(I put this on Mike's forum, but it's really dead in there so I'll post here too.)

I created this thread to post evidence showing where the ideas for Game & Watch games may have come from.

Through the years I've found some striking similarities to Game & Watch games in old board games, etc. which must have been the "inspiration" for them. I've noticed this generally occurs in all types of Japanese entertainment, including manga, anime, video games, etc. All creators are inspired by something, but if one goes too far, it moves from "inspiration" to "theft."

In the coming days, I will be listing photo evidence for which I think Nintendo creators stole (or borrowed?) ideas from. By all means, I want all of you to do the same in this thread if you find anything, and we can discuss it.

Ash

EXHIBIT 1: OCTOPUS (1981)
Possible predecessor = OCTOPUS 1954 board game by Norton Games, Inc.

One of the most well-known of the Wide Screen series, Octopus was released by Nintendo as the 10th game in the G&W collection in July 1981. It's known for its simple, yet addictive game play, and giant octopus with its flailing tentacles that try to squeeze the life out of your men as they venture to the bottom of the sea in search of shimmering treasure.

Nintendo's Octopus, released in 1981:

Norton Games, Inc. Octopus, released in 1954:

Similarities I noticed right away:
* The title "Octopus" is used for both games.
* The shape of the diver's helmet is nearly identical.
* A giant Octopus guards shimmering treasure from divers descending from a boat.

A forum member with connections to Nintendo contacted a member of the old development team to ask about this, and he claimed he's never seen the board game before. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you think the old board game was used as inspiration?

EXHIBIT 2: BALL & MARIO THE JUGGLER (1980 & 1991)
Possible predecessor = POPEYE THE JUGGLER (1929)

I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Please discuss.

EXHIBIT 3: PARACHUTE (1981)
Possible predecessors = PARACHUTE JUMP GAME (1936), CHUTES AWAY!!! (1977)

Nintendo's Parachute:

PARACHUTE JUMP GAME (1936):

CHUTES AWAY!!! (1977):

These ones aren't as glaringly obvious as the others, but there may have been some inspiration. Tell me what you think!

Thank you very much for sharing this!

I agree with you: It’s typically for human beeings to get inspired by something. No matter they are artists, developers, inventors etc. It seems very logical, that electronic games have a predecessor such as cardboard games or maybe card games. Of course, it could be pure coincidence as well…(?)

Octopus and Mario the Juggler seem to be very clear to me: The really could have been an inspiration to the developer team of Nintendo.

The Parachute Jump Game looks like it was used as an inspiration as well. Fact is, both games show three jumpers in similar positions. OK, your picture shows the PS version of the game, not the standard version. But still…

Thanks for commenting on this. Yeah, everyone pulls their inspiration from somewhere, and it's interesting to hunt these down. Please add something if you happen to find an old board game etc. that looks oddly familiar. Also, I ask anyone here to do the same.