Description

"Surround," initially released for the Atari 2600 Video Computer System in 1977, is a classic arcade-style game that is considered to be one of the earliest iterations of the "snake" or "light cycles" gaming concept. In "Surround," players control straight lines that continuously grow as they move across a rudimentary playfield. The primary goal of the game is to outmaneuver your opponent by making their line collide with the boundaries of the play area or the trail left by your line, while avoiding crashing yourself. The game offers various speed settings and can be played solo, where the second line's movement is dictated by the game's AI, or with another player, providing a competitive and engaging gameplay experience.

The game's simple yet addictive mechanics inspired future video games, particularly influencing titles like "Snake" which became popular on many mobile platforms during the late 1990s and early 2000s. "Surround" includes several gameplay options such as the ability to enable or disable diagonal movement, and a mode that allows a player's line to pass through edges and appear on the opposite side of the screen, increasing strategic depth and variety. Despite its simplicity, "Surround" remains a beloved example of early video game design, illustrating the innovative spirit of the time and laying the groundwork for numerous games that followed. Its minimalist graphic style and straightforward objective make it a meaningful and influential piece in the history of arcade gaming.