Classic Videogame Illustrations #2

This is the illustration for Pac-Man on the Atari 400/800 computers in 1982. It's a little different from the Pac-Man that you're used to seeing, eh? It's a very Americanized version, even down to the Pac shirt. Atari was known for its vivid, imaginitive game illustrations; this was somewhat necessary due to the primitive graphics of the time, but great artwork nontheless.

This second illustration is from the instruction book. It essentially is the instruction book. It's another great example of being aware that this is only a simple videogame, a collection of abstract symbols. It's an iconic style. Of course, today we could easily render the cartoon graphic-style as shown in these illustration. But answer me this: would Pac-Man retain its iconic power? Would it really look as good? Would it have captured people's imagination the same way?

It's a good question to consider in this endless rush for prettier graphics and greater detail.