CoMotion

CoMotion is a four-player maze game released in 1976 by Gremlin. Players navigate an invisible grid on a circular cocktail table arcade cabinet, moving their characters in strict ninety-degree turns and leaving solid lines behind them as they go. The objective is simple: outlast your opponents without colliding with either the edges of the screen or your own trail—or those left by eliminated players. As each player crashes, their line disappears, shrinking the playing field and increasing the challenge for those who remain. A key element of gameplay involves strategic maneuvering; a common tactic involves initially moving towards the outer edge of the screen to avoid early collisions in the center, then gradually isolating and boxing in opponents. Controls consist of directional buttons rather than traditional joysticks, adding a unique feel to movement. The game’s title screen clearly displays pricing: twenty-five cents for two players, fifty cents for four. CoMotion is part of a series that includes Blockade and Hustle, and represents a distinctive period in arcade design with its unusual cocktail table format and limited color palette.