We’ve got a bug . . .

The latest addition to our collection is an important arcade game, Super Bug. Designed (both hardware and software) by Howard Delman and released by Atari in 1977, Super Bug was the first game to feature a scrolling background. It later served as the base for Fire Truck, a two player arcade game that was the first cooperative game.

Our Super Bug is the gift of Scott and Stan Espinosa. Scott was the lead painter at the Santa Cruz Pier, where the game started out. When it was retired from service there, Scott bought it and took it home, where is served many years as family entertainment, eventually going to his brother, Stan. When Stan decided that he wanted his garage “party room” space for other things, he found it another loving home with us. We’re thrilled to have it.

Because this cabinet has been gently used, it is in beautiful condition and looks like it just came from Atari. There are some minor issues with the display, probably unseated or burned out tubes. There were still four quarters in it when Stan decided to send it to us, but he kept them. That seems fair!

Photos of the move can be found here.

We’ll have more news soon – stay tuned!