Nostalgia Dive: The First Game I Played on My First Computer

Every generation has its own set of firsts, and for many, the initial exposure to a personal computer and the subsequent journey into the world of video games is a cherished memory. For this individual, the first computer game was not just a milestone, but a gateway to a universe of endless possibilities.

Spring 1984: The Commodore 64 and Lemonade Stand

My foray into the world of computers and video games is a story that begins in the early 1980s. The year is 1984/1985, and at that time, a Commodore 64 was the centerpiece of my family's technology. It was a significant upgrade from the no computers I had when I was younger. The first game I ventured into on this machine was Lemonade Stand. This game, which simulated the classic business of operating a lemonade stand, was both educational and engaging, teaching basic business principles through play.

1985: The TI-99/4A and Polar Racing

By 1985, the TI-99/4A was in my hands. It was a gift from my aunt, and the first game it installed was the legendary Pole Position. Pole Position was more than just a game; it was a starting point for a new era. Additionally, I remember using the TI-99/4A to learn the basics of BASIC programming, which was crucial in developing my early coding skills. However, my parents were concerned about the potential damage to the TV set from leaving the computer on, and I didn't have much access to it after that.

Age 9 or 10: Winter Games and Coding

At around the age of 9 or 10, I remember playing the game Winter Games from a Commodore 64. It was a favorite of mine as soon as it came out. Additionally, I recall a music learning game where I was taught the theme song of a TV show called Tales of the Darkside. Although not my favorite, it was a fascinating way to engage with technology in a playful manner. Unfortunately, I don't have much memory of coding, which might have been an interesting part of my early experience.

Age 12: The Text-Adventures of the 386 DX 25 MHz IBM PC

It wasn't until I turned 12 and moved to a new house that I got my first personal computer, a 386 DX 25 MHz IBM PC compatible with 4MB of RAM. At this point, I was more interested in learning MS-DOS 5.0 from the manual and accessing the nearby Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) – the precursor to the internet. However, the first game I remember on this machine was Wolfenstein 3D. This game was supposed to be revolutionary with its impressive graphics, but the younger me was still learning the ropes of managing a computer and its games.

A Toddler's First Game: The Apple //e

Even as a toddler, I was exposed to the world of computers and games. In particular, I remember a game that came with our Apple //e. It was a simple game featuring a rabbit navigating a maze. When the rabbit walked into a wall, it made a funny noise, and my dad told me that I laughed my butt off when he played it. While I wasn't actively playing, this was certainly an early and memorable experience with gaming.

Early Educational Games

Alongside the more entertaining games, I had a variety of educational games. While I can't pinpoint which was the first, Gertrude's Secrets seems like a likely candidate. This game, which did not require reading, was likely a stepping stone between the simple maze game and the more text-adventure oriented games. Another potential early game was Peter and the Wolf, which also didn't require much text, if any at all. These games served to introduce me to the world of gaming in a very basic and engaging way.

Looking back, the early experiences with these different computers and games have left a lasting impact on my relationship with technology and gaming. From the simple maze games on the TI-99/4A to the complex text-adventures on the 386 PC, each game and each computer played a role in shaping who I am today.