[General Discussion] First gaming experience

Everyone has to start somewhere, what is the first videogame you have ever played? What made you play it? Was it fun, and made you want to play more, or so bad that you wanted to go kill a puppy? Were you a natural at gaming, or did it take you awhile to get used to it? How old were you when you started?

The first game I ever played was Super Mario World when I was 3 I mean 5. My older cousin owned a SNES and let me play it. I played the second level many times until I was good enough to beat other levels. That game and Gradius 3 gave me hours of enjoyment everytime I went to my cousins. The first consol I actually owned myself was the N64 when I was 9-10.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

First game I ever played was Final Fantasy 1 for the NES. My parents got me an NES and my buddy brought over the game to try it out. I was fucking hooked, have been an RPGaholic ever since.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

The first game i ever played was Super Mario for the NES when i was 5 years old. The only reason i played it was cause i had never heard of this "video game" business before, and before long i was hooked. Of course my parents were real video game nazis while i was growing up. I didn't get a SNES until years after that, but you'd better believe i took any chance at playing them at friend's houses.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I'm pretty sure the first game I ever played was some Pacman styled clone involving a spider, on the Fountain console. I was 4, which was 15 years ago, so I don't remember very much of the game or the console for that matter. It's all pretty vague.

My local rental store was a blessing. My mother would rent out a Mastersystem and games and I'd play that constantly. Eventually she bought me a Mastersystem, and I was over the moon. I remember staying up until 11 pm playing Alex Kidd built-in. And when you're 4 years old, staying up until 11 pm is pretty hueg.

Then after that came along, I of course wanted a Megadrive. So the same thing happened, my mother started to rent games and the console out over the weekend. I was hooked.

I constantly remember renting out Aladdin and Cool Spot. Those two games were amazingly good fun even for licensed titles. I've never seen two licensed games be more fun and more entertaining than these two have. I loved it. Eventually I was bought a Megadrive console, and then an endless debacle over what games to get occured.

Of course, getting Megadrive titles was difficult. You're talking $80US per title, here. And that's why I say the rental shop was a godsend. Of course I was 5-6 when I first got my Megadrive, so I didn't have a bunch of money available. However, I did trade my games often.

There was this local newspaper which had a gaming section. It was for people wanting to sell or swap their games. I must've traded hundreds of games with other people all around Auckland. It was amazing the amount of people who were also addicted and hooked to gaming, but even back then it wasn't heard of.

Gaming is alot more mainstream now, even for down here. But I don't mind, really, because it's good to get it's name out. Most of my gaming life I had a Megadrive, up until 1997. I didn't like the PS1 or N64 consoles whatsoever. It just wasn't my thing.

I remember playing them and thinking "you know, Cool Boarders is neat, but I still prefer my old Megadrive games" in a local store. There was this store which had a N64, PS1, and Saturn lined up in that exact order. Of course, the Saturn had the original Rayman playing.

It was like watching heaven. The original Rayman (before it turned 3D) was a great game. It instantly convinced me into buying a Saturn console. But of course, I didn't have the money. During the period of 1997, I decided to get myself a PS1, because there wasn't much demand for the Saturn.

I didn't like it. I sold it for a Megadrive and a bunch of games. Had a blast with those, and eventually everything was stolen. Thank god for insurance, I ended up getting a Saturn and Street Fighter Alpha 2, Cool Spot Goes to Hollywood, and a few other games.

However, Cool Spot Goes to Hollywood wasn't half as fun as the original, and I couldn't bring myself to completing it. Street Fighter Alpha 2 was great, but since I'm an only child and didn't have any friends at the time, I didn't have anyone to play the game with, and the fun eventually wore itself out as I thrashed the console.

I went back and forth between N64, PS1 and Saturn consoles between the period of 1997 and 1999. We bought a PC in 1999 for $3000, but I wasn't at all interested in PC games. However, it did get me the information that I wanted. The Dreamcast was coming. December 4th, 1999.

I was there on it's launch day. Not before the store opened or anything, because I'm not insane, but I was there. My mother and I had a blast playing the House of the Dead 2 kiosk which was playable. There was also Soul Calibur being played, which was amazing. Soul Calibur is still an amazing game and it's aged really well.

Early 1999, my mother also got me into doing a paper run down the main street. It was $15 bucks a week, to do it three times a week. I'd end up spending this on Wendy's or save for a game. It was still difficult to buy games, but I managed.

