A lesson in game design – Tempest

Tempest: Atari 1981

Simple mechanics, novel design, increasing complexity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tempest_(video_game)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiTgA3ZOoSo

Because of the CRT screen and the vector graphics, the in-person experience was unique and difficult to replicate. Likewise, the very simple button and rotating knob interface combination was approachable but presented unique challenges in the gameplay.