Man, I’m excited because this storyline and especially monday’s strip has generated so many conversations, both in the comments section here, and just with people in my life, about great old gaming experiences and classic gaming memories. I feel like a total nerd for saying this, but I remember how highly regarded the NES was when I was in grade school. It was like some golden key that unlocked riches of happiness and bliss — and anyone who had it was instantly the coolest person around.We used to have big parties and play games for hours, taking turns and drinking orange soda, mountain dew, and going through huge bags of cool ranch chips. The Nintendo Entertainment System was like some magical item that had to be seen to be believed, and it was completely life changing…

At some point I’ll tell you the weird, wheels off story about how I got my NES… but today I just wanted to think back about those great gaming experiences, how the videogame not only entertained, but enriched your life… the first time you pulled an all-nighter for a game, the times you paused it and left the power on while you slept so it would all be there waiting for you in the morning. The times you traded off turns with others, and shouted for them as they played. All with 8-bit graphics and cheesy (yet genius) sound effects and music.

Ahh… I love videogames.