Gapers Block has ceased publication.

Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
 Thank you for your readership and contributions. 

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Saturday, April 20

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One of Google's April Fool's pranks this year was to release an 8-bit "Quest" version of Google Maps, which supposedly runs on the Nintendo Entertainment System. But while it may be a prank, it results in some pretty amazing low-res views of Chicago.

Chicago, Legend of Zelda style:
google maps 8bit Chicago

A view of the buildings across from Google's Chicago offices:
google maps 8bit streetview Chicago

Marina Towers:
google maps 8bit streetview: Marina Towers

The Hancock:
google maps 8bit streetview: the Hankcock

The Bean and skyline:
google maps 8bit streetview: The Bean

Buckingham Fountain:
google maps 8bit streetview: Buckingham Fountain

Wrigley Field:
google maps 8bit streetview: Wrigley Field

The Field Museum:
google maps 8bit streetview: Field Museum

A surprisingly colorful Sears Tower:
google maps 8bit streetview: Sears Tower

The Water Tower:
google maps 8bit streetview: The Water Tower

 
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