Console Throwback: NES

It is so hard to remember the feeling of playing a brand new NES game. The system arrived in 1985 and was a turn of the market release. The game console itself was an amazement, crisp colors, wires, and controlers. The game selection was actually pretty remarkable to start, with Super Mario Bros. being the feature title. It wasnt long until we were wowed by the NES Robot, Laser Gun, NES Glove, NES Advantage Joystick, and the ultimate adventure known as the NES Power Pad. In the midst of these upgrades came an aboundance of outstanding titles, such as Metroid, Tetris, Mike Tysons PunchOut, Contra, MasterBlaster, MegaMan, Bionic Commando, and the timeless original RPG The Legend of Zelda.

It was hard to understand the importance of Nintendo's creation at the time, but to be honest, it started the gaming movement that has brought us to modern day survival systems such as Playstation 3 and XBox 360. Before the release of the NES, Atari and Koleco were about the only options, and they were no where close.

I still own an NES, and it is in great condition. I wouldnt sell it for any reasonable amount, and maybe not even at all. As generations pass, and gaming evolves with time, systems like NES will long be forgotten, but I refuse to. My kids play NES, and my grandkids will play NES. After all, if you cant beat Contra, you shouldnt be playing Halo. If you cant beat Zelda, you shouldnt be playing Final Fantasy Online. If you cant beat me in Tecmo Bowl, oh wait, you cant (Chicago Bears unbeatable, I can block every extra point kick, and I can complete a pass play even if you pick it as your defense). But if you cant beat the computer, you have no business playing Madden.

My hats off to the NES, you are not forgotten. And I expect your newest upgrade, the Nintendo Wii, to have similar success creating a foundation for virtual gameplay environments.

-GAME HARD-