When it was released in arcades in 1983, Dragon’s Lair was the first game to use LaserDisc technology. This meant it could use sophisticated animation, rather than the rudimentary 8-bit programming on games such as Galaxian or Space Invaders. It was a hit from the off, even though it cost 50 cents per play (most other games were 25). The LaserDisc technology saw the screen go blank for time to time as it loaded up new sections but it looked a lot more sophisticated than its contemporaries, using the skills of former Disney animator Don Bluth to create the character of Dirk the Daring, a knight who must rescue Princess Daphne from the clutches of an evil dragon.
Dragon’s Lair regularly ranks as one of the greatest arcade games of all time.
Colour-coordinated cassette recorders
Watch the latest season of Stranger Things with a true child of the 80s and you may hear an excited squeal at the glimpse of a pink cassette recorder. Manufactured by Japanese company Sharp, these tape players with built-in radio were available in a series of colours that reflected the decade’s fascination with pastel shades. Also available in sunshine yellow, mint green and lilac, the choice enabled teens to finally have tech that could blend in with their bedroom decor.
Officially, these cassette recorders were known as boomboxes, but anyone who remembers those massive lumps of music machine plonked next to a roll of lino used for breakdancing may be surprised to see the name also applied to something so dainty.