I am a major fan of nostalgia. On this page, you’ll find links to my posts about classic video games, stories I’ve written, and a healthy heap of my most recent hobby – crayon art! If you like what you see, I encourage you to “like” my posts, leave a reply, and subscribe/follow this section so you can stay up-to-date with my latest content!
Making all of this content takes a lot of energy and work! If you’re feeling generous and would like to support my projects, consider “buying me a coffee” or two or ten from the following website:
It’s Good To Be The King: Royalty in Games
King me! Legendary kings like Hrothgar and King Arthur have been appearing in literature as early as the 9th-century, and the oral histories of these types of characters reach even further back in time. The Greeks had Zeus, Norse mythology had Odin, and Middle-earth had Aragorn. It wasn’t long before people were creating their ownContinue reading “It’s Good To Be The King: Royalty in Games”
*Marker* Art #18: Black Mage
The last time I busted out the Ohuhu markers to create some pixel art of Frog from Chrono Trigger, I was enamored by the end result. So, I decided to try another project this weekend and settled on the classic Black Mage from the Final Fantasy series! Have you played any of the Final FantasyContinue reading “*Marker* Art #18: Black Mage”
Crayon Art #17: 1982 Atari Classics
The 30th anniversary of Kirby’s Dream Land was just last week, and that got me thinking that there must be games worth celebrating that are now 40 years old! So, I hopped on the google machine to see when my favorite arcade games were ported to the Atari. Lo and behold, many of the Atari’sContinue reading “Crayon Art #17: 1982 Atari Classics”
Crayon Art #16: Bosses of Super Mario Bros 2 (USA)
I’ve always had a special affinity for Super Mario Bros 2 (USA), and I even place it within the top five of my favorite Mario games. In particular, I really appreciated the game’s uniqueness, the ability to play as four different characters each with their own individual attributes, and the atypical storyline that expanded onContinue reading “Crayon Art #16: Bosses of Super Mario Bros 2 (USA)”
Hoppin’ Down The Bunny Trail: Rabbits in Games
Hippity-hoppity, Easter’s on its way! After you find your basket and eat way too many chocolate covered rabbits, hop on down the bunny trail with me as we take a look at the Top Ten instances of hares in video games! It’s lagomorphin’ time! 10. RobbitJumping Flash! (Playstation, 1995) The “first platform video game inContinue reading “Hoppin’ Down The Bunny Trail: Rabbits in Games”
I’m Telling Mom: Siblings in Games
Happy Sibling’s Day! Today, I’m posting a quick list of some of the most iconic siblings in video game history. Can you think of any others? Let me know in a reply! 10. Sirrus and AchenarMyst (Mac OS, 1993) 9. Nick and TomSnow Bros. (Arcade, 1990) 8. Popo and NanaIce Climbers (NES, 1984) 7. PoromContinue reading “I’m Telling Mom: Siblings in Games”
Dream Journal #3: The Time Witch
“The Time Witch” was inspired by a dream I had way back on July 6th, 2012. Last night, Ellora the witch and her two companions were using time magic to destroy children’s parents, thus erasing the kids from ever existing. I watched it happen. She needed the child’s shoe, and then she would perform aContinue reading “Dream Journal #3: The Time Witch”
You Oughta Be in Pictures: Games in Movies
I didn’t know how to describe it at the time, but there was such pure, unadulterated joy in catching even just the slightest glimpse of someone playing a video game while watching a movie. Immediately, I would want to play, too; this was a feeling that was certainly exploited in shows like Video Power orContinue reading “You Oughta Be in Pictures: Games in Movies”
Crayon Art #15: Kirby’s Dream Land
Did you know that Kirby was almost called “Twinkle Popo?” Thank goodness for the change! “Twinkle Popo’s Dream Land” just doesn’t quite roll off the tongue. Kirby’s Dream Land was released on the Nintendo Game Boy in April of 1992 (August in the US). After Tetris, it was the first significant game that I ownedContinue reading “Crayon Art #15: Kirby’s Dream Land”
*Marker* Art #14: Frog from Chrono Trigger
After successfully completing two pieces of 8-bit art, I knew that I wanted to make my own leap into the world of 16-bits. I was also eager to try out a fresh set of Ohuhu markers that were gifted to me by a friend last summer. Searching for the perfect new subject, my mind finallyContinue reading “*Marker* Art #14: Frog from Chrono Trigger”
*Painting* Art #13: Link
Coming off the heels of a successful Mega Man pixel art project, I knew I had try another! After my girlfriend ordered us some more canvases, I settled on my next painting subject: Link from The Legend of Zelda! The Zelda games have been some of my favorites ever since the original 1986 NES release,Continue reading “*Painting* Art #13: Link”
