HTML5 + NES style 8-bit gaming = awesome

HTML5 is the buzz word of 2010. Championed by Google and supported by Firefox and Opera, HTML5 is definitely here to stay. In itself HTML5 is still a bit of a curio -- the spec isn't even finalised -- but when strapped on to Javascript or other developing technologies like WebGL, the browser becomes a serious platform capable of impressive things -- cue Akihabara a set of libraries and tools for rapid in-the-browser '8 bit' games prototyping.

Named after the famed district in Tokyo of the same name (or 'Akiba'), Akihabara uses just a small subset of HTML5. Its primary purpose is for quick game prototyping, but there's no reason you couldn't use the libraries for other purposes. Because the engine is written in Javascript the games work on just about every browser, including the mobile browsers on the iPhone/iPad and Android devices.

Anyway, even if you're not a developer, you should give some of the sample games a go. Legend of Sadness, which is absolutely not based on the Zelda franchise, is probably the best example of what Akihabara is capable of. If you're more of the old school persuasion, give Pac, er, Capman a go.

Note: I forgot to mention, 'A' in the games is Z on your keyboard. 'B' is X!

[via @shanselman]

Tags: 8bit, akiba, browser, developer, games, html5, javascript, old school, OldSchool, prototyping