Basic Math
Developer(s)Atari, Inc.
Publisher(s)Atari, Inc.
Designer(s)Gary Palmer[1]
Platform(s)Atari 2600
Release
  • NA: September 11, 1977
Genre(s)Educational
Mode(s)Single-player

Basic Math is an educational cartridge for the Atari Video Computer System (later called the Atari 2600) developed by Gary Palmer of Atari, Inc.[1] It was one of the nine launch titles offered when the console went on sale in September 1977.[2] In 1980, Basic Math was renamed Fun with Numbers.[3]

Gameplay

A problem being answered

The player's objective is to solve basic arithmetic problems. Game variations determine whether the player solves addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division problems,[4] and whether they could select the top number (the console randomly selects the lower number).

The player uses the joystick to enter an answer to the math problem. The game uses sound effects to signal whether the answer is right or wrong. If the player's answer is incorrect the game will then show the correct answer.[5]

Reception

Basic Math was reviewed in Video magazine as part of a general review of the Atari VCS. It was described as "very basic" with reviewers drolly noting that "the controls of this game may be a little more complicated than the actual problems", and the game was scored a 5 out of 10.[6]: 33 

In a retrospective look, Kevin Bunch wrote:

practically every early game console was shoveling out these educational games as a selling point to dubious parents, and Atari’s 1977 competitors were no exception. The Channel F had a pair of Math Quiz games written by developer Vilas Munshi, which combined are functionally very similar to Atari’s game.[3]

Legacy

On April 1, 2022, Atari announced Basic Math: Recharged, a web-based re-imagining of the original title.[7]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Montfort, Nick; Bogost, Ian (2009). Racing the Beam. MIT Press. p. 163. ISBN 978-0-262-01257-7.
  2. ↑ Barton, Matt and Bill Loguidice. "A History of Gaming Platforms: Atari 2600 Video Computer System/VCS". Gamasutra. 28 February 2008.
  3. 1 2 Bunch, Kevin. "Basic Math". Atari Archive.
  4. ↑ "Creative Computing (Better Scan) 1978 07". July 1978.
  5. ↑ "AtariAge - Atari 2600 Manuals (HTML) - Basic Math (Atari)".
  6. ↑ Kaplan, Deeny, ed. (Winter 1979). "VideoTest Report Number 18: Atari Video Computer". Video. Reese Communications. 1 (5): 30–34. ISSN 0147-8907.
  7. ↑ Basic Math: Recharged Release Trailer

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