There She Blows: Wind in Games
There have been a few times this past month where the wind has been howling wildly outside of our window. It’s loud enough to raise my anxiety a little bit, but apparently this is just the tip of the iceberg. Where I’m currently living, March is supposed to be windiest month. So, I better getContinue reading “There She Blows: Wind in Games”
*Painting* Art #12: More Mega Man
For Valentine’s Day this year, we tried something new: painting! Besides my few bouts with brushes in art classes, I had never really considered trying my hand at creating on canvas. My girlfriend had the wonderful idea to hit up the local art store so we could spend a relaxing afternoon together brushing our caresContinue reading “*Painting* Art #12: More Mega Man”
Crayon Art #11: A Goofy Movie
My girlfriend had a birthday recently, and one of our first experiences hanging out together involved watching the Disney classic A Goofy Movie. Surely, back then we were thinking that After Today we’d be hitting the Open Road because of how well we could see things Eye to Eye! To honor the occasion, I decidedContinue reading “Crayon Art #11: A Goofy Movie”
50th Post: Most Mentioned Games
Can you believe it?! 50 posts! I launched my website in the late summer of 2019 and began publishing regular blog posts at the beginning of 2020. It all started with my idea to create monthly themed Top Ten lists about video games based on some sort of pun (Jam-uary, Food-uary, Blarch, Ape-ril, etc.). OfContinue reading “50th Post: Most Mentioned Games”
You Are Mine: Mine Carts in Games
I’m not sure what exactly inspired me to write this article, but driving through the beautiful mountains of Wyoming has certainly helped. Every once in awhile, I’ll spot an old tunnel carved out of the side of a mountain and wonder where that tunnel might lead. Many of these tunnels have railroad attached to them,Continue reading “You Are Mine: Mine Carts in Games”
Crayon Art #10: Star Fox
The original Star Fox game was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in February of 1993. It was groundbreaking in that it was the first game to use the “Super FX Chip” to create 3D graphics on a console known for 2D sidescrollers or “Mode 7” effects. Nearly 30 years later, the series isContinue reading “Crayon Art #10: Star Fox”
My Gaming Year in Review (2021)
Starting in about 2005, I decided to keep track of every video game I had ever beaten including the date and time of completion. I would even make notes about how the game was completed and added details like the difficulty level or percentage rates if applicable. I used my memory to recall games IContinue reading “My Gaming Year in Review (2021)”
Make Like A Tree: Trees in Games
Oh gaming trees, oh gaming trees – how lovely are thy branches! We put up our Christmas tree shortly before Thanksgiving (mostly because we knew we wouldn’t even be in town to enjoy it over the holidays), and now that the big day is here, I imagine many of you who celebrate have been gatheredContinue reading “Make Like A Tree: Trees in Games”
Crayon Art #9: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Cowabunga! I have been a Ninja Turtles fan since first seeing the original animated series in elementary school. I had the action figures, I played the video games, and I even sport an awesome pair of TMNT pajama pants that I continue to wear to this day (thanks, Mom). Semi-recently, I’ve been gathering collections ofContinue reading “Crayon Art #9: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
Shop ’til you Drop: Stores in Games
Have you finished your holiday shopping? Or are you just getting started?? Since I’ve been browsing for the perfect gifts, I’ve been thinking back to all the times I’ve spent gold, rupees, or gil during all my virtual travels. Which shops were the most interesting to visit? Below are the Top Ten choices for notableContinue reading “Shop ’til you Drop: Stores in Games”
Not for the Dinner Table: Birds in Games
It’s the day after Thanksgiving, and we’re all still recovering from the massive amount of food that we put into our bodies. Crafting a feast fit for royalty, my girlfriend and I successfully dominated our first ever attempt at roasting a turkey. We may be eating leftovers for awhile… In the meantime, it’s time toContinue reading “Not for the Dinner Table: Birds in Games”
Top Ten Spookiest Villainous Characters
It’s Halloween, and we’ve decided to rank the spookiest characters from one of our favorite board games! Disney’s ‘Villainous’ let’s you take on the role of the baddest of baddies as you try to flip the script on classic films. What if Ursula got the best of King Triton? What if Hades conquered Olympus? WhatContinue reading “Top Ten Spookiest Villainous Characters”
Top Ten Movies I Should Have Never Watched as a Kid
