Beginnings: Platforming the Playground

I was born in 1996 during the beginning of the Nintendo 64’s life. As I slowly grew just old enough to play video games I didn’t just have an N64, but also an NES, Sega Genesis, and Game Boy Color. I was already surrounded by hours of entertainment waiting to be had. I remember diving into the world of the Mushroom Kingdom in Super Mario Bros. and Mario 64; the days where I would sit and race through the vibrant worlds of Sonic the Hedgehog; and even counting with Elmo in Sesame Street 1-2-3. Whatever game it was, I always had a blast and could never put the controller down.

Even outside of the television screen my interest in gaming and adventure never faltered. In preschool I would always ask my mom to make my hair look like Sonic or Tails’. I watched Pokemon anytime it was on and knew all of their names. When I took trips to the local playgrounds I would come up with fun games, imagining I was any kind of video game hero I wanted to be. Platforming on the metal contraptions of the playgrounds to accomplish my imaginary mission. All I wanted was for these games to be my reality.



As video games advanced in technology, I did in my own ways as well. I wasn’t a little kid anymore, I was growing up. Every gamer has heard the line “When are you going to grow up and stop playing with your games/toys?” from an adult or that sporty classmate. Well the answer is simple for me. Never. Video games aren’t just toys; they’re music, art, storytelling, a challenge, and overall fun. They’ve even taught me valuable lessons and other things along the way. Video games have led me to be the kind of person I am today, and I’m proud of that. I’m in for the long run and it’s all thanks to a few of gaming’s classics. So, no matter what the developers decide throw at the world of gaming next, I’ll be there.

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Anyone else try to imitate and act like they were a video game character? Speak up in the comments!