From the classic arcade game Pong to the epic role-playing series Might and Magic to the manic Sega Dreamcast title Crazy Taxi, you too will find plenty of warm memories to rediscover at GameTap. (Check out our sidebar on page two to learn more about the classic platforms available.) The Mac version of the service boasts over 550 games spread across 13 platforms, with more being added all the time.
For Your Perusal. The GameTap client lets you browse through games and download them, chat with other players, and more.
“GameTap does an outstanding job of recreating these games,” notes Sanchez. “We go through a rigorous process of emulating the consoles and arcade machines. We even consult with the original game creators in many cases to make sure we are getting the colors, timing, and controls just right.”
“We have always thought of GameTap as a lifestyle product for people who like games.”
- Rick Sanchez, vice-president of content and creative director
An A+ on the Test of Time
Even though many of these games have been around for two or three decades, their core design still attracts players young and old, says Sanchez. “The casual games market owes a huge amount of its success to the gameplay mechanics of classic games,” he observes, “so it’s really no surprise that playing Puyo Puyo or Root Beer Tapper or Magical Drop resonates with people. They don’t care how old the games are.”
Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Our hero and his friend Tails must once again defeat the evil Dr. Robotnik.
He adds: “A lot of kids also connect with GameTap because these games hold up. Something like Galaga hasn’t aged much.”
In addition, there’s no way to easily play these games anywhere but GameTap, Sanchez says. “For example, you have to buy a Dreamcast and a copy of Crazy Taxi if you want to play it without GameTap,” he explains. “And a lot of these DOS games only work on GameTap. As someone who’s gone through so many consoles, I love GameTap. I’ve gotten rid of boxes and boxes of stuff.”
Pitfall!. Pitfall Harry seeks the treasure in this Atari 2600 classic.
Game Hardware
Check out our systems for your best gaming experience.
- Site: GameTap
- Publisher: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
- Developer: Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.
Game Media
“The casual games market owes a huge amount of its success to the gameplay mechanics of classic games.”
- Rick Sanchez, vice-president of content and creative director
GameTap also hosts original content, including Myst Online: Uru Live, which brings the popular Myst series into the world of multi-player online games. “[Myst creators] Cyan Worlds have always been big supporters of the Mac,” Sanchez notes. More unique games are on tap for the coming months.
It’s a Lifestyle
Many people have also discovered the joy of Challenge Play, which is available in most of the games that feature a multi-player component. Visit a game’s Challenge Play lobby to chat with other players and compete against them. You can also decide to become a contender and allow others to challenge you.
King of Fighters. In this action-packed series, you work your way through tournaments to become king of fighters.
In addition, you can interact with other gamers by posting your high scores and sending messages about your feats to friends. Set up playlists to group together your favorite games and share them with other users. Don’t forget to rate the games you play, so everyone can see what you think, and visit the GameTap website to chat with other players at the forums there.
The site also extends your gaming experience with GameTap TV, where you can watch news clips, game trailers, tips and tricks, interviews, and more. You’ll even find original animated series like “Re\Visioned,” which features Tomb Raider in its first ten-episode run. Actress Minnie Driver voices title character Lara Croft and such well-known comic book artists and writers as Jim Lee and Warren Ellis provide their skills.
1943: The Battle of Midway. Relive one of World War II’s most prominent battles in this arcade shoot-’em-up.
The second series of “Re\Visioned” promises to cover the golden age of Activision, which became the first third-party videogame publisher when four programmers left Atari to start their own company in 1979. Games to be featured in the animated show include Pitfall!, Kaboom, and Pressure Cooker, with the writing talents of John Ostrander, Mark Waid, and Paul Jenkins added to the mix.
Sanchez observes: “We have always thought of GameTap as a lifestyle product for people who like games.” On that note: After you’re done watching the Tomb Raider animated series, we’ll see you in the Galaga challenge lobby.
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