Many of us older gamers grew up in a time when video games were 8-bits in size. Heck, many of us grew up when video games were just circuit boards with fancy wood siding.
Unlike some technologies, such as the invention of the automobile or television you don't have to be an elder to recall the history of video games and their impact on you and those around you.
A gamer in their mid-thirties can say "I remember the days when..." and recall great times. This is because the video game industry is young compared to other industries. I don't remember when we first invented the string factory, walking stick or the first bonfire but I do remember the Nintendo Entertainment System, Genesis and 3DO.
What was the one game you remember as a kid that has died with the ages? At first, I'd say The Legend of Zelda because of its impact on me as a kid. My neighbor had the game way before I was able to get it and I would just watch him play in amazement at the creative powers of Zelda. How it looked so huge and expansive without an ending in sight.
Now, I believe I can conquer classic NES zelda in four hours of dedicated playtime. Things have changed.
Alas, Zelda isn't the title I could pick because they continue with the series so it's really not dead. Sure, the original feeling has long since passed--no new Zelda game has given me that same urge to play.
The same can be said for Metroid. It still lives on in one form or another. What then, would you choose?
Here are a few I'd long to see again ranked in the order of yearning:
When I say "re-designed" I am not talking about a game port or "virtual game" emulated on new hardware. Bring back the same characters using a fresh 2D engine, but with new graphics and surround sound and new adventures, stages and challenges.
Do you think that would sell in todays market? Or are we all just hyped up for the next huge graphic advancement?
I believe my game list tells you a lot about my personality. I like a wide array of games, some to make me think, others are purely simulators, while others are mindless shooting games.
What would your list look like?
A gamer in their mid-thirties can say "I remember the days when..." and recall great times. This is because the video game industry is young compared to other industries. I don't remember when we first invented the string factory, walking stick or the first bonfire but I do remember the Nintendo Entertainment System, Genesis and 3DO.
What was the one game you remember as a kid that has died with the ages? At first, I'd say The Legend of Zelda because of its impact on me as a kid. My neighbor had the game way before I was able to get it and I would just watch him play in amazement at the creative powers of Zelda. How it looked so huge and expansive without an ending in sight.
Now, I believe I can conquer classic NES zelda in four hours of dedicated playtime. Things have changed.
Alas, Zelda isn't the title I could pick because they continue with the series so it's really not dead. Sure, the original feeling has long since passed--no new Zelda game has given me that same urge to play.
The same can be said for Metroid. It still lives on in one form or another. What then, would you choose?
Here are a few I'd long to see again ranked in the order of yearning:
- Red Baron (PC)
- Shadowgate (PC/NES)
- WWF Wrestling: The Arcade Game
- River City Ransom (NES)
- Maniac Mansion (NES)
- Top Gear (SNES)
- N.A.R.C (arcade)
- Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego? (MAC)
- Spy vs. Spy (NES)
- Pool of Radiance (PC)
- R.C Pro-Am (NES)
- Pro Wrestling (NES)
- Iron Tank (NES)
- Wizardry (PC)
- Ikari Warrios (NES)
When I say "re-designed" I am not talking about a game port or "virtual game" emulated on new hardware. Bring back the same characters using a fresh 2D engine, but with new graphics and surround sound and new adventures, stages and challenges.
Do you think that would sell in todays market? Or are we all just hyped up for the next huge graphic advancement?
I believe my game list tells you a lot about my personality. I like a wide array of games, some to make me think, others are purely simulators, while others are mindless shooting games.
What would your list look like?