“Simmer Down Sprinter”: Arcade game cabinet
“Simmer Down Sprinter” is a fabulous hand-built high-tech art project developed by my old friend and collaborator Steve Lambert:
“Simmer Down Sprinter is a two player, sit-down, arcade style video game I designed and programmed in which players compete to move runners around a track. The game is controlled by player’s bio-feedback. The more relaxed the player becomes, the faster the runner moves around the track. Essentially it is a game of competitive relaxation.”
“Competitive relaxation” — genius!
The visual style of the cabinet (like the game itself) casts a knowing backwards wink towards classically tacky ’80s arcade video games such as Track & Field, the Six Million Dollar Man, et al.
This hyper-American vernacular style was great fun to work with– the stars, the obligatory Tron laser grid, Bruce Lee-style high-contrast super graphics … what’s not to like?
Before you ask, no — though the game has been a huge hit wherever it’s been exhibited,it isn’t coming to an arcade near you; it is (sadly) a one-of-a-kind piece.
By the way, Steve not only programmed the game, but built the box, stars as both video avatars, and that’s his short-shorted image splashed all over the console. Visit his website for more explanation, photos, and videos of hot gaming action!
