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Introduction to High Score Netflix Docuseries Review

You’ve probably seen many documentaries, movies, etc. regarding video games. However, the High Score Netflix docuseries is not to be overlooked. You are bound to discover news about video games that you didn’t already know -- including information on visionary people who not only pioneered games but who also took video games to a higher level.

Premise of the High Score Netflix Docuseries

You possibly can tell by the name of this series -- High Score -- that the 6 part series will include video game tournament winners. Not only was this done, but this docuseries went further historically to take you back to the start of the video game industry.  

Pros of High Score Netflix Docuseries

 --Sequence of Video Game Events

I believe this Netflix docuseries did an excellent job chronologically of presenting how video games originated as well as the people who made contributions to the industry -- some well known -- some not. For example, you may not know that Jerry Lawson, an African American, came up with the idea of the first multi-gaming video game system including the concept of being able to play various different video games using a single console.

--How the VIdeo Game industry Evolved

The High Score Netflix docuseries excel by informing the audience about how video games got started in the first place. The Netflix docuseries adequately explained how the technology available at that time was used to its capability -- those involved not knowing about the fantastic advances video games would make in the future.

--Inspiration for Video Games 

Some of my favorite parts of the docuseries were scenes that showed how certain games came into existence from the video game creators.  For example, did you know there were at least 2 other designs for a fast running video game character by Sega before the video game figure became known as Sonic the Hedgehog? This was news to me.

This leads to my next Pro of the High Score Netflix Docuseries - How imagination and utmost creativity were the foundation of video games.

--Creative Video Game Output Affected by the Times

During the High Score Netflix docuseries, you will see a lot of images in 8 and 16 bit -- which is a far cry from how some video games look today. You may realize the constraints the early video game pioneers faced -- through no fault of their own. They simply had to work and produce video games using whatever technology was available at the time.

 

Cons of High Score Netflix Movie Review

--Reenactments of Events for the Netflix Film

I think having the people recognized reenact their accomplishments was unnecessary.  For example, during the docuseries you will notice several instances where they pretend to recreate their video games.  Instead, I believe it would have been beneficial for them to discuss their contributions to video games.

--Omission of Positives of Gaming

The Netflix docuseries include congressional hearings, etc. about the violence of some video games.  As a counter, footage should have been shown to show that violent video games do not lead to violent behavior. In other words, there should have been a balance during the section discussing violent video games that emphasized the positives vice the negative aspects of video games.

--Lack of  Disclaimers

You may notice that some well-known video games were discussed; however, there are multitudes of other games that were not mentioned. This possible oversight could have been resolved by simply displaying a statement on the screen stating to the effect that only selected video games were picked for the Netflix docuseries and that there are countless others that deserve recognition.

--Narrow Location Focus for the Video Game Industry

You may think that only the United States and Japan were involved in the early days of video gaming based on this docuseries.  However, I’m sure other areas were working on video games as well.  Again, a disclaimer would have been appropriate to show.

The Pros Outweigh the Cons on the High Score Netflix Docuseries

With the above being said, overall, I think you will enjoy watching the High Score Netflix docuseries. You more than likely will learn something new about video games and the talented people involved.  You will probably also appreciate the significant advances gaming have made since those early days.  

Rating of the High Score Netflix Docuseries

Based on a rating of 1 star to 5 stars with 5 stars being the highest, I rate High Score Netflix Docuseries 5 stars.

 

Hi! What is your opinion of the Netflix High Score docuseries?  I want to hear from you! Email your comments to me, Ms. H at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Thanks!