How a few video games became treasured chapters in our family’s story.
What was your first ever videogame?
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By Michelle Allen
When people ask me what my first video game was, I have to think back quite a few years. I believe it may have been Ms. Pac-Man at an arcade. Like many people from my generation, I remember the excitement of walking into an arcade and hearing all the sounds, flashing lights, and cheerful chaos that came with it. There was something special about standing at a machine, quarters in hand, trying to beat your previous score.
But if I’m being honest, the video game memories that mean the most to me didn’t happen in an arcade. They happened at home with my children.
The first game I really remember spending a lot of time playing was Army Men on the Nintendo 64. What started as a simple game quickly turned into family fun and friendly competition. My boys were always challenging me and were determined to beat me. I think they assumed Mom wouldn’t be much of a challenge, but I surprised them more than once! I loved the excitement of the competition and the laughter that came with it. There were plenty of rematches, playful teasing, and moments when everyone was convinced they had finally figured out how to win.
Of course, my daughter joined in on the gaming fun too, but her interests were a little different. While the boys enjoyed the Army Men battles, she was much more interested in Banjo-Tooie. She loved exploring the colorful world, solving puzzles, and discovering new adventures. I enjoyed watching her play and seeing how differently she approached games compared to her brothers. It’s funny how even then, each of my children had their own unique personalities and interests that showed through in the games they loved.
Looking back, I realize the games themselves aren’t really what I remember most. What stays with me are the moments we shared. The laughter from the living room, the friendly rivalries, the celebrations after a hard-earned victory, and the simple joy of spending time together as a family. Life moves quickly, and children grow up before we know it. Those game nights became part of the story of our family.
Today, video games are more advanced than anything we could have imagined back then. Yet no amount of technology can replace the memories created when families spend quality time together. For me, Army Men and Banjo-Tooie were never just games. They were opportunities to connect, laugh, compete, and create memories that I still cherish years later.
So while my first video game might have been Ms. Pac-Man, the games I remember most are the ones I played with my children. Those are the games that turned into treasured memories, and those memories will always be winners in my book.
What was your first video game, and do you still remember who you played it with?
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