Google Out With April Fools’ Tomfoolery Ahead Of Schedule (video)
By PanARMENIAN
Legendary prankster Google is out with some early April Fools’ tomfoolery ahead of schedule, teasing nostalgic gamers with an 8-bits version of its near-ubiquitous Maps application, VentureBeat reports.
“In our pursuit of new digital frontiers, we realized that we may have left behind a large number of users who couldn’t access Google Maps on their classic hardware,” Google said in a blog post on the phony product for NES.
Maps 8-bit for NES (and soon Game Boy!) is the dream cartridge for the sentimental gamer who still totes around classic Nintendo Entertainment System. The application features low-res graphics, an 8-bit-themed soundtrack, and even monsters.
“With Google Maps 8-bit, you can do all the things you already do on regular Google Maps. Search for famous landmarks and sites around the world. Take an epic journey with 8-bit Street View. Get detailed directions to avoid dangerous paths, and battle your way through a world of powerful monsters and mystic treasures,” Google said.
The accompanying how-to video is a must-watch and includes appropriate instructions for operation – think blowing on the cartridge to fix bugs. The Maps gag is no Google TiSP, but it’s quite clever and likely just one of many new “products” launching this April.
