The Classic Game That Sparked My Love for Gaming

Video games have been a part of my life since early childhood, but it wasn't until I spent countless hours playing Call of Duty that I truly became a gamer. However, my journey with gaming began long before that, starting with early classics like Command Conquer: Red Alert and Age of Empires. Nowadays, I prefer the strategic depth of games like Civilization and Frostpunk.

In a conversation with Mouli Arani, we reflected on the memories of our gaming past. He mentioned how people in their 40s often cited Super Mario Brothers as the game that got them into gaming, but for us, it was Duck Hunt and other NES classics.

My Gaming Beginnings with the NES

My family had a ColecoVision before the NES, but I didn’t play it much as I was too young at the time. By the time I was old enough, we had an NES. My absolute favorites were Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Contra, 1942, and Double Dragon. These games were truly revolutionary for their time, and it’s difficult to comprehend how they could possibly have been improved upon.

Thinking back, it’s hard for me to imagine how things could have been any better. But the truth is, every generation seems to find a way to make video games better. Even Mega Man, which I got really into when it came out, continues to hold a special place in my heart. Sometimes, I even use the soundtrack from Mega Man 2 as background music while I grade papers or work out.

One YouTube clip featuring the background music from an 8-bit Super Mario Bros game has over two million views. It’s incredible to think about how these classic games have stood the test of time and continue to captivate new generations. What a time to be alive!

With a computer history marked by various DOS games on school computers, it was Super Mario Bros that truly got me hooked. Spending hours playing through this unforgettable game with my friends is a cherished memory. There were also other NES classics like Duck Hunt, MegaMan, and The Legend of Zelda that added to the good times of my youth.

Embracing Gaming Through the Ages

Even though I now prefer more strategic games, the foundation of my love for gaming was laid in those early years with the NES. The revolutionary impact of the NES, followed by the SNES and Genesis, and the advent of high-speed internet gaming later on, has been a continuous journey of discovery and enjoyment.

As I look back on my gaming history, I realize how much these classic games have influenced my life and my love for gaming. They represent not just memories, but a transformation from a mere hobby into a passion that has stood the test of time.