The original Pong opened many people's eyes to the possibilities of computer games. People were enthrawled by the amazing technology that allowed you to play ping-pong, and yet you weren't really. Honestly - it was a worldwide phenomenon.

The fact is that by today's standards, this game looks utter pants. A gibbon strapped into elasticated boxing gloves could knock up better quality graphics. But the one thing that made it a success was it's playability. Back in the 1970s, you could have zombified an entire family within minutes of flicking the on-switch. So sit back, grip your twiddlestick, and start reminiscing... or at least pretend to.

To Play the Game: 

This fresh version of Pong uses the mouse as a surrogate twiddlestick.

The object of game is to beat your opponent (the computer in this case) by thwacking the ball with your bat, as in real tennis. The first player to reach a score of nine wins the game.

Why are the paddles so hard to control? That's the whole point - you need the skill, otherwise it would be too easy...