Going Old Skool - My Very First Gaming Experience

Ahhhh! Nintendo Game & Watch Donkey Kong! Releases 40 years ago, and for so many, a classic.

For me, it was my very first experience with gaming, and I was instantly hooked.

(Mine is - as you can see - much loved, and slightly battered, lol)

Based on the wildly popular arcade game, this was the hand held vertical multi screen version of it, released in 1982, and even though this version had been out for a few years before I became aware of it, for me it was a revelation. It had something about it that drew you in, and quietened down the outside world for a time. It also helped hone your hand-eye co-ordination, and sped up your reaction times.

To this day, I still play Donkey Kong. Even though the sophistication of games like Halo and Elden Ring is out of this world in comparison, there is a charm to this vintage game that keeps me coming back to it.

The premise of the game is simple - Donkey Kong has captured Pauline, and Mario must rescue her.

Starting at the far left of the bottom screen, Mario must fight his way to the top of the building, dodging obstacles thrown by Donkey Kong, and use the construction equipment to climb up and save her. Throughout the entire game, Donkey Kong throws down a continuous barrage of barrels to stop Mario. You must dodge and jump your way up to the top screen - whilst also avoiding jumping over barrels if there is girder above you - and climb up the ladders to the platform where there is a crane. You have to jump and unhook four wires in a row to dislodge the platform Donkey Kong is standing on in order to save the girl.

All the while the rolling barrels get faster and faster...

Game B is a much faster, harder version of the game, and it takes a fair bit of practice to get proficient at it.

As of now, I have four original vintage Game & Watches:
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Jr.
Mario Bros.
Mario's Cement Factory

I also have a 35th Anniversary Edition of Super Mario Bros. that was released in September 2020. It was a perfect piece of nostalgia for us 80's kids to remember the hey-day of gaming that was the forerunner of the Game Boy.

What was your first gaming experience? Please let me know!

Thank you all, and enjoy!

Annabelle 😊