Summary
- Release Year: 1983
- Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Atari 2600
- Developers: Activision
- Publishers: Activision, Polyvox
Plaque Attack: The Atari 2600 Classic That Taught Us About Dental Hygiene
Released in 1983 for the Atari 2600, Plaque Attack is a unique and educational video game that teaches players about the importance of good dental hygiene. The game was developed by Activision and designed by Steve Cartwright, who said that he was inspired to create the game after reading an article about the dangers of plaque.
Gameplay
Plaque Attack is a single-screen shooter game in which the player controls a toothbrush that moves left and right along the bottom of the screen. The goal of the game is to prevent food from destroying the teeth in a person’s mouth. Food items, such as candy, soda, and hamburgers, fall from the top of the screen and must be shot down before they reach the teeth.
The player has a limited number of shots to fire, and each shot must be carefully aimed to hit the food items. If a food item reaches a tooth, it will start to decay. The player must then use a special toothpaste shot to repair the damaged tooth.
Educational Value
In addition to being a fun and challenging game, Plaque Attack also has a strong educational value. The game teaches players about the importance of brushing their teeth, eating healthy foods, and avoiding sugary drinks. The game also provides information about the different types of dental problems that can occur if proper oral hygiene is not maintained.
Critical Reception
Plaque Attack was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, educational value, and charming graphics. Plaque Attack was also one of the first video games to be endorsed by the American Dental Association.
Legacy
Plaque Attack is considered to be one of the classic video games of the Atari 2600 era. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Commodore 64, the Apple II, and the Nintendo Entertainment System. Plaque Attack has also been featured in several video game compilations, including the Atari Flashback series and the Activision Anthology.
Impact on Dental Hygiene
Plaque Attack has had a positive impact on dental hygiene. The game has helped to raise awareness about the importance of good oral hygiene, and it has encouraged many people to brush their teeth more regularly and eat healthier foods. Plaque Attack has also been used in dental schools to teach students about the causes and prevention of dental disease.
Conclusion
Plaque Attack is a fun and educational video game that teaches players about the importance of good dental hygiene. The game was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has had a positive impact on dental hygiene. Plaque Attack is considered to be one of the classic video games of the Atari 2600 era, and it continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
Additional Information
- Plaque Attack was one of the first video games to feature a female protagonist.
- The game’s music was composed by David Crane, who also composed the music for Pitfall! and other classic Atari 2600 games.
- Plaque Attack was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989. This version of the game was released in Japan only.
- Plaque Attack was included in the Atari Flashback 2 video game console, which was released in 2005.
- Plaque Attack is available for download on the Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network.
Review Score
7/10
