11.04. Arcade Snake

Arcade Snake games require the player to collect items on a field while avoiding an ever-increasing trail left by their movement.

I don't have a lot to say about this subgenre, because not too much has changed from the time between Blockade (Sega, 1976) and the likes of modern slither.io.

Oh, but the release of Qix (Taito, 1981) did spawn the super subgenre of Arcade Revealer Snake games, where the length of a player's trail could be turned on or off to draw complete perimeters around areas on the playing field.

Dancing Eyes (Namco, 1996)

Why are these people in a tree trunk? Lord only knows, but I suppose that's the draw to keep you playing.