​Classic video games are not only remembered for their gameplay and nostalgic graphics but also for the stories and curiosities behind them. From iconic characters who have evolved over time to urban legends that turned out to be true, these hidden secrets will make you see your favorite games in a whole new light. Join us on this journey through memory lane and uncover some of the most fascinating details about the games that shaped an era!


Mario Bros

Before becoming the iconic plumber we all know, Mario made his debut in Donkey Kong in 1981. Back then, he was known as Jumpman and his profession was carpentry. His mission was to rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of a giant gorilla named Donkey Kong. Shortly after, with the release of Mario Bros in 1983, Mario changed his name and profession, becoming the most famous plumber in video game history.


Pacman

The design of Pacman, as iconic as its gameplay, was inspired by a simple food: pizza. Tohru Iwatani, the creator of Pacman, came up with the idea for the character while having dinner with friends. When he removed a slice from the pizza, he noticed the round shape with a missing section, which led to the creation of a character that looked like an open mouth, ready to devour everything in its path.


Highest Score in Pacman

In 1999, Billy Mitchell achieved the perfect score in Pacman. He reached level 256, the infamous split-screen level, without losing a single life and eating every possible point, including all the ghosts in energizer levels. This impressive feat earned him a score of 3,333,360 points, a record that remains a legend in the world of classic video games.


Sega

Although today Sega is known as one of the leading Japanese video game companies, its origins are in the United States. Sega started as Services Games, an American company founded in 1940 that provided arcade machines to U.S. military bases in Japan. After World War II, Sega moved to Japan and focused on video game development, eventually releasing iconic consoles like the Master System and Genesis.


Street Fighter 2010

When we think of Street Fighter, we imagine one-on-one combat, but not all games in the series follow that formula. In Japan, Capcom released Street Fighter 2010: The Final Fight, a futuristic action game starring Kevin. With a platforming style and science fiction elements, it became a rarity within the franchise and an interesting curiosity for Street Fighter fans.


Dreamcast and Treamcast

Sega's Dreamcast, released in 1999, was innovative for its internet connectivity and advanced graphics. However, it also inspired a pirate version known as Treamcast, which included a built-in LCD screen for playing without needing a TV. Although unofficial and violating copyrights, the Treamcast became a cult object among collectors.


E.T. for Atari

The game based on the movie E.T. for the Atari 2600 is famous for being one of the biggest failures in video game history. Developed in just five weeks, it was a disaster in sales and critical reception, to the point where Atari decided to bury millions of unsold cartridges in the New Mexico desert. This urban legend was confirmed in 2014 when a team discovered the buried cartridges, putting an end to the myth.


Pong

Pong, released in 1972 by Atari, was one of the first arcade video games. The first Pong machine was placed in a gas station to test its popularity. Surprisingly, the machine broke down quickly, not due to a technical fault, but because the coin box filled up so fast that no more coins could be added. This unexpected success marked the beginning of the video game industry as we know it today.


Classic video games are full of surprising stories and curiosities that continue to captivate fans of all ages. Each hidden detail reminds us why these games became legends. Let these secrets inspire you to keep exploring the fascinating world of video games!​