Growing up, there were a lot of movies that I saw that probably caused at least 85% of the nightmares that I am still having to this day. I’m guessing that most of these movies were watched when I had a babysitter, and I was able to go through my parent’s collection of movies thatContinue reading “Top Ten Movies I Should Have Never Watched as a Kid”
Crayon Art #8: Microsoft Entertainment Pack
For computer-users who just wanted to kill “a few minutes between meetings” (or spend their entire shifts playing Free Cell), the games of Microsoft Entertainment Pack paved the way to casual gaming long before we had access to that sort of fun on our phones. Released between 1990 and 1992, these games were made byContinue reading “Crayon Art #8: Microsoft Entertainment Pack”
Dream Journal #2: The Voice Teacher
My second post in this series comes from a dream I had on August 19, 2016. To give you some context, my friend, Anna, is a singer/songwriter who used to regularly play shows in my hometown at one of the local coffee shops. Over time, we became friends, and I eventually had the opportunity toContinue reading “Dream Journal #2: The Voice Teacher”
Back to School: Top Ten Professors in Games
Summer is dwindling down, and “Back to School” ads are popping up all over the place. Having just wrapped up my Master’s degree this past spring, I don’t have to worry about going back to learn. BUT, a new adventure awaits! I’ll be going back to TEACH! I found out just over a week agoContinue reading “Back to School: Top Ten Professors in Games”
A Day in the Life of a Zergling
In high school, StarCraft was one of my most-played computer games alongside other online multiplayer favorites like Counterstrike and Worms 2. I can still recall the first time that I discovered the game. My friend and I had been up all night drinking cream soda and playing another Blizzard classic, Warcraft 2, when we suddenlyContinue reading “A Day in the Life of a Zergling”
Crayon Art #7: Punch Out
Whether you faced Mr. Dream or Mike Tyson himself, Punch Out for the original Nintendo Entertainment System remains one of the most memorable games of the time. Released in 1987, you control Little Mac, a 17-year-old kid from the Bronx who “loves nothing better than a tough challenge” (according to the instruction manual). Well, aContinue reading “Crayon Art #7: Punch Out”
Dream Journal #1: Samurai Magic
I’ve had some whacky dreams in my lifetime. In fact, my Creature Keepers short story was based on one of my zanier slumberland adventures. I’m not sure what causes them (perhaps it’s a lot like this Angry Beavers episode), but I’ve been fortunate to be able to remember a majority of them so I canContinue reading “Dream Journal #1: Samurai Magic”
Top Ten Beaches in Video Games
Memorial Day has come and gone and the official start of Summer is just around the corner. If you were anything like me as a kid, you probably spent a majority of your vacation not at a REAL beach but enjoying the tropical sights of your favorite virtual paradises. Below are the Top Ten instancesContinue reading “Top Ten Beaches in Video Games”
Crayon Art #6: Mega Man
This month, my friend and I have decided to trade off giving each other words as prompts for our drawings. I decided to try to take the first nine prompt and find a way to somehow apply them to the Mega Man series (a personal favorite of mine). Below are the results! Making all ofContinue reading “Crayon Art #6: Mega Man”
*Chalk* Art #5: Looney Tunes
We’ve had some beautiful days this week, and I just bought some chalk – so I decided to test it out! I set up a 9×9 grid on my Dad’s driveway and set to work creating some of my favorite Looney Tunes characters. Unfortunately, I only was able to finish four before it started toContinue reading “*Chalk* Art #5: Looney Tunes”
Crayon Art #4: The Flintstones
They’re the modern stone-age family! This week, I was suddenly inspired to draw characters from one of my favorite childhood cartoons. The Flintstones ran from 1960 all the way until 1966, and I was lucky to see reruns of it when it aired on various networks in my youth. It was the longest-running animated seriesContinue reading “Crayon Art #4: The Flintstones”
Top Ten Evil Doctors in Video Games
We’re already over a year into this pandemic and things are just starting to get under control (They are, right???). Vaccinations are being distributed, and it seems like many places are opening up again. Hopefully, life will be back to normal before we know it. Of course, we should still remain cautious and be vigilantContinue reading “Top Ten Evil Doctors in Video Games”
Crayon Art #3: Nicktoons
This week, a friend of mine requested that I draw the Nicktoons! I loved this suggestion, so I sat down for a few hours and did my darndest to sketch out some of my favorite childhood cartoon characters. I really like how they turned out – and I hope you do, too! Making all ofContinue reading “Crayon Art #3: Nicktoons”
