Age of Empires II: A LAN Party Classic

Ah, Age of Empires II, what a classic game that was. I remember spending countless hours with my friends, sitting around the computer in a LAN party, strategizing and building our empires.

Back then, multiplayer gaming wasn't what it is today. Playing games online was often laggy and unstable, so we preferred the more reliable and fun option of LAN parties. We would all bring our computers over to one person's house and connect them together to create a local network. Then, we would all load up Age of Empires II and begin our conquests.

The game itself was all about strategy and war planning. You would start off with a small tribe and gradually build it up into a powerful empire. You had to manage resources, build structures, and train soldiers. But the real fun was in attacking your opponents and watching their armies crumble before yours.





One of the best things about Age of Empires II was the variety of civilizations you could play as. Each one had its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so you had to adapt your strategy to fit the civilization you were playing as. Whether you chose to play as the British, the Byzantines, or the Mongols, there was always a different challenge to face.

Playing in a LAN party added an extra layer of excitement to the game. You could see your opponents' reactions in real-time as you launched an attack or defended against one. There was always a bit of friendly competition, and bragging rights were on the line.

Overall, Age of Empires II was an incredibly fun and addictive game that was best played with friends in a LAN party setting. It required strategic thinking and planning, making it a great game for those who enjoy a challenge. I will always cherish those memories of sitting around the computer with my friends, conquering empires and having a great time.

Reviving the Nostalgia: Exploring the Classic Side-Scroller, Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog was one of the original side-scrolling video games released in the early 90s. It quickly gained a huge following among gamers of all ages and was even credited with boosting sales of the Sega Genesis console.

One of the most unique features of Sonic the Hedgehog was its graphics. The game featured bright, colorful graphics that really stood out from other games of the time. The game's creators, Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima, were inspired by classic animation and wanted to create a game that felt like an interactive cartoon.

The game also introduced players to Sonic, the game's titular character. Sonic was a blue hedgehog with a love for speed and a passion for adventure. He quickly became a fan favorite, with his cool attitude and iconic look. Sonic's ability to run at lightning-fast speeds was one of the game's most exciting features, and players loved the rush of speeding through levels and collecting rings.

Another unique aspect of Sonic the Hedgehog was its music. The game featured an upbeat and catchy soundtrack that perfectly complemented the game's fast-paced gameplay. The music was composed by Masato Nakamura, the bassist for the popular Japanese band Dreams Come True. His unique style of pop music helped give the game its signature sound.

Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog was a groundbreaking game that helped pave the way for future side-scrolling games. Its unique graphics, iconic characters, and catchy soundtrack helped it stand out from other games of the time and made it an instant classic. Even today, Sonic the Hedgehog remains a beloved video game franchise with a huge following of fans around the world.

The Legend of Zelda: A Nostalgic Look at a Classic Game

The Legend of Zelda is a classic game that has been around for over three decades. While it was not one of my personal favorites, I have many friends who spent countless hours playing this game.

The game, which was first released in 1986, follows the story of a young boy named Link who sets out on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and save the kingdom of Hyrule from the evil Ganon. The game is set in a vast open world that is filled with dungeons, puzzles, and enemies to defeat.

One of the things that set The Legend of Zelda apart from other games of its time was its open-world design. Players were free to explore the world of Hyrule at their own pace, discovering secrets and hidden treasures along the way. The game also featured a unique item system, where players could acquire various items such as the boomerang, bombs, and arrows, to aid them in their quest.

One of the most iconic aspects of The Legend of Zelda is its music. The game features a memorable soundtrack that is instantly recognizable to fans of the series. The main theme, known as the "Zelda Theme," has become one of the most famous video game tunes of all time.

While The Legend of Zelda was not one of my personal favorites, I cannot deny the impact that it has had on the gaming industry. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs over the years.

In conclusion, The Legend of Zelda is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of gamers for over three decades. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I have many fond memories of watching my friends play the game for hours on end. Whether you're a fan of the series or a newcomer, there's no denying the impact that The Legend of Zelda has had on the gaming world.

Super Mario Bros: The Game that Launched a Console Revolution

I remember the day when Super Mario Bros. first appeared on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). I had already played countless video games, but nothing could have prepared me for the impact of this seminal title.

From the moment the game started, I was hooked. The colors were bright, and the music was catchy, but it was the gameplay that truly captured my attention. With its simple yet challenging mechanics, Super Mario Bros. set the standard for what a platformer could be.

Of course, it wasn't just the game itself that made Super Mario Bros. such a landmark release. It was also the first major title for the NES, a console that would go on to dominate the video game market for years to come. Thanks to the success of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo went from a struggling toy manufacturer to a household name virtually overnight.

The impact of Super Mario Bros. on the video game industry can't be overstated. It's hard to imagine where we would be today without the innovations and conventions that it introduced. From power-ups to boss battles, Super Mario Bros. set the standard for countless games that would follow.

