So the other day after my film editing class, I waited for the elevator (Hey, it’s on the third floor and I carry around a laptop! I’m not taking the stairs!) next to another student from the same class. I immediately thought, aw crap, it’s going to be just the two of us on the elevator and we’re going to feel obligated to talk because we’re in the same class. And I just didn’t feel like dealing with the social pressures of talking to a stranger, no matter how cute he is. Well, after we stepped in the elevator, another student jumped in just before the door closed, and I immediately relaxed. Oh good, now no one has to talk. And then it got me thinking about how weird it was that two people in an elevator is cause for panic, but three people is perfectly fine. Strange. That’s society, I guess. Or it’s just me.

 

Anyway, I’m sure you’re wondering: what does this have anything to do with nerdy stuff! I thought this was supposed to be a nerd blog! Well, if you think about it, nerds are also known for their social awkwardness so… What? Not good enough? Fine, then I suppose I should reveal that my little elevator encounter was actually a cleverly disguised introduction for: Fun Facts About Video Game Elevators! Yes, that’s what this post is really about—the excitement of elevators! I’m excited, aren’t you? Okay, it’s better than it sounds, so just read on!

 

Elevators in video games have been used for a variety of purposes, from simply moving a character up or down to hiding loading screens. There is even a game called Elevator Action that featured this handy device. Your character collects important documents while shooting bad guys, using an elevator as transport between floors. As simple as it sounds,  I hear the game is very addicting.

 

Elevators made their video game debut in 1981, featured in a nice little game called Donkey Kong. This was the third platform game released and the second to have multiple levels, making Donkey Kong the most complex game of its time. Interestingly, the hero of the original Donkey Kong was actually the world’s first glimpse of Mario, who was known as only the mysterious “Jumpman” in this classic game of firsts. Donkey Kong was actually the bad guy.

 

I tried playing the original Donkey Kong, and I have no idea how long it took me to beat just the first level, but my point was, it took a while. It’s a frustrating game if you’re not used to the platform genre, but if you’d like to play it, click here.