This Day in Gaming History is an editorial released 2-3 days per week, that takes you on a ride in its custom-built gaming history blue box. We take a look at titles all released on the same day throughout gaming history, while also giving extra facts and anecdotes as available or appropriate. Got a favorite game that you want to learn more about, or perhaps want to see featured on TDIGH? Send angel1573 a message on the forums, or leave a comment below!
Things are falling into place today as we take a look at one of the most well known video games of all time, we delve into a Playstation 2 experiment title ahead of its time, and revisit one of the Playstation 3’s best story-driven titles; all on This Day in Gaming History!
TETRIS (GAMEBOY) [JAPAN]
Originally released on June 6th in 1984, Tetris found its way onto the Game Boy on this day in 1989 in Japan. Tetris was the first entertainment software to be exported from the then-USSR to the US, initially finding itself on the Commodore 64 and IBM PC. The title is a popular use of “tetrominoes”, the four-element special case of “polyominoes.” The use of “polyominoes” have been used in popular puzzles since at least the early 1900’s; however, they date back as far as antiquity. The game has been released for nearly every video game console and computer operating system since its initial release, and has frequently been listed as one of the greatest video games of all time. In January of 2010, it was announced that the franchise had sold more than 170 million copies, approximately 70 million physical copies and over 100 million copies for mobile devices.
According to academic research, Tetris might actually increase your brain function and activity. As a user becomes more proficient, their brains show more efficient brain activity while playing. Even moderate playing can result in increased general cognitive function–critical thinking, reasoning, language, and processing. Tetris has been a focus of many other academic studies over the years. The title also inspired a number of film adaptations, including both a short animated film and the live action movie, both entitled Pixels.
PSI-OPS: THE MINDGATE CONSPIRACY (PS2)
Released in North America on this day in 2004, this traditionally-styled shooter incorporated a variety of psychic powers to differentiate itself in the market. Players take control of Nick Scryer, a ‘PSI-Operative’ whose mind has been wiped in order to infiltrate a terrorist organization. He is ultimately captured and must fight his way out, regaining his PSI powers along the way. The diverse set of psychic abilities, and limited tactical choices of weaponry, made PSI-OPS an entertaining excursion from the norm of shooters. It received generally favorable reviews from critics and players alike, but has yet to produce a sequel. The game was listed in 2010 as a game that should receive a sequel, as well as one to play before you die. In February of 2007, producer Midway Games faced a copyright infringement suit from William L. Crawford III who claimed similarities with his screenplay “Psi-Ops”. In December of 2008, Midway won the case, leaving the future of Psi-Ops open for potential revival.
THE LAST OF US (PS3)
Released only in 2013 on this day, The Last of Us is a third-person action-adventure survival-horror title (try saying that three times fast). The title was remastered for the PS4 in 2014. Players use firearms and improvised weapons alongside stealth to defend against enemy humans and cannibalistic creatures. Development of the title began in 2009, shortly after the release of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves. The central focus of the game lies on its two main characters, Joel and Ellie; all gameplay elements were developed around it. The actors chosen to play these key roles, were also used for motion capture of the characters.
Following its announcement in 2011, the title was widely anticipated, and received wide praise by many reviewers. Its acclaim centered around characterization, subtext, exploration of the human condition, its soundscape, its visuals, and its depiction of female characters. The game’s depictions of violence also became a source of discussion among critics. The title became one of the best selling PS3 games, and is widely considered to be one of the best video games of all time. Following its initial release, developer Naughty Dog released several DLCs as both prequel and sequel chapters. A sequel has been discussed, and is likely to be in development, following the recent release of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, in early May of this year.
Images © Capcom, List, Midway Games, & Sony Computer Entertainment
Some other titles released on this day:
- Arc the Lad: End of Darkness – PS2 – 2005
- Eternal Sonata [Japan] – Xbox 360 – 2007
- Alice: Madness Returns – PC/PS3/Xbox 360 – 2011
- Fallout Shelter – iOS – 2015
My Life, or Something Like It 