Video games are a huge industry in today’s economy and most kids love to play them. However, parents can often be put off by many titles, such as Call of Duty or Grand Theft Auto, that are filled with violence and language. I’m not against such games, but it never hurts to have alternatives in case one doesn’t want their child playing those kinds of games or maybe just would rather their kid be exposed to other types of gaming than the simple “shoot, run, shoot” types of games that are so popular. So I’ve decided to make a list of a few old-school games that I loved as a kid and I’m positive your kids will love as well. These are all computer games and can be found easily purchased for download online at various sites such as Steam and GOG.com.
- 1. The Secret of Monkey Island
I remember my dad telling me about this game and that a friend of his was giving it to him. I hounded him for months about when he was going to get it. Eventually he got around to getting it and I played the heck out of that game. It’s all about the adventures of Guybrush Threepwood, a gangly young man who only wants one thing: To become a pirate. This game follows Guybrush as he sets out in search of the mysterious Monkey Island to save his love, Elaine Marley from the evil Ghost Pirate LeChuck. It’s filled with tons of humor and memorable characters and is guaranteed to entertain your child to no end.
- 2. Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis
What kid doesn’t love Indiana Jones? Is that even possible? As far back as I can remember, I loved watching the Indiana Jones movies. I loved the exploration, the tombs, the traps, and the action. Then I discovered Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis. It’s from the early 90’s, so its graphics aren’t astounding, but the storyline and gameplay are great even by today’s standards. You take on the role of Indiana Jones as he races against the Nazis to discover the lost city of Atlantis. Your kids will get to control Indy as he goes to exotic locations all over the world in search of the famous city. Super fun, super engaging. This is one of the great old school adventure games.
- 3. King’s Quest VI
This one I played quite often as a kid. It follows the adventures of Prince Alexander of Daventry as he searches for his long lost love, who happens to be engaged against her wishes to a wicked vizier. His journey takes him to many different realms, populated by living chess pieces, people with angel wings, a deadly genie, and even ghosts. The characters are all interesting, the story is funny at times, scary at others, and always entertaining. This is a must when sharing old school games with your kids. They’ll love you for it.
Even to this day, I’m really grateful that my Dad introduced me to these games. They stand up even after being around for so long. They really instill a great deal of imagination and creativity that Call of Duty just can’t. There’s a good reason these games are still sold online. They are classics and are just as fun to play now as they were when I was a kid. Do your children a favor and surprise them with one of these. You won’t regret it.