Sega Ozisoft sent me a notice that the Dreamcast's online feature wouldn't be possible in Australia and New Zealand. I didn't care, but they eventually asked if I wanted a full refund. I took it.

Afterwards I purchased an american SNES, along with Chrono Trigger, Super Metroid, and Super Mario World. I never stepped into pre-N64 Nintendo gear until the 2000's. I did enjoy the N64 in the late nineties though, I admit. It was really nice. But the games were expensive and I really didn't get that many games to play with.

Then in 2002, I hire-purchased a PS2. I was still doing my paper run then, and I was 15 (I think). I paid the PS2 off, which at the time cost nearly a grand with MGS2 and Tekken Tag, for 2 years. And I did it. I paid it all off. Took me 2 years exactly, but I'm still happy with my PS2 and it's still going strong (although, I must admit, the first memory card slot is a bit wonky, and it doesn't always recognize that there's a memory card inserted.)

That tied me over for a few more years. I proceeded to purchase a Gamecube after it's live had been lived (2004) as well as an xbox. Of course I had a real job now so the money was just flowing in nicely. I had someone professionally install a modchip into the xbox, along with a 120 GB hard drive. It was emulation heaven.

The Gamecube I didn't like too much. By the time I had picked it up, every store down here had clearance stock or didn't have Gamecube games whatsoever. This was pretty disappointing, because I didn't really get a chance with it. Although earlier this year I've stepped more into Gamecube getting overseas titles, like Paper Mario and F-Zero GX, which are great.

The xbox I constantly and still use for emulation. SNES emulation on it is very useful. All you need to do is download an SNES emulator designed to run on an xbox, fill the rom directory full of roms, and away you go.

When I had my american SNES, I only purchased it because of Chrono Trigger. I was so pleased to finally play the game that everyone had been raving on about. I mean, even for it's age, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. My appreciation for 2D games grew even more.

Although I was stranded. I didn't have any way of purchasing american SNES titles, and I was too young to use a credit card. I was stuck with Chrono Trigger, Super Metroid and Super Mario World. Not something necessarily bad to be stuck with, but it was still annoying that I couldn't play games from my own country in it. They were also quite hard to find at the time, since two generations had already come along after the SNES.

I don't mind though. Chrono Trigger was impossible to find here, so I was forced to import it. But that's alright. I spent alot of time with my PS2 until I picked up the xbox and Gamecube after finally getting myself a somewhat decent income.

Between 2002 and 2006 I've gained a very solid PS2 collection, a decent Gamecube collection, and I'm working on my xbox collection as we speak. I have no real interest in the next generation of consoles, because my taste in games and location mean that I'm not going to be interested until there's a modchip for the 360, Wii and PS3. Or a slide tool.

In fact, that's something which really caught my interest with the PS2. Especially the japanese PS2 titles, such as the shooting and fighting ones. I mean, I don't know japanese, but that doesn't matter. I ended up importing fighting/shooting/music titles and using a Swap Magic for the longest time. Only earlier this year did I have my old PS2 modchipped. But I have faith that it'll last, because it's done so since 2002. It's been really good.

Unfortunately I don't see myself getting a Wii, PS3 or 360. Granted, they all ha ve their own positives and negatives, but the consoles haven't settled in yet. Not to mention, the Wii and PS3 haven't even been released. I'd like to see a substantial amount of games available for the Wii and PS3 before making a purchase, and in saying that, I mean I'd like to see games released which aren't launch titles.

The 360 hasn't taken off the ground like it should have. Unless it starts picking up, I don't see it doing anything impressive before or during the PS3 and Wii's life. So really, I can't see myself buying that either.

I'm quite thankful I've been consumed by the gaming world. There are the flaws, like the lack of social life (I still have one, it's just minimal, with a grand total of a single friend and on-and-off girlfriend) and education. But had I never of been introduced into gaming via the Atari and Sega consoles, I don't know where I would be.

I still remember thinking "Hey! You can control your tv!" while watching someone play Sonic 2 on a Megadrive at K-Mart sometime in '94. Very good times.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by Elixir

I remember staying up until 11 pm playing Alex Kidd built-in. And when you're 4 years old, staying up until 11 pm is pretty hueg.

<3

My parents were big fans of the 2600, they had a stack of awesome games. I think the first one I played was Missile Command. I remember a lot of the sound effects the games would make scared me. ;_; Especially Berzerk, whenever you hit the wall it made this horrible BZZZZZFFFTT noise, then a bouncing smiley face would pop up and chase you around. Smiley faces aren't supposed to be dangerous! I was about four or something. Very traumatic childhood.

