video games often get the rap of being too violent. and in fact they've employed their own ratings system to at least make parents aware of just what kind of content these games will contain. similar to the movie ratings system games can range from "E" for everyone to "M" for mature. these would compare to a "G" to "R" movie scale.
but it wasn't always the case. and in fact even though many of today's more violent video games trace their origins to tamer beginnings, there were some rather creative counterparts. consider this offering from 1982 for the intellivision system, microsurgeon.
imagic was the most outstanding third party video game designer in the early 80's. their games were always a step above in execution. superior concept and graphics. and even the packaging just looked better as their unique silver foil boxes and "imagic" type-style stood out from the rest of the fare on the shelves.
in this game the player is tasked as a professional microsurgeon. your job, to pilot a tiny robot probe through the patient's body while monitoring progress on a high-tech computer screen. the probe must travel through the bloodstream to the problem areas, and knock out threatening viruses and diseases before the patient's status goes terminal. which ain't easy, as the patient's own antibodies are often intercepting the probe and treating it as an invader as well. but hey, that's why you make the big bucks when these operations are a success.
the instruction booklet for this little game is also a wonderful piece of graphic work which gives young doctors all the information they'll need to get started. these bright young minds will be tested as they're intelligence and dexterity are pushed to the limits. no wonder so many of them developed kid sized ulcers and a penchant for kid cocktails after their shifts were done. 'cause in the end nobody wants to lose a patient on that table and be faced with the task of telling family members they just couldn't get the job done.
but it wasn't always the case. and in fact even though many of today's more violent video games trace their origins to tamer beginnings, there were some rather creative counterparts. consider this offering from 1982 for the intellivision system, microsurgeon.
imagic was the most outstanding third party video game designer in the early 80's. their games were always a step above in execution. superior concept and graphics. and even the packaging just looked better as their unique silver foil boxes and "imagic" type-style stood out from the rest of the fare on the shelves.
in this game the player is tasked as a professional microsurgeon. your job, to pilot a tiny robot probe through the patient's body while monitoring progress on a high-tech computer screen. the probe must travel through the bloodstream to the problem areas, and knock out threatening viruses and diseases before the patient's status goes terminal. which ain't easy, as the patient's own antibodies are often intercepting the probe and treating it as an invader as well. but hey, that's why you make the big bucks when these operations are a success.
the instruction booklet for this little game is also a wonderful piece of graphic work which gives young doctors all the information they'll need to get started. these bright young minds will be tested as they're intelligence and dexterity are pushed to the limits. no wonder so many of them developed kid sized ulcers and a penchant for kid cocktails after their shifts were done. 'cause in the end nobody wants to lose a patient on that table and be faced with the task of telling family members they just couldn't get the job done.
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