This is one of those throwback Thursday kind of posts.

My eldest son, Sam and I were talking a few days ago about computer games and I feel he finds that am not one of those tech savvy — if playing computer games is the benchmark for being called savvy nowadays.

Back in the 80s, we had one of those televisions that also served as a table furniture. It had an accordion like front cover so you can close it when no one is watching TV. It’s similar to the one below which I remember watching a number of Friday the 13th and Twilight Zone TV with my scaredy-cat brother.

Then we moved “up” to compact TVs of Nivico that kinda looks like this:

Then, Family Computer entered. Am sure my boys can’t imagine playing a video game using a small-screened black and white TV. But we did. And it was fun!

Here’s my Top 12 Family Computer Games (in no particular order). Well at least those that I still remember!

1. Mario Brothers. Our neighborhood friends even came together to play almost everyday. And we even formed our “computer club” where we’d exchange tips and tricks on how to finish the game and get lots of lives for Mario and Luigi.

2. Popeye. Not my favorite but was sure entertaining!

3.  The Legend of Kage which I could play for hours!

4. Mappy. Do you remember Mappy? This was great fun and it was such an easy and relaxing game popping balloons. 😛

5. Galaga?

6. If I wanted a bit of a challenge climbing slippery slopes, I turn to Ice Breaker.

7. The Elevator Man.

8. Bomber Man.

9. Contra. I don’t like gun play all that much but my bro did.

10. B-wings.

11. Battle City. In this game there was also an option where you can build your own city — the makings of Minecraft. 😛

12. Highway Star. Before everything go complicated in Need for Speed, Highway Star was it. I was sooooo good with this game. 😛

The Family Computer was quite popular in the early 80s when Vietnam just began rebuilding. So am guessing none of these games are familiar. Maybe NES made its way during the late 80s?

Anyhoo, yes, son. I did play video games. And was pretty good at it too.