All Articles: Google

Those wacky Googlers are at it again.

First, they added the Konami Code to Google Reader. Then, they created a Google Doodle to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pac-Man and the thing turned out to be playable, which ended up costing the worldwide economy over $120 million in lost productivity. After that, they induced us all to “do a barrel roll,” even though most of the world had no idea what that meant (some thought it was a dig at Apple’s iOS, a competitor to Google’s Android platform). And just a few weeks ago they added a “Quest” filter to Google Maps that was clearly modeled after Dragon Warrior. But their latest trick tops all of these.

Go to the Google homepage, and search for “zerg rush.” And then watch as your search results are destroyed by an overwhelming swarm of red and yellow Os. Hovering over an O will bring up a targetting reticule to take the little buggers down, but the swarm will always win (and taunt you with a “GG” after it’s over).

Good show Google. Do something Mario-related next!

Have you ever wondered what the world would look like in 8-bits?

Now we can find out because Google has added an 8-bit “Quest” filter to Google Maps. Using the world map tiles from the four Dragon Warrior/Dragon Quest games on the NES, the filter remaps streets, rivers, parks, mountains, and more in glorious 8-bit. And don’t forget to check out the Street View too!

This isn’t the first time Google has mined NES and Super NES nostalgia for a fun time. Previously, the search giant transformed their logo into a playable version of Pac-Man, added the Konami Code to Google Reader, and did a barrel roll with their search results.

UPDATE: The “Quest” filter is no longer accessible through Google Maps. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. The video walkthrough is all that’s left:

This has been spreading like wildfire throughout the entire Internet all day, so it’s likely you’ve already seen it. But it’s also a neat little Easter egg, so here goes…

Go to Google and search for “Do a barrel roll.” And if you need a link, here’s a link: “Do a barrel roll.” Now sit back and watch the fun (provided you’re not using Internet Explorer, the trick doesn’t work in IE).