It wasn't till this new family moved in down the street and I played their Master System that I got really got into games though. Zillion, Dragon Crystal, Teddy Boy, Hang-On, Enduro Racer, Wonderboy. Holy crap awesome. After that, I wanted one. I ended up getting a NES that Christmas, but it worked out well because we were always over eachothers places. ADDICTION GO.

I was speaking idiomatically.

I distinctly remember that the first game I played was Metal Gear for NES. I was either 5 or 6 at the time. I really, really, really sucked at it. I could absolutely NOT get past the screen with the jeeps and the 3 dogs. Yes, the screen in the very beginning of the game

And I also remember the second game I ever played was Sesame Street: 123. I rocked at "Ernie's Magic Shapes"

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

The first would be Pong, on one of those devices that play 15 different variants of Pong. Yeah, they were fun for a while. Then there was the Atari 2600. Pitfall was goooooood. Then came Mario on the NES, and all else was forgotten.

The Pong machine was something that we actually owned, but the 2600 and the NES were always consoles that belonged to friends. I still played them a lot, but the first console I actually owned myself was a Megadrive (Genesis) with Sonic. Starting from that generation, I owned (and still own) most of the major consoles. I've rarely owned any of the greatly less popular or more expensive systems. No TG-16, Neo-Geo or Jaguar for me.

FELIPE NO

My parents were sort of gamers back then. They bought a Famicom and played Pac-Man, Battle City, Sky Destroyer, Mario, and stuff, and I think the first game I played was either Battle City or Super Mario. That was back when consoles were a lot more affordable. My mom then bought me a Famicom, which is the first and last console my parents bought.

How ya doing, buddy?

My first game I remember is the Original Super Mario Bros., on an NES my dad bought to curb his cravings for cigs.

Good times...

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Originally Posted by Soluzar

The first would be Pong, on one of those devices that play 15 different variants of Pong. Yeah, they were fun for a while. Then there was the Atari 2600. Pitfall was goooooood. Then came Mario on the NES, and all else was forgotten.

The Pong machine was something that we actually owned, but the 2600 and the NES were always consoles that belonged to friends. I still played them a lot, but the first console I actually owned myself was a Megadrive (Genesis) with Sonic. Starting from that generation, I owned (and still own) most of the major consoles. I've rarely owned any of the greatly less popular or more expensive systems. No TG-16, Neo-Geo or Jaguar for me.

Oh, we're talking pre-console stuff? Then ya, Pong on a million versions of pong with the paddles. It hooked up to screws on the back of my grandma's tv. TENNIS PONG. HOCKEY PONG.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Those things were great, they could basically call it any sport they wanted but it'd still be the one game. Pong.

"Hockey!"
*Pong*

"Soccer!"
*Pong*

"Baseball!"
*Pong*

"Wait that isn't baseball why are you trying to pass that off as base-*PONG*

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

I have sadly missed out on the old system days. I was born in 1989 in time for the nintendo craze to kick in, I have never played a non emulated atari game.

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Originally Posted by Infernal Monkey

Those things were great, they could basically call it any sport they wanted but it'd still be the one game. Pong.

"Hockey!"
*Pong*

"Soccer!"
*Pong*

"Baseball!"
*Pong*

"Wait that isn't baseball why are you trying to pass that off as base-*PONG*

Hockey pong just had two static pong "defenders" in the center. It was ridiculous.

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Originally Posted by winterymint

mega man

megaman 1 for the NES? Or are you just stating that there is indeed a franchise known as megaman? Add more details please

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

Well, in mid-'86, my mom won $40 on a scratch ticket and decided to splurge about a quarter of it on a post-crash Atari 2600 with a few games - Asteroids, Missile Command, and ET.

Yes, that ET. I really enjoyed it, actually.

As it turns out though, extended play on the 2600 (and on the Commodore 64, which had a similar joystick) made it really difficult to adjust to a Nintendo controller a year later. I mean, no stick and an insane amount of buttons? Who designed that, right? Needless to say, the very first time I played Super Mario, I ran directly into the very first goomba.

How ya doing, buddy?

My first game experiance was playing Ninja Gaiden on the Atari Lynx. A friend had brought a Lynx back from a holiday in the far east, and we spent an evening playing it. He had a load of games, but that was the first I tried.

It was something new and I enjoyed it. I ended up nagging my mom for a Lynx in the end.

What, you don't want my bikini-clad body?

