720°: The Pioneering Skateboarding Game of the Arcade Era

Story

Unlike many arcade games of its time, 720° did not focus on a detailed narrative or story. Instead, it placed players in the role of a skateboarder navigating through four different skate parks. The primary objective was to earn high scores by performing tricks and completing events. The game embraced the burgeoning skateboarding culture of the 1980s, immersing players in a world where skills on the skateboard were the ultimate measure of success.

The game’s environment was set in a vibrant, open-world neighborhood that included skateparks, ramps, and other skateboarding hotspots. The premise was simple yet captivating—players had to earn tickets to enter various skatepark events by collecting points, avoiding hazards, and performing tricks. The lack of a conventional storyline did not detract from its appeal; instead, it allowed players to create their own narratives through skillful play and exploration.

Gameplay

720° was revolutionary for its time, primarily due to its unique control scheme and gameplay mechanics. The game was controlled using a joystick that could rotate 360 degrees, allowing for fluid and precise movement. This control system was integral to the gameplay, as it enabled players to perform a variety of tricks and maneuvers. The joystick’s design was a significant departure from the standard linear controls of other arcade games, offering a more immersive and realistic skateboarding experience.

The game featured four main events that players could participate in:

Downhill: Navigate through a winding path while avoiding obstacles and attempting to reach the finish line as quickly as possible.

Slalom: Skate through a series of gates placed on a downhill course, requiring precision and timing to pass through each one successfully.

Jump: Perform aerial tricks by launching off ramps, with points awarded for style and execution.

Ramp: Skate on a half-pipe and score points by performing spins and flips.

Players had to accumulate points by performing tricks and successfully completing these events to earn tickets. These tickets allowed access to higher difficulty levels and more challenging courses. A timer, represented by a swarm of bees, added an element of urgency, chasing players who lingered too long in any area. This pressure to keep moving and performing kept the gameplay fast-paced and exciting.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, 720° boasted impressive graphics, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that brought the skateboarding world to life. The game featured a top-down view that allowed players to see a broad area of the map, facilitating strategic planning and movement. The level of detail in the game’s design was notable, especially in the depiction of skateparks and urban landscapes, which were filled with obstacles, ramps, and interactive elements.

The sound design in 720° was equally memorable, with a dynamic soundtrack that captured the essence of the 1980s skate culture. The game featured upbeat music tracks that played during gameplay, enhancing the adrenaline-fueled experience. The sound effects, including the whoosh of air during high jumps and the clatter of wheels on pavement, added to the authenticity and immersion of the game.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, 720° received widespread acclaim from both players and critics, who praised its innovative controls and engaging gameplay. It became a staple in arcades, drawing in players with its challenging events and unique control scheme. The game’s success was further solidified by its subsequent porting to various home consoles and personal computers, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Commodore 64, and the ZX Spectrum.

720°’s influence extended beyond its immediate success, as it laid the groundwork for future skateboarding games. Its open-world structure and emphasis on trick performance inspired later titles, such as the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series, which built on the foundations established by 720°. The game’s joystick control mechanics also set a precedent for more intuitive and immersive control schemes in sports games.

Despite the advancements in video game technology and the emergence of more sophisticated titles, 720° remains a beloved classic. Its simplicity, combined with the thrill of skateboarding, continues to appeal to retro gaming enthusiasts and new players alike.

Conclusion

720° stands as a testament to the innovation and creativity of the arcade era. Its pioneering control scheme, engaging gameplay, and vibrant presentation captured the spirit of skateboarding culture and introduced it to a wider audience. The game’s impact is evident in the numerous skateboarding titles that followed, each drawing inspiration from the foundations laid by 720°. As we reflect on its legacy, 720° remains a shining example of how a simple concept, when executed with creativity and precision, can leave a lasting impression on the gaming world.