Top Ten Frowny Faces
10. Beaker (The Muppet Show) Loyal assistant to Bunsen, Beaker is always there to…screw things up. It’s no wonder he’s got a frown on his face all the time. He can’t do anything right! 9. Lurch (The Addams Family) The ever-faithful butler to the Addams family looks like he just woke up from a napContinue reading “Top Ten Frowny Faces”
Crayon Art #2: Back to the Future
The Back to the Future movies are my favorite films of all time. When a friend of mine requested that I applied my new crayon hobby to the likes of Marty McFly, I just knew I had to draw the rest of the characters. I’m not super great at drawing people (yet), but below areContinue reading “Crayon Art #2: Back to the Future”
Top Ten Anxiety-Inducing Video Game Music
Music can change a tense moment into a full-on stress-crying session. Whether it’s a repetitive drone, a melancholy cacophony of sound, or simply the original tune but at hyper speeds, you can easily hear when the game is about to take a turn for the worst. Below are my Top Ten instances of anxiety-inducing musicContinue reading “Top Ten Anxiety-Inducing Video Game Music”
Crayon Art #1: Super Smash Bros
Since creating a multitude of crayon art drawings for my Goomba Interview post, I’ve been straight up addicted to making more pictures! Below is the next batch of characters that I’ve had the honor of putting on paper – all based around the theme of Super Smash Bros (playable characters, costumes, or assist trophies). ManyContinue reading “Crayon Art #1: Super Smash Bros”
Iconic Video Game Moms
Mother’s Day is here and I thought, “What better way to mark the occasion than by taking a moment to recognize some of the most iconic mothers in video game history!?” In no particular order, here are some digital moms that have made an impact on my life. Meyna from “Legacy of the Wizard” (NESContinue reading “Iconic Video Game Moms”
Top Ten Rainy SNES Games
April showers bring May flowers. A couple years ago, the rain in my town had been relentless for a few weeks. It was so much that I couldn’t remember the last time we had a nice day outside. As a gag, I had been posting screen shots on Facebook of games that were also rainyContinue reading “Top Ten Rainy SNES Games”
Goombas Caught in the Middle
This is my interview with one courageous goomba who lived to see it all happen. Me: “How did this all start?” Gretchen: “It all began when that mustached fellow showed up,” recounted Gretchen Goomba, as she took her daily walk. “My friend, Gary and I, were out for a stroll over by the old plumbingContinue reading “Goombas Caught in the Middle”
Top Ten Classic TV Jingles
Back when we had time to watch TV (before streaming ruled the world), our favorite shows were interrupted every few minutes by an onslaught of ambitious commercials all vying for our attention so we might purchase their products. Which ones were the most memorable? The ones with the catchiest songs, of course! Whether they’re sellingContinue reading “Top Ten Classic TV Jingles”
The Top Ten Handiest Bosses in Video Games
You’ve got to HAND it to game developers, they sure love their hand bosses! Bosses like these have been appearing in games at least for decades. How did this idea become such a common trope? In any case, here is my list of the top ten handiest bosses in video games! Tiki Tong from DonkeyContinue reading “The Top Ten Handiest Bosses in Video Games”
Cartoons/Characters Referenced in the New “Space Jam: A New Legacy” Trailer
I just watched the trailer for “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” and holy cow they are cramming a lot of characters in there! Here’s a list of all the ones that I happened to catch. Can you find any others? Let me know in the comments! Superman Gandalf King Kong Iron Giant Gossamer Foghorn LeghornContinue reading “Cartoons/Characters Referenced in the New “Space Jam: A New Legacy” Trailer”
Top Ten Video Game Health Concerns
It has been a little over a year since we first entered the pandemic. I originally created this list last year around the same time, and I figured it’s time to transfer it over to ye olde blog. 10 games, 10 pictures, no descriptions – here are the top ten instances of health concerns inContinue reading “Top Ten Video Game Health Concerns”
Reset: Ness is Mario
A large portion of my wake-up routine includes reading news about video games and upcoming movie musings. This heavy reading leads to heavy thinking, and after googling to see if this topic idea has already been discussed in the world, I’m now writing crazy fan theories. Are you ready for this? Are you sure? Okay……Continue reading “Reset: Ness is Mario”
Descent-ber: Gravity in Games
I can’t believe it – we’re finally here! My 2020 New Year’s resolution to create top ten lists every month is coming to a close. Are you ready to get DOWN because it’s Descent-ber! Yes, this month we’ll be exploring the top ten instances of falling, sliding, or general downward motion in video games. CanContinue reading “Descent-ber: Gravity in Games”
