Gaming History Preserved: ‘Gee Bee’ Buzzes Back to Life

In a major victory for video game preservation and retro gaming enthusiasts, Namco’s first-ever internally developed arcade title, ‘Gee Bee’ from 1978, is making its long-awaited debut on modern home consoles this week. The game, a monumental piece of arcade history, is being re-released as part of the Arcade Archives series by publisher Hamster Corporation, making it accessible to a new generation of players for the first time since its original coin-op debut.

The Genesis of a Gaming Giant

• A Block-Breaking Pioneer: Released in October 1978, ‘Gee Bee’ is a unique hybrid, combining the ball-and-paddle mechanics of ‘Breakout’ with the distinctive features of a physical pinball machine. Players use a rotary dial (replicated with modern controls, including mouse support for added accuracy) to control multiple paddles and bounce a ball off blocks, score multipliers, and pop bumpers.
• The Pac-Man Creator’s First Game: Historically, ‘Gee Bee’ holds immense significance as it was the first game created by legendary designer Toru Iwatani, who would later achieve global fame as the creator of the iconic ‘Pac-Man’ and ‘Pole Position’. Iwatani reportedly designed ‘Gee Bee’ as a compromise after Namco executives declined his request to manufacture traditional pinball machines, leading him to create a video game that incorporated his love for the physical tables.
• The True Start of Namco: While Namco had previously distributed games in Japan, ‘Gee Bee’ was the first original arcade game the company developed in-house. Its success, though overshadowed later by the phenomenon of Space Invaders, was crucial in establishing Namco as a premier video game developer and laying the groundwork for its golden age of arcade hits.

Arcade Archives Release Details and Modern Features

The re-release, handled by the highly respected Hamster Corporation, will ensure the most authentic experience while adding modern Quality-of-Life features for a contemporary audience. This move solidifies Hamster’s reputation as a leading figure in classic game preservation, continually expanding its massive Arcade Archives library.

Key Features of the Re-Release

• Multi-Platform Launch: ‘Gee Bee’ will be available across major platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
• Mouse Control Support: In a nod to the original game’s rotary dial control, the re-release will feature optional mouse control support, giving dedicated players a chance to experience the precise, dial-based gameplay as intended in the 1978 arcade cabinet, a feature highly valued by arcade purists.
• Multiple Modes and Online Rankings: The Arcade Archives version includes:
  • Original Mode: The unaltered, classic arcade experience.
  • Hi Score Mode: A one-credit challenge to climb global online rankings.
  • Caravan Mode: A time-limited mode for scoring as many points as possible in ten minutes.
• New-Generation Enhancements: The Arcade Archives 2 versions (available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2) will feature additional content like Time Attack Mode and support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), offering the highest level of video accuracy for next-gen consoles.

Historical Context and Legacy

Despite being a major release for Namco, the initial success of ‘Gee Bee’ was modest compared to the industry-defining ‘Space Invaders’ which launched around the same time. Nevertheless, ‘Gee Bee’ sold an estimated 10,000 units and was the eighth highest-grossing arcade title in Japan in 1978. Its legacy extends far beyond its sales figures; its existence directly led to Iwatani’s later projects, including its sequels, Bomb Bee and Cutie Q, which were instrumental in developing the “cute” aesthetic that would define the revolutionary ‘Pac-Man’ one year later.

The re-release of ‘Gee Bee’ is a testament to the enduring impact of early Japanese arcade design and an invaluable opportunity for fans of retrogaming to own a piece of the foundation upon which one of the industry’s most successful companies, Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., was built. The game launches digitally tomorrow, bringing the spirit of 1978 back to the forefront of the digital storefronts.