Simon, A Pioneer Electronic Game Celebrates 25 Years (NAPSA)—When digging for groundbreaking technology in electronic games, there’s one that only a few decades ago was considered a modern marvel. THEN:Oneof the pioneers of electronic gaming was SIMON, introduced in 1978. Twenty-five years ago, this game was one of the first to go “beyond the board” by pitting player against machine, challenging kids and adults alike to respond to its blinking lights and distinct sounds. Using breakthrough technology, SIMON literally “came to life” for players in a way few had experienced before. The game play pattern of actionreaction was also one ofthe first of its kind, and has gone on to be replicated in numerous games throughout the years. “Simon is tremendously significant in the context of the modern toy industry,” says toy and children’s lifestyle expert Chris Byrne, also known as The Toy Guy”. “Simon opened the doorfor electronic games, by marrying classic play with then-revolutionary computer capabilities. It inspired a whole new category within the game industry and has remained virtually unchanged since its launch.” Though there were a handful of other games launched along with SIMONin the late ’70s, none have displayed its staying power as SIMON has sold continuously since 1978. NOW: The basic SIMON game play pattern established so long ago remains intact today, albeit with a few significant updates to A CLASSIC—Sometimes even the most advanced technology can’t replace thethrill of classic action-reaction gameplay. challenge even the most discriminating game players. In 2001, SIMON’ wasborn. This two-sided game provides multiple game play options, and, for the first time, the ability for two players to go headto-head against the machine. Twenty-five years is an eter- nity in the ever-changing world of electronic games but sometimes even the most advanced technologies can’t replace the thrill of classic action-reaction gameplay. A true pioneer in electronic gaming proves that something as simple as lights and sounds is all the challenge kidsofall ages need.