Nose-vember: Noses in Games
10) Dr. Eggman (first appeared in Sonic the Hedgehog; Sega 1991) Growing up, I always knew him as Dr. Robotnik, but in Japan, apparently, he was always Dr. Eggman. I was today year’s old when I learned that Eggman’s name actually is a reference to “I Am The Walrus” by The Beatles. Why did theContinue reading “Nose-vember: Noses in Games”
Fire in Games
The other night, I was driving to a friend’s house when I saw the unthinkable. A wildfire in the area had grown large enough where I could easily see its glow on the horizon. Dark clouds of smoke rose above it. I’ve always thought that the “bad things” are far away from me, but thereContinue reading “Fire in Games”
Octo-ber: Octopus in Games
Welcome to Octo-ber! This month, we deep-sea dive for the top ten appearances of octopi in video games! I actually came up with this idea last November, but since it was already past October at the time, it didn’t feel right to follow through with the project. So, I decided that I needed to dedicateContinue reading “Octo-ber: Octopus in Games”
Step-ember: Movement in Games
Being a visual art form, one of the first things you’ll notice when playing a game is how your character moves while you control them. Are they zooming through a level like Sonic the Hedgehog? Can you imagine the ground shake as you land a jump with Donkey Kong? Maybe you feel the lightness ofContinue reading “Step-ember: Movement in Games”
Happy 35th
“Shhhh!” he hushed loudly, turning to the crowd of rowdy bikers. “I’m trying to use the phone!” The bikers did NOT like being told what to do. Who was this guy in his neat, grey suit with a tiny red bowtie? Silently and slowly, they all stood and started to approach the little dweeb. “DidContinue reading “Happy 35th”
Odd-gust: Weirdness in Games
Say hello to the month of Odd-gust! Bizarre games are par for the course as we take a look at some of the most off-the-wall ideas that have ever graced our screens. 10) Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Apple II/MS-DOS 1984) Grab your towel and try not to panic! If you thought games like ManiacContinue reading “Odd-gust: Weirdness in Games”
Ju-lie: Deception in Games
Welcome to Ju-LIE! Today, we explore times where games have used lies or deception either to fool characters or YOU, the player! This article might contain a few spoilers, but I’d like to think a lot of these games are old enough where this won’t be necessarily an issue. What are some games you canContinue reading “Ju-lie: Deception in Games”
Mune: Moons in Games
Welcome to the month of Mune! This month, we explore the top ten instances of moons in video games. What are some of your favorites that should also be included on this list? Let me know in the comments! 10) The Lunar Cry in Final Fantasy 8 (Playstation 1999) Nothing drives me up the wallContinue reading “Mune: Moons in Games”
Mayz: Mazes in Games
Welcome to May! This month we celebrate the top ten mazes found in video games! Can you think of any mazes that should also be included? Leave me a comment! 10) 3D Maze Screensaver (Windows ’95) Lines that bounced when they hit the edge of the screen, dots that made you feel like you’re flyingContinue reading “Mayz: Mazes in Games”
Ape-ril: Primates in Games
It’s Ape-ril and we ARE monkeying around! This month, I’ll be taking a look at the Top Ten instances of primates in video games. In an effort to challenge myself, I’ve decided not to include any of the Donkey Kong characters (since I could easily make a top ten list from those apes alone!). WhatContinue reading “Ape-ril: Primates in Games”
Blarch: Grossness in Games
Welcome to Blarch!!!! (I swear the puns get better in future months). This month we take a look at the Top Ten gross things found in video games! Why? Because blaaaaaarch! (That was seriously the best pun I could muster). So, put away your maturity for a minute as we dive into the toilet ofContinue reading “Blarch: Grossness in Games”
Food-uary: Food in Games
Continuing with my 2020 monthly goal, enjoy my Top Ten instances of food in video games for Food-uary! What are some of your favorite versions of digital nourishment? Let me know in the comments. 10) Peach’s Cake in Super Mario 64 (N64 1996) “Please come to the castle. I’ve baked a cake for you,” promisesContinue reading “Food-uary: Food in Games”
3ds 90's arcade Art atari cartoons comics crayon Creative Writing creature keepers Disney dos dream dreams earthbound game boy gamecube gaming Halloween hand bosses health looney tunes mario mega man movies n64 ness nintendo Nostalgia pandemic pc perfect spoon pixel art playstation retro science fiction skifree spork super mario bros super nintendo Top Ten tv video games wii xbox
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Eric Hagmann Music 