I recently had some time away from the family.  With several kid (and wife) free nights looming ahead of me, I began wondering what I would spend them on.  My mind was adrift of all the gaming goodness I would be experiencing over the next few days.  I had visions of all-night gaming sessions playing Call of Duty 5 or GRAW 2 online with my XBL friends.  But, I still haven’t finished Call of Duty 5, Resident Evil 5, or GTA IV.  Maybe I should pop one of those in and just get sucked in, immersed in an experience that was not to be had a few years ago.

What is an older gamer to do when this opportunity presents itself?

Sure, I still had to go to work.  But, that still leaves 16 hours with which I could game (and sleep a little).

Suddenly an idea.

I called a buddy that I grew up with.  He lived down the road from me and we played video games all the time.  I remember all-day gaming sessions on games like Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (the top-down pain in the ass one).  This was back when we were content to sit and watch each other play.  Helping each other out, making snarky comments, and having a great time (without the help of alcohol).  We didn’t need to be playing co-op or online.

This particular friend happens to be unattached (single) and just recently I have moved within driving distance of him.  I don’t remember the particulars of the conversation, but I am sure it went something like this, “get over here, the family is gone and we are going to do some gaming”.

He came over and I downloaded the remake of Bionic Commando, another game that we had spent plenty of time playing in our youth.  The game is a blast to play.  It plays exactly as I remember the original.  It has simple mechanics, responsive controls, yet it is still very challenging.  I highly recommend it for fans of the original. 

It was the perfect game for the situation.  We had a blast playing through it and it really took me back to the simpler days of playing video games.  Before life, and graphics, got in the way of pure gaming pleasure.  We laughed and made fun of each other all the way through the game.  I need to schedule regular times to do this.  To get back to my gaming roots.