Prompt: Yes, build a more authentic 1978–1981 arcade version
I’ve built the enhanced Golden Age Arcade version: Download: cats_and_dogs_golden_age_arcade.html This version adds several authentic late-1970s / early-1980s arcade elements:
- Attract screen (“INSERT COIN”)
- Space Invaders–style enemy formations
- Marching enemy movement with increasing wave difficulty
- Cat and dog enemy types with different point values
- Destructible doghouse-style shields
- Enemy return fire
- Multiple lives
- Wave progression
- High-score tracking (session)
- CRT-style scanline effect
- Retro monochrome/pixel aesthetic The next step toward a cabinet-quality game would be:
- True pixel-art sprite sheets
- Animated 2-frame marching enemies
- Bonus “Bone Saucer” crossing the top of the screen
- Arcade sound effects and chiptune soundtrack
- High-score initials entry
- Cabinet bezel artwork
- Authentic 1979-style color palette and phosphor glow
- Mobile and gamepad support
- Progressive speed ramp matching original arcade hardware timing That would get very close to something that could plausibly have sat beside Space Invaders, Galaxian, or Phoenix in a 1980 arcade.