 Even now, decades later, Super Mario Bros. remains a classic. Its influence can be seen in everything from indie platformers to the latest AAA releases. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of simple yet engaging gameplay.

In conclusion, Super Mario Bros. not only jump-started Nintendo's success, but it was also a game that launched a console revolution. It has stood the test of time, and its influence is still felt in the video game industry today.

Here is a quick players guide to learn the game quickly,

Mortal Kombat: The Rivalry with Street Fighter II

As a child of the 90s, I have fond memories of playing classic video games. One game that stood out from the rest was Mortal Kombat. It was the rival game to Street Fighter II, another popular fighting game of the time. Both games had their own unique characters and fighting styles that captivated players worldwide. But what made Mortal Kombat stand out was its gruesome fatalities and gory graphics, which generated a lot of controversy and attention from the media.

I remember seeing the Mortal Kombat movie as a kid and being blown away by the action scenes and characters. The movie's plot was based on the game's story, and it was exciting to see my favorite characters come to life on the big screen. It was no surprise that Street Fighter II also had its own movie, but it didn't generate as much buzz as Mortal Kombat.

The rivalry between Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter II was intense, and both games had their own dedicated fan bases. I remember having debates with my friends about which game was better, and we all had our favorite characters. Mine was Scorpion, with his iconic "Get over here!" line and spear move that could pull opponents closer to him.


Despite the controversy surrounding Mortal Kombat, it was a game that I enjoyed playing with friends and family. It was challenging to learn all the moves and fatalities, but it was rewarding to beat opponents and hear the announcer say "Finish Him!" Mortal Kombat's impact on the gaming industry is undeniable, and it paved the way for future fighting games.

In conclusion, Mortal Kombat was a classic game that will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the rival game to Street Fighter II and generated a lot of controversy and attention. The Mortal Kombat movie was a childhood favorite, and it was exciting to see my favorite characters come to life on the big screen. Despite the rivalry, both games had their own dedicated fan bases and contributed to the gaming industry's evolution.

Street Fighter II: A High School Obsession

When I think back on my high school days, one of the first things that comes to mind is Street Fighter II. This classic arcade game consumed so much of our free time, with the game room filled with multiple people huddled around the screen, shouting and cheering as we battled it out.

We were so into the game that we even created tournament brackets and held competitions to see who the best fighter among us was. It was a serious affair, with bragging rights and respect on the line. But it was also just pure fun.

The original Street Fighter may have been a decent game, but it was nothing compared to the impact that Street Fighter II had. The game had more characters, better graphics, and smoother gameplay. It was a game-changer in every sense of the word.

As we played, we became more and more obsessed with the game. We studied the moves of each character and experimented with different strategies to see what worked best. We even came up with our own code words and inside jokes that only made sense to us.


Even now, years later, I still have fond memories of those Street Fighter II battles. It was a time when we could let loose, forget about our problems, and just have fun. And I'm sure that anyone who played the game back in the day would agree that it was something special.

Street Fighter II will always hold a special place in my heart. It was a game that brought people together, sparked friendly competition, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

The Classic Strategy Game - Sid Meier's Civilization II

 

Sid Meier's Civilization II is a classic strategy game that has been a fan favorite since its release in 1996. While not the most exciting game, it is an ultimate time killer that allows you to get lost in the world building. As someone who has played this game for countless hours, I can attest to its addictiveness and ability to keep you entertained for hours on end.

The game involves building a civilization from scratch and guiding it through the ages, starting from the prehistoric era and progressing through time until the modern age. The gameplay is turn-based, and you get to choose your civilization, its leader, and its traits. You must then expand your empire, manage your resources, research new technologies, engage in diplomacy, and wage war against other civilizations.

What I love most about Civilization II is the sense of freedom it gives you. There are so many paths you can take to victory, whether it be through military conquest, cultural dominance, or scientific achievement. This freedom allows you to shape your civilization in any way you see fit, making every playthrough unique.

The game's graphics may seem outdated compared to modern games, but its gameplay and mechanics are still top-notch. The game's AI opponents are challenging and make for intense gameplay, and the multiplayer mode adds an extra layer of excitement.


While it may not be the most thrilling game out there, Civilization II has a special place in the hearts of many gamers, including myself. It's the kind of game that you can play for hours on end without getting bored, and it's easy to get lost in the world building. If you're a fan of strategy games and haven't played Civilization II, I highly recommend giving it a try.

Doom: The Original Online Shooter

Ah, the good old days of online gaming. I remember my first experience with Doom like it was yesterday. It was the mid-90s, and I was just a kid with a brand new PC. Doom was the first game that made me truly appreciate the power of my new computer. It was also the first time I discovered the joys and frustrations of online gaming.

Back then, we had to use dial-up internet to connect to the game servers. You could hear the screeching sound of the modem as it tried to connect. And once you were finally in the game, you had to pray that no one would pick up the phone and kick you off. It was a constant battle, and you never knew when your game would come to a screeching halt.