I first got an NES when I was 3, with Super Mario Bros. I honestly don't remember it at all. My earliest gaming memories are a year or two later. The two guys next door (who were probably a couple guys just out of college) got Blades of Steel. My dad would borrow it from them all the time, and I would play it with him. That's really the only Nintendo game my dad played, so that's probably why playing games with him sticks out in my mind so well.

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My first was the arcade? Hmm, so.. far.. back..

I do recall loving CD-man, a rip-off of Pac-Man for some computer system. And of course Rainbow Islands was always fun (and epic at my early years!) I really got into um, 'watching' Street Fighter II, and when MKI & II were released, my jaw dropped at the bloody insanity - kept drawing the logo at school lol!

I had an Atari 2600 with a couple of games there too, but I think I first got addicted with the Amiga 500 disk system which hosted a lot of awesome games (which my cousin copied for me, and I still have 'em back home too!) - Alien Storm, Swiv, and about 100 others. And then the consoles came..

But like Elixir, I'm from NZ, the land of interactive/sports entertainment with a disdain for 'real' gaming. The gamecube died before it came out, God knows what will happen with the Wii or the P$3. Xbox seems to be doing alright though. Gah, I wish I were living in America or Japan. I might just have to import everything..........

There's nowhere I can't reach.

My first gaming experience was 007 for the Spcectrum 128k. I can't remember exactly which one it was, but it was a pack of three games with required the use of the light gun. This was bought for me for my 7th birthday. I thought that it really good having to use the gun to play the game, that was until I wore it out and it stopped working.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

Mortville Manor. My cousin got an Atari and I played on this game. It was kind of point and click where you had to explore a manor in the snow and investigate clues. The music was so cool and atmospheric.

There was also a game on my friends PC called Elf. It was a side scroller and he never let me touch the keyboard.

Also on my spectrum I had a game called Kid Frankenstein. I used to play it loads. Cant remember much about it though, just wandering about in a castle.

There was a game on my C64 called Sultans Maze which used to take 1 hour to load! That was NOT worth the wait.

I remember when I finally got an Amiga 500 with the 1mb upgrade thingy, we found a guy in coventry who sold tonnes of copied amiga games. We used to give him a tenner and he would just give us a box with like 100 games in each time. I got this one game called Bills Tomato Game where you were a tomato, and your girlfriend tomato was kidnapped by a flying squirrel and it ran up a massive tree with her. The object of the game was to get from the left to the right of each screen using conveyer belts, fans, trampolines etc.

I remember the first megadrive game I played. Sonic 1. I was insanely addicted and used to go round to my cousins neighbours house just to play it. There was also Alex Kidd in Miracle World on my master system which I loved.

OOH OOH!! SUPERFROG! That was my favorite game on the Amiga..... next to PARASOL STARS! A very silent sleeper hit but absolutley insanely addictive. You would pick up enemies with your umbrella and fire them across the screen.

Oh and the New Zealand Story was cool too! You control a little yellow kiwi bird and hopped around the levels to quirky music. I had that game for over a year when I found an envelope in the box with cheats in! AWESOME!

Aw I feel all nostalgic now...

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

I grew up on Nintendo. The very first Super Mario, hence my liking to side-scrollers and retro-style gaming, I guess.

I was speaking idiomatically.

I started out on a Commodore 64 back when I was about 4 (1988). My dad bought it with like 100 copied games (I was goddamn pirate at 4 years old! YARR!) That thing was the bomb with games like Hot Wheels, Basketball, River Raid, CALIFORNIA GAMES, Gianna Sisters (lol!)... etc.

No idea what my first game was, but it was for the C64 fo sho. <3

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?

No idea what my age was at the time but I sure remember my first game experience.
My uncle's MSX had a nice game revolving around a indian kid jumping in happy land with evil owls and apples you had to catch, something like that. That was my first console experience. At around the same period the Game Boy made it's entrance in Europe and my dad bought me one. It included Tetris and he also got me a extra game called Drop Zone. I was the happiest kid on the block since I was the only one with a Game Boy

FELIPE NO

I can't remember my age either but I'm pretty sure it was one of the first Wario games for the old black and white gameboy. I used to love that one but it was my cousin's so I could only play it once or twice a year. The same applies for the other it could have been, Crash Bandicoot. Damn I was good at the warthog levels even from an earlyish age

How ya doing, buddy?

I think it was Pac-man or Asteroid on Atari 2600, I can't say it was fun, I just played because it was a game. IMO games started to be interesting with NES, because games had more story, music and gameplay.

Jam it back in, in the dark.