This week, Netflix will debut a new mini-series called High Score, which takes a look at the rise, fall, and return of the video game market in a number of ways. Across six episodes that total about four and a half hours running time, it doesn’t cover the entire span of gaming. But it tells some fascinating stories, revolving around the likes of Netflix, Street Fighter, Night Trap and so much more.
Created by France Costral and their team specifically for the streaming service, the series covers all sorts of interesting topics, ideal for those that need a refresh of some of the more fantastic gaming stories out there. While it would’ve been great to see them go more in-depth with cult- like experiences, what’s covered here is still excellent, and a must-view for die-hard fans and casual viewers alike.
Starting Out Strong
The show begins with its debut episode, “Boom & Bust,” which discusses Atari’s rise to stardom in gaming, along with the creation of legendary titles like Space Invaders and Pac-Man. It’s here that you get a taste of Costral’s style, featuring wonderfully animated sequences with an 8-bit style to them, and fun little touches here and there.
But it’s not just a talking heads thing. The show goes in-depth with many of its creators, including Howard Scott Warshaw, a legendary Atari designer who took a lot of flack for “rushing” his way through the development of E.T. The Extra Terrestrial. High Score explains just what kind of development time-table he went through, and why he’s not entirely to blame for the “debacle,” as it were.
It’s a great start, and it has a hell of a narrator in Charles Martinet, who regularly voices the game character Mario in several Nintendo games. His style is unique and lively, just as it was in the Runner games; and he delivers in each and every episode.
The Fun Continues From There
From there, each of the episodes takes an interesting turn. Episode 2 focuses on the rise of Nintendo in the gaming world, as well as discussion revolving around game play counselors – a job that looks more fun than it actually is. All the same, it’s a wonderful look into their early days. And, yes, even Nintendo Power gets a much-deserved nod. Episode 3 might be dull for some, as it focuses specifically on the role-playing theme. But even here, there’s some spectacular stories to uncover, and you learn a thing or two about the hardcore community. Even if it’s not “your thing,” it’s highly recommended.
But the real gem here is episode 4, which talks about Sega’s rise to power with the help of former president Tom Kalinske. He breaks down his plan for success, and we also learn a thing or two about how the juggernaut John Madden Football came to be, conquering the world in a short amount of time.
Episode 5 discusses fighting games, as well as the infamous Night Trap game and how it got the attention of the government, leading to the creation of the ESRB. And finally, episode 6 looks at the creation of first-person shooters, as well as the general transition of gaming from 2D to 3D. It’s all well done, and nicely produced, without a dull episode in the bunch. The only real question we’re asking here is why it’s only limited to six episodes. Hopefully there’s a second season in the works, which will discuss Sony’s rise to gaming stardom with the PlayStation, as well as Microsoft’s debut with Xbox. And lest we forget the era of Tetris…?
Short But Definitely Sweet
In the end, High Score doesn’t cover the entirety of gaming, but the stories it does include are told very well.
