This legend is one of the big unsolved mysteries of the gaming world, though most concede that the game never existed. Soon after it appeared, the mysterious arcade game vanished without warning-taken by the men in black suits, leaving no record of its existence. Men in black suits opened the machine every week, recorded its data, and left, with no interest in its coins. It was only later that they recalled how Polybius was serviced more often than other games. Others had seizures or attempted suicide, many felt unable to control their own thoughts. Gamers who tried it couldn’t stop playing, and began acting oddly: they were nauseous, stressed, had horrific nightmares. Tiny lines and dots danced or exploded with high-pitched beeps across them all, but one game cabinet, Polybius, drew the longest lines. In a suburban arcade near Portland, Oregon, in 1981, a dull, digital glow bounced off the faces of teenagers who clutched joysticks, immersed in the game. The city expects to begin the program February 1.What was Polybius, and did it ever exist? (Photo: albund/) Much like the drive planned (but abandoned) by the town of Southington, Connecticut earlier this month, Melrose is promising to give coupons for local businesses to families who turn in their violent games, movies, and toys for disposal at the city's junk yard. The town of Melrose, roughly three hours' drive from Newtown, is holding a 'New Year, New Direction' violent game collection drive. 'A video game in a public space could be used by anybody of any age.'Ĭoncern about violent games isn't limited to the state's highways.

'Bottom line is I think there isn't a person who doesn't believe that there isn't too much violence in our society, and games can glorify that,' Davey told the paper. Pac-Man, and Cruis'n Exotica were allowed to remain. Time Crisis and Beach Head 2000 were given as examples of games taken away, while Galaga, Ms. Massachusetts Transportation Secretary Richard Davey said that violent arcade games were removed from the rest stops after a resident complained.

As reported by The Boston Globe, officials in neighboring Massachusetts have pulled violent arcade games from state-owned rest stops, and one town is planning a violent game collection drive.

The backlash against violent games continues a month after a school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut left dozens dead.

Beach head 2000 arcade machine for sale