Top 4 best games in 1975, review: Deepspace, Gun Fight, Wumpus II, Steeplechase

Top 4. Deepspace  Apple II, Commodore PET/CBM, Mainframe

This is a text-based space combat simulator.

At the beginning, you are given several options that will influence your game in the future. First, you choose one of three starting locations, then one of three types of spacecraft, and finally, you select the ultimate equipment. Each type of spacecraft differs in speed, weaponry, and defense level.

All actions are performed using specific keys. You have the following options: fire one of up to 4 types of weapons, activate the neutron field, self-destruct, change speed, disable, continue at the current speed.

Weapons not only inflict different damage but also take up different space on the spacecraft. Some weapons can harm you at close range.

Top 5-10 Best Games in 1975, review: Shark JAWS, Jet Fighter, Hi-Way, Crossfire, Anti-Aircraft, Crash 'N Score

Shark JAWS  Arcade

You play as a deep-sea diver hunting for fish while being pursued by a shark. Your objective is to devour fish with your character while avoiding the shark. Originally, Atari attempted to license this well-known movie franchise, but eventually opted for a clever workaround. 

The arcade prominently displayed the word "Jaws" in large letters, with the word "shark" written inconspicuously in smaller letters.

Points are earned for each fish consumed. The unique aspect of the game is that you have no lives; you lose when caught by the shark, consuming the remaining time.

Top 11-15 best games in 1975, review: Panther, Moria, Pedit5, dnd, Pursuit

Panther  Terminal

This multiplayer game allows players to join one of two teams, represented by square or triangular objects symbolizing vehicles. The graphics are vector-based, enabling real-time gameplay. Explosions are generated through animated computer characters.

In each game, five mountains appear randomly in various locations and sizes. Players are given some time at the beginning to familiarize themselves with the terrain. In addition to a first-person view, players can access a shared map showing allies and enemies detected by their team.

The game emphasizes teamwork, as each unit possesses unique skills. Some excel at tracking, others at combat, and some are better suited for infiltrating the enemy base and initiating bombardment, among other roles. Players can communicate through in-game chat and send special taunts to opponents.

Top 16-20 best games in 1975, review: Goal/4, F-114, Electrotennis, Drop Zone 4, Avenger

Goal/4  Arcade

This is soccer implemented through the Pong concept. The arcade machine itself is horizontal, resembling a table.

In single-player mode, you try to score a goal by hitting the ball into moving gates.

In the multiplayer version, you have a goalkeeper and two attackers. If there are more than two players, these roles are distributed separately. Also, a more defensive player has 3 paddles for control, while a more offensive one, closer to the opponent, has two paddles.

Top 21-25 Best Games in 1975, review: Odyssey 100, Maneater, Knock-Out, Kill the Bit, Interceptor

Odyssey 100  Console

In the previous video, I talked about a later version of this console, but since this version was the base model, I will place it higher on the list.

Compared to many other Pong console clones, this console had several improvements, such as the ability to move paddles not only vertically but also horizontally. You could also move the central and side lines. It allowed you to adjust the ball's speed and trajectory during the game. All these features were controlled by three different knobs.

Top 26-30 best games in 1975, review: Videomaster Home T.V. Game, Super Flipper, Street Burners, Ping Pong, Odyssey 200

Videomaster Home T.V. Game  console

One of the first clones of the home Pong console. Here are three typical versions of this game: tennis, football, squash.

Tennis is not surprising, as it is essentially the same as Pong. In football, there is already a restriction in the form of goals, and you don't have to defend the entire wall from the ball. Squash blocks the right side, so you need to make the opponent miss the ball when it rebounds from the left side.

Top 31-34 best games in 1975, review: Ballistic Missile War Game, Bowl2, Indy 800, Destruction Derby

Ballistic Missile War Game  Wang 2200

Here you will play the role of an anti-ballistic missile defense operator. Your task is to shoot down intercontinental ballistic missiles. You need to destroy 10 missiles before your control tower is destroyed.

Only one missile can be in the air at a time, so launching the next one destroys the previous. You can adjust the trajectory of the missile in flight.