The Video Game Project
A Closer Look At The Prototypes That Became Your Favourite Games!
Math-A-Magic / Echo
Math-A-Magic / Echo, also know as Mathematician / Echo was released on the Magnavox Odyssey 2 and Videopac in 1978. The game is an "electronic arithmetic teacher" where the player can chose up to three variations of mathematical games.
In the first version, the player has to solve regular math problems. First you must chose the type of questions you wish to receive (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division), next the skill level (1-3) before being presented with the problems. The player must type in the answers, and the computer will register the time elapsed and the number of current problems solved. If the player fails twice to solve a problem, the game is over.
The second variation displays algebraic problems. The player selects the desired skill level (1-3) and has to enter the missing variable to each problem, and the rules are the same to the first variation.
Finally, the third variation is an addition or multiplication table game. The player chooses addition or multiplication, then the number they wish wishes to practice.
Echo! is a basic Simon says style game (as invented by Ralph H. Baer). Four colored numbers (red, blue, green, and yellow) will appear on the screen. One of them will light up, and a tone will be played. Then it is the player's turn to try match the lit up number. Then, the first number will be light up followed by a second one. The player has to match the sequence and it will keep increasing indefinitely. If the player fails three times to match a sequence, the game is over.
