The first-ever arcade cabinet titles include the classic game "Pong," which was released in 1972. This sports video game with two-dimensional graphics is a simulated table tennis game in which players try to defeat their opponent by earning a higher score. An inventor has built a real-world version of the classic game that has transformed the virtual paddles and ball in into real three-dimensional objects.
"Pong" was not technically the first arcade video game, and did not become as popular as "Pac-Man" or "Space Invaders." However, it was the first one that earned mainstream popularity.
The "Pong" remake is not just an air hockey table. It includes pulleys, belts, and magnets under the table used to move the paddles as the player spins the game controller, according to Geek. This helps to guide the ball like in the original game.
This new version also features an integrated scoreboard, and edges of the play area include multi-colored LED lights that cycle through a rainbow of colors when the game table is idle. They dim when play begins. Meanwhile, when the ball hits the side of the play area there is a blast of white light.
The game works by mapping virtual ball and paddle movements to objects in the real world. However, it is a much more immersive experience than the original game even though it does not require a virtual reality headset.
Inventor Daniel Perdomo used his Facebook page to document the process of building the Pong table. He has plans to crowdfund his new version of the old-school game and find hardware manufacturers to build more units. In the future Pong tables might be available on the retail market.
In related news, Dentsu Entertainment USA and DHX Media have made a deal to develop, produce, and distribute a new Mega Man animated series based on Capcom's classic video game franchise, according to Yahoo. The TV series was first announced last summer.
The two companies will manage all global rights to the "Mega Man" animated series. Capcom launched the original video game series in 1987.
The cartoon show will include Mega Man's alter-ego Aki Light who is a schoolboy robot that re-forms into a suit of super-strong armor.
Here's the original Pong game: