Simon (1978) – Board Game Guys

Simon

Simon is an electronic game of short-term memory skill invented by Ralph H. Baer and Howard J. Morrison, working for toy design firm Marvin Glass and Associates, with software programming by Lenny Cope. The game was named after the children’s game “Simon Says” and was inspired by an Atari arcade game called Follow-Me. Simon was released by Milton-Bradley in 1978 and was a hit upon release, representing an evolution in tabletop gaming.

Why is Simon Popular?

Simon was one of the first electronic games that required players to use their short-term memory skills to repeat a sequence of tones and lights on a four-button surface. The game became popular due to the novelty of the microprocessor chip and the rise of computer-based diversions. Simon has remained a pop culture fixture for over 40 years and has seen many iterations and reinventions.

Game Components of Simon

Device: An electronic unit with four colored buttons (blue, yellow, red, and green)

Tones: Each button produces a specific harmonic tone (e.g., A major triad or B♭ minor triad)

Lights: The device lights up the buttons in a sequence

Batteries: Requires batteries to operate

Original Box: Often includes the original packaging and instructions

How To Setup Simon

To set up Simon, simply insert the batteries into the device. Ensure the batteries are correctly aligned and securely in place. Once powered, Simon is ready to use. There are no complex assembly requirements, making it straightforward to get started.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Sequence Reproduction: The device lights up one or more buttons in a random order.

Player Input: The player must reproduce the sequence by pressing the buttons.

Progression: As the game progresses, the number of buttons to be pressed increases.

Time Limit: The game ends if the player fails to repeat the sequence correctly or if the time limit runs out.

Multiple Games: The original device includes other game modes besides the main sequence reproduction game.

Player Experience

Playing Simon is a challenging and engaging experience that tests short-term memory skills. The game starts simple but quickly becomes more complex, making it appealing to a wide range of ages. The harmonic tones and colorful lights add to the game’s charm, making it both fun and mentally stimulating.

Pros

Challenging and Engaging: Tests short-term memory and reaction time.

Easy to Learn: Simple initial gameplay that progressively gets harder.

Portable: Versions like Pocket Simon make it easy to take on the go.

Educational: Helps improve memory and cognitive skills.

Nostalgic Appeal: A classic game from the 1970s and 1980s.

Cons

Repetitive: Some players may find the gameplay repetitive after a while.

Limited Gameplay Modes: Although there are multiple games, the core mechanic remains the same.

Battery Drain: Requires frequent battery changes if played extensively.

Personal Thoughts on Simon

Simon is an excellent game for anyone looking to challenge their memory and reaction time. It is particularly suited for children and adults who enjoy retro gaming or are looking for a nostalgic experience. The game’s simplicity and progressive difficulty make it accessible to a broad audience, while its educational benefits add an extra layer of value. Whether you’re a fan of classic electronic games or just looking for a fun and mentally stimulating activity, Simon is a great choice.

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