][ was the system that would set the standard for home computers. Steve Wozniak created the original Apple around the idea of being able to create and play games on it, so it truly was built for gaming. Key features of the Apple ][ line:
  • No assembly required (great design, and no fear of electrocution
  • Sound
  • Graphics
  • Built-in keyboard
  • Expandable
  • Easy to use and to program, all of the tools one needed were readily available.
• Lots of information is available on the Apple ][, and it’s easy to play many old games on this classic system:
  • A list of Apple ][ games. Some standouts:
    
    • Karateka
    • Ultima IV
    • King’s Quest
    • Zork
    • Hard Hat Mack (the first game published by EA)
    • Oregon Trail
  • A list of Apple ][ applications
  • Apple][ Emulators and games:
    • VirtualApple.org - download game disks, and play online in your browser (on PCs)
    • AppleWin - a great Apple ][ emulator for Windows.
    • Virtual ][ - an amazing emulator for Mac OSX

We’ll talk more about this system after spring break, and cover some other home systems, too.

The third assignment was given, and is due on April 2, when you’re back from break:

Assignment 3, create a sequel to a classic game (PDF, 71k)

Have a great break!