Here in Rochester NY, we have our very own piece of video game history with the Strong Museum of Play. A multi-storied building that holds fun for all ages, but especially if you’re a video game fan. Inside the museum’s walls is the World Video Game Hall of Fame. It currently holds 15 games in that high regard, and it’s just added four more. Read about the newest inductees below.
Final Fantasy 7, (1997, Square) is hailed for breakthroughs such as its 3D graphics, cinematic cut scenes, and a deep storyline, and bringing Japanese role-playing games to mainstream popularity worldwide. It was the second most popular game for the PlayStation, which likewise did much to usher in a new era of video games. “In addition to its technical achievements, it also introduced the world to memorable characters,” said Shannon Symonds, a curator, “such as protagonist Cloud and villain Sephiroth, who have appeared in other game franchises and myriad media.”
John Madden Football (1990, Electronic Arts) the 1990 Sega Genesis reboot of an earlier title for PC, transformed the landscape of sports video games and since deeply influenced the culture and fandom of football in the United States. The Madden NFL franchise continues to be, for many, the introduction to American football’s complex strategies. “Its yearly, updated release of the game has modeled the path to success for franchises in other sports, such as soccer, hockey, baseball, and basketball,” said Jeremy Saucier, The Strong’s assistant vice president for interpretation and electronic games.
Spacewar! (1962, Steve Russell) was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, using a PDP-1minicomputer. On its oscilloscope display, two ships fire torpedoes at each other, careful to avoid the star (and its gravity well) at the center of the screen. “Spacewar! was not a commercial game but it helped to launch the multi-billion-dollar video game industry,” said Jon-Paul Dyson, the director of The Strong’s International Center for the History of Electronic Games.
Tomb Raider (1996, Eidos) is recognized for its cinematic 3D universe, its combination of action and puzzle-solving and, of course, its iconic female protagonist, Lara Croft. Tomb Raider has sold more than 58 million copies worldwide and spread into mainstream pop culture thanks to several movie adptations starring Angelina Jolie. “The character is not without controversy for her early status as a sex symbol,” Symonds said, “but she’s evolved with the franchise to become the epitome of a strong female hero.”
