While modern video games rely heavily on sophisticated graphics and haptic feedback controllers, classic arcade games often incorporated actual physical environmental effects to create unparalleled immersion. Among the most innovative implementations was the creative use of wind and air pressure.

Sega pioneered this technology with several remarkable cabinets. The 1987 game "Air Raiders" featured an actual built-in fan that would generate real wind effects on the player's face, synchronized with the on-screen action of piloting a jet fighter. The faster the plane flew, the stronger the wind gusted, creating a visceral connection between the player and the game. This wasn't merely for spectacle; it was a core mechanic that enhanced the sensory experience far beyond what visuals and sound could achieve alone.

Another brilliant example is Taito's "Kiki Kaikai" (known as "Pocky & Rocky" in the West). While not using wind, it incorporated another environmental effect: physical objects. The cabinet featured a unique controller where players would literally blow into a microphone to disperse enemies and clear the screen of obstacles. This direct, breath-based interaction was a novel concept that used the player's own physical input as a weapon.

Beyond wind, other arcade classics experimented with environmental mechanics. "After Burner II"'s hydraulically moving cockpit simulated the G-forces of aerial combat, physically tilting and shaking the player. Meanwhile, racing games like "Out Run" used force feedback steering and vibrating seats to mimic the feel of the road.

These innovations were more than simple gimmicks. They represented a design philosophy focused on physical engagement, making the player an active participant in the environment rather than a passive observer. This approach created memorable and deeply immersive experiences that, despite technological advancements, remain iconic moments in the history of interactive entertainment. They proved that sometimes, the most effective way to simulate a storm is to simply turn on a fan.