GAMING: A nostalgic look back at games of the 90’s

I FIRST started playing computer games when I was about 10 – on our very first 486. However, when the Pentium was released and entered our household, I was distraught that I could no longer play my old games due to compatibility issues.

Then I discovered a website called Abandon Games dot com which hosts an arsenal of games that are no longer on the shelves. These golden oldies are available for free download, and there are also downloadable emulators, such as Dosbox, that allow one to play these games on today’s potent PCs.

Over the last few years I have gathered quite a collection of these out-dated treasures. I still play them regularly, and would like to start sharing some of my favourite ones with any die-hard gamers. (Links to more game reviews appear at the end of this post).

Let us begin with…

Games Grandpa used to play: Duke Nukem 3D

Aliens have invaded LA and it’s your job to take them out

One of the first respectable “3D” first-person shooters, Duke Nukem 3D is a blast from the past that’s a great deal of fun. You are Duke – a blonde haired Nazi look-a-like with sunglasses glued to his head, whose favourite phrase is, “it’s time to kick ass and chew bubble gum!”

You have an arsenal of unique weapons at your disposal to do just that, including double rocket launchers attached to your bulking biceps. There is also no shortage of ammunition to fuel your array of lead-eaters.

The baddies are your usual breed of alien such as floating eyeballs and scaly monsters that clearly failed beauty school. There are also the usual ‘bosses’ to test your metal against at the end of each thrilling chapter.

Duke 3D is a fast-paced, action-packed shoot-em-up with respectable graphics considering that it was released in 1996. The story-line is simple yet a more complicated plot would only detract from the purpose and fun of the game.

I find golden oldies such as these great stress-relievers, whether you play them for five minutes or five hours. The controls are simple making the game easy to get used to. There is also a dedicated team of grandpa gamers that play Duke 3D online which is where you can test your skills and prove yourself as the Aryan top-dog.

All of the games reviewed here are available for free download at www.abandongames.com

Link: Download Duke Nukem 3D

Related Reviews:
Games Grandpa used to play II: The Lost Vikings
Games Grandpa used to play III: The Curse of Monkey Island
Games Grandpa used to play IV: Stunts
Games Grandpa used to play V: California Games
Games Grandpa used to play VI: Civilization

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