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Left: Game Boy games at Game Guy, 7 East Seventh Street, are still a popular buy for gamers who appreciate the simplicity of older games. Middle: Arcade games such as 'Ms. Pac-Man' started the home gaming revolution. Right: Classic video game systems each have their own kind of controllers, which can become a mess for a video game nut.
The new technology hasn't completely forgotten about older games though. The Wii includes an online shopping channel where owners can purchase older video games that range from the era of the NES to the N64. The Internet has become a haven for the older games as well. There are multiple sites where you can play those original NES games, as well as some of the arcade classics such as Pac-Man and Pole Position. For systems such as Super Nintendo, there are sites where you can download emulator software, which acts as the actual system and is saved on your hard drive.
Older video games still have an effect on characters and storylines of newer video games as well. Whether it's a character or a remake of a classic game, older video games tend to influence this cutting-edge era of games."I think a lot of people like the original games, and that's why they're continuing to bring Mario into all the newer systems." Baker says.
The storylines help the continuity from past to present as well. Pesnell, the owner of Game Guy, says he's seen people come in to the store to buy the original Metal Gear games so they can understand how the story has progressed up to the point of the most recent game.
Can the older video games keep up their popularity in the current environment?
Nutt says he sees a growing interest in the older systems. "They're actually growing in popularity," Nutt says. Old games are now getting that classic reputation that old films and books earn after a period of time.
"They're like any other medium like movies or music. Just because something's older doesn't mean it's irrelevant." Noh says. Indeed, older video games have settled in to their role and gotten a steady stream of attention.
That Super Nintendo I mentioned actually belongs to my roommate. I will have to carry my regret for selling mine. It was my initiation into the world of video gaming, a part of my history, and I let it go. Things from our past always hold that sense of nostalgia, whether it's a book we read as a kid or a toy we played with. What's great about the video games is they don't lose any of their effect as they get older. "The games are still fun today too," says Bowman.
Video games have become such a part of pop culture that it is a testament to the mass appeal they've gained during the past 25 years. The focus of games now is to push the envelope in terms of reality, and it creates some great entertainment, but don't forget how it all began. Some of those images from old games tend to stand out as an art form. People grow to respect them more as the years pass. Now, there's a certain familiarity of guiding Mario
through the Mushroom Kingdom, looking for fire flowers. Chances are, whether you know video games or not, this will stand out more to you than a scene from a modern game. That shows that older video games aren't going anywhere. They're here to stay. JP
GETTING STARTED
Where do you start with older games though? There are so many past generations of video games out there it leaves you with a lot of options. If you've never played a video game in your life, I suggest you play some games from the NES era or older. Why? In short, they're easy to find on the Internet, so you don't have to go through the hassle of actually getting the system. Here are some of my recommendations, and all of which can be found on www.nintendo8.com.
1) Super Mario Bros. — The first installment of the Mario franchise appeared on the NES and it's right there so you can experience it on the Internet. It's really easy to dive right into the game because the controls are so simple and you can play through it really quick. Plus, there are a lot of hidden tricks to the game.
2) Mega Man 5 — Looking for more of a challenge? Then don't pass up Mega Man.
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It can give you fits.As simple as the original NES games could be, Capcom tried to build as many puzzles into this action game as possible.The storyline was very futuristic for the time,pitting the cyborg hero Mega Man against an army of robots. That was part of the appeal though,as was getting the robotsi weapons after you defeated them.
Joe & Mac — A personal favorite of mine,
Joe & Mac is very user-friendly for new
players. Everything about the game is
simple.As an added bonus, the game is set
in prehistoric times, so you get to beat
up dinosaurs. Trust me, this game is pure,
simple fun.
Xevious — I have to include one of the original arcade games that started the video game craze. Xevious is a classic shooter, for those who like to blow stuff up. You have to guide your ship through waves of enemies to win, and it takes the top-down view, making it a real classic.
Ninja Gaiden — I include Ninja Gaiden so people can see its roots. If you do, and even if you don't, know how this series has progressed to the modern game it is, you should try out the original games. There's definitely less brutality and the game is fast-paced with ninja action. Becoming a ninja master can be quite addictive.
May 7,2009
الحالة المستقبلية للعملاء.
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