I’m not quite sure if something has been in the air lately or what but I’ve had a resurgence of nostalgia for the old video games that I grew up with.

It all started a couple weeks ago when I found a web site that has emulated over 250 classic Nintendo games that you can play right in your browser. Nearly all of my favorites are there – Rad Racer, Ninja Gaiden, RC Pro Am, and of course the king of all NES games (Nintendo Entertainment System) Super Mario Bros. 3. Mickie then got me a throwback Atari system for my birthday which has 15 or so classic Atari games in one console. That really took me back because the Atari was the first game system I ever owned.

I mentioned in a previous post that my family was slow to get on the technology bandwagon and video games were no exception. I think we got the Atari system after the Super NES had come out. But I wasn’t complaining it was a blast!

Mickie has an old NES at her parents house and I’m trying to lobby to get it up here. Like I need more distractions…

Today I found a list that some people had compiled of the top 100 games for the NES. If you are a Nintendo fan the descriptions on the list will bring back some great memories, frustrations, triumphs, and excitement.

Of course the number one game on the list was Super Mario Brothers 3 – quite possibly the best video game of all time. One of my friends and I would always try and rent it when I came over. (I’m not sure why he never bought it – probably would have saved his mom a lot of money…) We had to walk about 3 miles to grocery store (is dedication or insanity?) where it was available to rent. I can’t begin to explain the excitement when we would see the yellow box on the shelf or the disappointment when it wasn’t but it was a truly ‘religious’ experience.

Here is a list of my favorite games for the NES, what are yours?

• Rad Racer
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 – The Arcade Game
• Ninja Gaiden (I II and III)
• Mike Tyson’s Punch Out
• Super Mario Bros. (1 ,2 and 3)