But despite the frustrations, Doom was a blast to play. The graphics were revolutionary for their time, and the gameplay was fast and intense. I remember spending hours and hours playing with my friends, blasting our way through hordes of demons and monsters.

And let's not forget about the infamous cheat codes. Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, Start. We all knew the code by heart, and it gave us infinite lives, ammo, and all the weapons. It was the ultimate power trip, and we all loved it.

Looking back, Doom was the perfect game for its time. It was simple, addictive, and fun. It paved the way for a whole generation of online shooters, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. So here's to Doom, and all the memories it created. Long live the king of online shooters!

Blades of Steel: My All-Time Favorite Sports Game

 As a kid, I was always a huge fan of sports video games. I spent countless hours playing baseball, football, and basketball games, but my all-time favorite was Blades of Steel, the classic hockey game for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

I remember the hours spent playing against my friends, trying to outdo each other with goals, checks, and fights. The game was simple to play but challenging enough to keep us coming back for more. We loved the fast-paced action, the sound effects of the crowd cheering and the satisfying sound of the puck hitting the net.

What I loved about Blades of Steel was that it wasn't just a sports game, it was a complete hockey experience. It had everything from pre-game warm-ups to intermission reports. The game also had a story mode, which was a rarity for sports games in those days. I loved the story mode because it allowed me to create my own team and work my way up from the lowest level to the championship.

Blades of Steel was more than just a game to me, it also inspired me to take up hockey in real life. I fell in love with the sport and became a diehard fan. I started playing in a local league, and eventually became a skilled player. I owe much of my love for hockey to the game that started it all, Blades of Steel.

Although the game is over 30 years old, I still find myself playing it from time to time. It's amazing how the game still holds up after all these years. The graphics may be dated, but the gameplay is still as addictive as ever. Every time I hear the opening music, I'm transported back to my childhood, and all the memories of playing Blades of Steel come flooding back.


In conclusion, Blades of Steel will always be my all-time favorite sports game. It not only provided endless hours of fun, but it also inspired me to take up hockey in real life. The game's impact on my life is immeasurable, and I will always hold it in high regard. If you haven't played Blades of Steel, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's a classic game that still holds up today.

Mike Tyson's Punchout Old School NES fun

As I sit here, reflecting on my childhood, my mind drifts to those days spent glued to my Nintendo Entertainment System. Hours upon hours lost in worlds of plumbers, mushrooms, and turtles. But there was one game that always stood out from the rest. One game that brought me more joy than any other. That game was Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!



The premise was simple: climb the ranks of the boxing world and face off against the champ, Iron Mike himself. But simple doesn't mean easy, and this game was anything but. Each opponent had their own unique style and pattern to master. You had to dodge, punch, and weave your way to victory. And even when you had a fighter's pattern down pat, there was always a chance for a surprise, throwing you off your game and leading to a quick KO.

But it wasn't just the gameplay that made this game so special. It was the characters. Each fighter had their own personality, from the arrogant narcissism of Piston Honda to the underhanded tactics of King Hippo. And who could forget the final challenge, a true David vs. Goliath matchup against Iron Mike himself.



The graphics were simple but effective, with each fighter instantly recognizable and their animations fluid and expressive. The music was catchy and memorable, with each fighter having their own theme that perfectly captured their personality.

Playing this game again as an adult, I'm amazed at how much I still remember. The patterns, the characters, the music, it's all still burned into my brain. But more than that, playing this game again is like reconnecting with an old friend. It takes me back to a simpler time, a time when I had nothing to worry about but dodging jabs and landing uppercuts.

In conclusion, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! is a classic for a reason. It's a game that still holds up today, both in terms of gameplay and nostalgia. If you're looking to recapture some of that old-school magic, look no further than this gem of a game.

click here for a strategy guide.

First Review - Kings Bounty Sega Genesis

Kings Bounty
Sega Genesis

This blog is all about reliving classic old-school games that defined a generation. My goal is to take readers on a nostalgic journey back to a time where late nights were spent jamming away on a controller and the world outside was non-existent. In this post, I would like to reminisce about Kings Bounty on the Sega Genesis. This game was one of my favorites as I most enjoyed RPGs. Kings Bounty was a game that could be finished in one sitting, and losing previous progress was not a big deal. The game was easy to memorize, and players could quickly get through the lower levels if they needed to start over.



As I got older and Sega disappeared, I was thrilled to find countless ROMs and emulators where I could still play this classic gem. However, playing the game on an emulator wasn't the same as the original experience. I missed the corded controller plugged into the black box that was connected to the old hundred-pound television.

In conclusion, Kings Bounty was one of those games that occupied countless hours of my youth, and it still holds a special place in my heart. The game's simplicity and ease of play make it a perfect game for rekindling old memories. While the original experience may not be possible, I hope that readers can still enjoy the game and appreciate its importance in gaming history.

For a tutorial on battle sequences follow this LINK