What Did We Build?
Having previously worked with a number of freelance developers, Movem came to us looking for a more stable and long term development partner to support and develop their site. Their first requirement was to ensure that the code base was leaner, cleaner and more secure; after which we were to focus on overhauling the user interface to make it more attractive and navigable, including new filters, search bars and styles. Finally, a number of new features needed to be implemented to help grow the site and to better serve its members, including a custom advertising system and mapping tools to help track the distance between a property and local points of interest.
Inspiration For This Project
- We decided to pick five of our arcade favourites (one for each team member, plus our buddy Sam) and then make our own online arcade
- Chose Arkanoid, Space Invaders, Asteroids, Frogger and Pac-Man
- Includes faithful one level representations of each game, plus an 80s tron style hub with retro Synthwave music
- Yes I know Space Invaders and Asteroids came out at the end of the 70s and that retro synthwave is a modern thing, but just let me have my nostalgia!
- Can be reduced to fit on mobile, and classic arcade joysticks appear to allow you to play on mobile
Our passion to build a classic style arcade was sparked by a recent trip to some actual Bournemouth arcades! We decided that it might be fun to visit a few of the arcades around Bournemouth to play some arcade classics. Unfortunately, barring one arcade with a classic Outrun setup, there weren’t any classic arcade cabinets present. There’s nothing wrong with the modern arcade cabinets; the games are just as fun as some of the arcade classics. It just didn’t quite scratch the nostalgia itch that we were looking for.
What We Did
Creating a Classic Arcade Feel
- Retro synthwave music setup
- Designing the 80s looking main menu screen
- Putting in the “Press to Start section”
- Adding the CRT flicker
How We Built Pac-Man
We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead. We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead.
How We Built Frogger
We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead. We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead.
How We Built Arkanoid
We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead. We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead.
How We Built Asteroids
We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead. We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead.
How We Built Space Invaders
We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead. We provide wireframes and mock-ups before we start each project. Once approved, we use the wireframes as a template for the site. If designs already exist then we are happy to use those instead.
The Result and Future Improvements
- In future we would like to add more levels and more games, such as Donkey Kong, Galaga and Outrun
- I love the 80s feel to it. The way the game sits in an arcade overlay with the CRT flicker is especially nice, and I love the little touches like the start screen.
- The games are a very honest recreation that replicate the exact gameplay and pixel art styles.
- Time constraints meant that there were a lack of levels, and the ending to some levels, whilst designed to be exciting victory screens, can sometimes be a little confusing or out of place, which breaks the immersion somewhat. In future, I think it would be nice to replicate three levels for each with a copy of the victory screen from each game.
- I would also add the arrow button controls alongside the WASD control notes.
We are really happy with the outcome of the retro arcade as it definitely scratched the nostalgia itch that we felt at the beginning of the project. Much of this stems from how faithful the games are to their original titles, and we are incredibly happy with how well we managed to replicate not only the gameplay, but also the sounds and graphical styles of each. They all feel just as memorable and fun to play as they did forty years ago! Further to this, we also enjoyed creating our own retro 80s atmosphere. The block capital fonts, the strong use of primary colours, the “Tron” style background and the haunting synthwave music… It all blends to provide a genuine 80s feel to the main menu. the addition of the black “push to start” screens and the CRT flicker make you feel like you’re playing on a real 80s arcade cabinet.
How It Looks
Similar Projects
Get In Touch
Thank you for your interest in our business. If you have any questions about our services, a project you’d like us to help with, or if you just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!
