Vintage Computer Games- Play Them Again

For some of us, computer games still feel like a fairly recent phenomenon.  As far as kids (and young adults) who have grown up using computers are concerned, they have always been around.

I had a conversation today with a friend and we were talking about the games we used to play back in the days when the Commodore 64 was the big name in computers and we both got all nostalgic about some of those games.

My favorites were always the "interactive fiction" genre. I liked the challenge of deciding what to do next and the snarky comments the game would make when you "chose poorly."

So, I did a bit of digging around on the net and found that many of those games are available on-line. Strictly based on games I played, here is a list of five.

I guess, in radio terms, here are five  "oldies but goodies." You can go to a link to play any of these games by clicking on the game picture!

I guess we should start with a game designed by the wizard of early gaming, Andrew Plotkin. His game, "So Far" was the first to win the "XYZZY Award" back in 1996.

1. So Far-Andrew Plotkin

Plotkin has won many awards for his work in the Interactive Fiction (IF) genre. He won his first for "So Far" which contains a combination of surreal images and puzzles. Click on the picture of Andrew to play.

2. Zork-Infocom-1979

This was the first IF game to receive widespread commercial success. Another great adventure!

Again, there is a link to play "Zork" if you click on the picture.

3. The Hobbit-by Philip Mitchell and Veronika Megler of Beam Software (1982)

Hey, it's "The Hobbit" and interactive. What more could a true geek want??

4. Adventureland-Scott Adams-1978

This was the first game by Adams and as you may have guessed  from the release date (1979) there were no graphics and the game itself does not have a large vocabulary. Still vintage and still fun!

5. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy-by Douglas Adams and Steve Meretzky of Infocom -1984

I saved this one for last because it was one of my favorites.  The book, movie and game were always fun! This is the game that got me thinking about this post. I hope you enjoy the game

Who ever thought that "a walk down memory lane" would ever include computer games. In talking with friends and co-workers (especially the geeks in the digital department) I find that many people had forgotten these games and remembered them fondly. If you never played interactive fiction before, give it a try.