R I V E R R A I D
In 1979 two important things were born: Activision and Cynn.
In 1982 a pioneer programmer named Carol Shaw created River Raid. Not only was she one of the first female developers, but River Raid was a technological breakthrough for the ATARI 2600 platform. It created the idea of "Stages" (multiple scrolling screens of game area to be explored) instead of single screens of play area or "Levels" common for the platform. Needless to say, River Raid became a big hit selling to many eager game players including the elder Smith Bros who's Atari 2600 was the training ground for a young Cynn "I want the stick with turbo" Smith.
These events led to my first game playing experience: Flying a super sonic jet through tight canyon walls in an attempt to repel and destroy an army invading by river.
Some gamers were "born" plumbers, ghost eaters and cute critters... I was born a River Pilot.
Other early faves:
-Stampede! (A2600)
-Ms. Pac Man (arcade)
-Casino Kid (NES)
