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Bonus Stages in Arcade History: A How-To Guide

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Bonus Stages in Arcade History: A How-To Guide

This guide explains how bonus stages became a defining feature of arcade gaming, from their origins in the late 1970s to their evolution into modern game design. You will learn the key games, mechanics, and cultural shifts that made bonus stages a staple, and how to trace their impact on contemporary gaming.

What You’ll Need

  • A basic familiarity with arcade game terminology (e.g., score, levels, lives).
  • Access to arcade history resources like online archives, classic game compilations, or museum exhibits (optional but helpful).
  • A notebook or document to jot down key examples and dates.

Step-by-Step

  1. Understand the arcade context. Bonus stages emerged from the need to reward skilled players without disrupting the core gameplay loop. In the late 1970s, arcade games were designed to be short but challenging, encouraging repeated quarters. A bonus stage offered a brief, low-pressure moment that broke the monotony and gave players a chance to earn extra points or lives.
  2. Identify the first bonus stage. Most historians credit Breakout (1976) with the first true bonus round. After clearing a wall of bricks, a hidden “bonus” brick appeared that, when hit, awarded extra points. This simple addition showed that a special, separate challenge could enhance the experience.
  3. Trace the golden age of bonus stages. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the rise of the “intermission” or “bonus” level. Games like Space Invaders (1978) featured a flying saucer that appeared periodically, offering bonus points—a precursor to dedicated bonus stages. Pac-Man (1980) introduced the famous “fruit” bonus that appeared in the center of the maze after eating a power pellet, but it was Donkey Kong (1981) that popularized the separate, non-maze bonus stage where Mario would jump over barrels for points.
  4. Examine the design philosophy. Bonus stages were designed to be simple, visually distinct, and time-limited. They often used different mechanics than the main game—like the “pie factory” in Ms. Pac-Man (1982) or the “infinity” bonus in Galaga (1981) where you could shoot a swarm of enemies for massive points. These stages rewarded precision and pattern recognition, not just endurance.
  5. Note the economic incentive. Arcade operators loved bonus stages because they gave players a sense of achievement, extending play time and increasing the likelihood of continued play. The bonus stage acted as a “carrot” that kept players engaged, often leading to more quarters spent.
  6. Observe the evolution in the 1980s and 1990s. As home consoles grew, bonus stages became more elaborate. Sonic the Hedgehog (1991) featured rotating special stages where you collected rings to earn Chaos Emeralds. Super Mario World (1990) had hidden bonus levels that required specific actions to unlock. These stages moved from simple point grabs to integral parts of game progression.
  7. Recognize the modern legacy. Today, bonus stages appear in many forms: secret levels, challenge rooms, or “bonus missions” in open-world games. The concept of a separate, optional challenge that rewards skill without punishing failure is now a standard game design tool.
  8. Document your findings. Create a timeline of key bonus stages you’ve researched, noting the game, year, and what made the stage unique. This helps you see the pattern of innovation and adaptation.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing bonus stages with secret levels. A bonus stage is typically a separate, short challenge that rewards points or items, while a secret level is often a full, hidden area that may contain its own challenges and enemies. For example, the Warp Zones in Super Mario Bros. are secret shortcuts, not bonus stages.
  • Attributing the first bonus stage to a later game. Many players assume Pac-Man or Donkey Kong had the first bonus stage, but Breakout predates them. Always verify with primary sources.
  • Overlooking the economic context. Bonus stages weren’t just for fun; they were designed to increase revenue. Ignoring this can lead to a misunderstanding of why they were so prevalent.
  • Assuming bonus stages always appear at regular intervals. Some games hide them behind specific actions (e.g., hitting a certain block), so they aren’t always guaranteed.

Tips

  • Play the classics. The best way to understand bonus stages is to experience them. Many classic arcade games are available on modern compilations or online emulators.
  • Compare different genres. Bonus stages in shooters (like Gradius) differ from those in platformers (like Donkey Kong). Noting these differences reveals how designers adapted the concept to fit their game’s mechanics.
  • Look at the scoring system. Bonus stages often have a separate scoring system or a multiplier. Understanding how points are awarded helps you appreciate the design.
  • Check official archives. Websites like the International Arcade Museum or the Killer List of Videogames (KLOV) provide detailed histories and technical specs for many games.

Troubleshooting

  • If you can’t find the first bonus stage: Start with Breakout and then move to Space Invaders and Pac-Man. These are well-documented and often cited in academic papers on game history.
  • If you’re unsure whether a specific segment counts as a bonus stage: Ask yourself: Is it a separate, distinct challenge that is not part of the main level progression? Does it offer a reward (points, items, extra life)? If yes, it’s likely a bonus stage.
  • If you’re struggling to find primary sources: Look for interviews with game designers from the era, such as those in the book Supercade by Van Burnham, or documentaries like The King of Kong (though that focuses on Donkey Kong).
  • If you’re writing about bonus stages and need more examples: Consider games like Frogger (1981) which had a bonus frog that appeared periodically, or Q*bert (1982) which had a disc that could be caught for extra points.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What was the first bonus stage in video game history? The first widely recognized bonus stage is the hidden brick in Breakout (1976), which awarded extra points when hit. This set the precedent for future bonus features.
  2. Why were bonus stages so common in arcade games? They provided a short, rewarding break from the main gameplay, encouraging players to continue playing and spend more money. They also allowed designers to showcase variety without complex development.
  3. Are bonus stages the same as secret levels? No. Bonus stages are typically brief, optional challenges that reward points or items, while secret levels are often full-fledged areas that may contain their own enemies and objectives. For example, the hidden levels in Super Mario World are secret levels, not bonus stages.
  4. Did bonus stages disappear with the decline of arcades? No, they evolved. Home consoles adopted the concept, and modern games use “bonus missions” or “challenge rooms” that serve a similar purpose, such as the Riddler challenges in Batman: Arkham games.
  5. How did bonus stages affect game design? They introduced the idea of “risk vs. reward” and “skill-based rewards,” which influenced later mechanics like combo systems and multiplayer bonuses. They also showed that breaking the main loop can enhance engagement.
  6. Can I play these classic bonus stages today? Yes, many are available in compilations like Pac-Man Museum or Namco Museum, or through online emulators and digital storefronts.

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