List Day: 10 Things Learned from Computer Gaming (1985 - 1989)

not necessarily in order of utility

1. I learned how to define "stiletto" (Zork I), "receptacle" (Zork II), and "shillelagh" (Beyond Zork), among many other words not in the first grade reader.


2. I learned that games based on movies are uniformly horrible (Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, Willow, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure)


3. I learned how to program in several variants of the BASIC programming language, ultimately leading to my current career.


4. I learned that all potential witnesses to criminal activity have access to an almanac and speak in riddles (Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?)


5. I learned how to do math in hexadecimal so you can edit a saved game to boost your stats (Ultima VI).


6. I learned that if a girl and a boy fall off of a three foot staircase, the boy will be dizzy but the girl will die (King's Quest IV: Perils of Rosella).


7. I learned how to write secret notes and entire stories in the runic alphabet (Ultima IV).


8. I learned that you can max out your Strength by cleaning out the stables and throwing rocks daily (Hero's Quest I).


9. I learned how to type over 100 words per minute without the help of Mavis Beacon or home positions.


10. I learned that crime and pollution are eliminated if your city consists of parallel railroad tracks that never connect, with a Police Station and Hospital every 4 lots (SimCity).