The Best (and Worst) of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: A Classic Game’s Legacy

The Best (and Worst) of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: A Classic Game’s Legacy

Released in 1982, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial was one of the most anticipated and successful video games of all time. Based on the iconic 1982 film of the same name, the game was developed by Howard Scott Warshaw and published by Atari, Inc. for the Atari 2600 console. While it didn’t quite live up to its cinematic counterpart’s enduring popularity, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Here’s a look at the best and worst aspects of this classic game’s legacy.

The Good: Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial introduced several innovative gameplay mechanics that would become staples of future adventure games. Players controlled E.T. as he searched for phone booths to phone his spaceship and return to his home planet. The game featured a unique "crawl and hop" system, where E.T. would crawl through narrow spaces and jump over obstacles. This mechanic required precise timing and added a level of complexity to the game’s simple platforming.

The Good: Challenging Puzzles and Levels

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial boasted 255 increasingly difficult levels, each with its own set of challenges and puzzles to solve. The game required players to think critically and use their problem-solving skills to progress. For example, some levels involved navigating E.T. through mazes to find hidden phone booths, while others required the player to use E.T.’s crawling ability to reach high platforms.

The Bad: Lack of Feedback and Controls

Despite its innovative gameplay mechanics, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial suffered from poor control feedback and stiff responsiveness. Players would often struggle to navigate E.T. through tight spaces or react quickly enough to avoid enemies, leading to frustration and annoyance. The game’s sound design didn’t help matters, with jarring and awkward sound effects that detracted from the overall experience.

The Bad: Reception and Controversy

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial received scathing reviews upon its release, with many critics calling it one of the worst games of all time. The game’s poor quality was widely attributed to its rushed development cycle, which reportedly took only five weeks to complete. Atari, Inc. produced millions of copies of the game, which flooded the market and contributed to a surplus of unsold cartridges.

The Ugly: Cultural Impact and Legacy

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’s negative impact on the gaming industry is well-documented. The game’s poor reception led to a severe decline in Atari’s fortunes and contributed to the North American video game crash of 1983. However, the game’s legacy also influenced the development of future adventure games, with many designers drawing inspiration from its innovative mechanics and puzzles.

The Ugly: Modern-Day Sentiment and Memorabilia

In recent years, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has experienced a curious resurgence in popularity. Fans have created their own fan art and cosplay inspired by the game, while nostalgic retro gaming enthusiasts have sought out vintage copies of the game to complete their collections. Atari, Inc. has also released remastered versions of the game for modern consoles, acknowledging its importance in gaming history.

In conclusion, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: A Classic Game’s Legacy is a mixed bag of innovative gameplay mechanics, challenging puzzles, and poor controls and reception. While it’s far from the worst game of all time, it’s certainly a fascinating footnote in the history of the video game industry. Despite its flaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial remains a cultural phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base and a lasting impact on the gaming industry.