Everything I Needed to Know, I Learned From Old School NES Games

In the grand tradition of "Everything I Needed to Know" lists, here is my contribution:


1.It takes determination and a strong will to accomplish your goals. {Ninja Gaiden}

2.Even a seemingly linear path in life will reveal many alternate routes upon further exploration. {Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, and 3}

3.It is very important to be able to see things from another perspective. {Metal Storm}

4.Cooperation and teamwork are necessary to avoid frustration and dead-ends. {Double Dragon, Bubble Bobble, Contra}

5.You must remain vigilant in order to avoid a sudden demise. {Paperboy, Castlevania, really almost every NES game}

6.Violence only gets you in trouble. {Metal Gear}

7.It’s easy to fall into in a routine pattern if you do not observe your own behaviors and actions. {Magmax, which featured two levels repeated ad infinitum}

8.The bigger they are, the harder they fall. {Godzilla}

9.Sometimes the experience we will have with a person, situation, or product is clearly advertised or broadcasted, but we will only notice this message if we are observant. (Marble Madness, Maniac Mansion)

10.It’s best to get off of a sinking ship (or a collapsing building). {Rampage}

11.Experience is valuable, but you need maturity as well. {Final Fantasy}

12.Adaptation is the key to overcoming obstacles. {Mega Man}

13.You will have to overcome your shadow before you can triumph. {Zelda II, Super Dodgeball}

14.If all else fails, use fire. {Zelda II}

15.The world is vast, and exploring it is very rewarding {Blaster Master, Faxanadu, Final Fantasy, etc.}