Abandonwarez: the pros outweigh the cons
First posted on 24 July 2000. Last updated on 15 September 2006.
When a person creates something, whether that creation is a building, a novel, a poem, a song, or a film, that person is doing so for 2 reasons. First, that person is satisfying a personal desire to create. It is not possible to point out exactly what it is that drives creation, but if you ask someone who creates the answer you probably receive is that it is somewhat like an itch that demands to…
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Previous Comments
- By Larry Koss • On 18 December 2001 • From Florida
- By MD Henderson • On 03 November 2001 • From Idaho Falls/USA
- By Warmonger • On 03 July 2001 • From Canada
- By jonathan • On 08 April 2001 • From malta
- By Cqde Red • On 23 February 2001 • From Tasmania, Australia
- By Thomas Tung • On 09 August 2000 • From U.S.
- By Matthew Marden • On 08 August 2000 • From Gloucester, England, UK
- By Rodrigo Abrahim • On 01 August 2000 • From Brazil
- By Cayukatee • On 27 July 2000 • From Somewhere
- By Brett • On 25 July 2000 • From BC, Canada
I agree that “old games, adventure games” should be free and preserved. One of my first computer games was Scorched Earth, very simple game but I enjoyed it.
Cheers, Larry
I too have worked with computers and played games to long to admit. My children (who are all out of their teens) grew up with computers and now beat my pants off at the games. I have been collecting older games just for the fun of it and so that my kids and theirs can enjoy them to.
(If I seem to ramble, sorry, but please bear with me.)
I therefore find nothing more frustrating then finding good games that are second or third in a series but cannot find the previous games anywhere!!!! (i.e. Lords of the realm II, warlords III)
I had made it a policy to purchase a game or program as a compliment of the person who wrote, proofed, tested and made them worthwhile, but how can you do that when they no longer even acknowledge them (Broderbund-Castles of Dr. Creep).
Until a friend told me of abandonware I had sadly written the games off.
With all this in mind, how can anyone complain of someone sharing the past that is unavailable any other way!!
Thank you for walking proudly into the wind for the rest of us.
P.S. I would not mind your sharing my opinion with others, but please only credit it to the name “Drifter” with no address.
I think your opinion on Abandonware etc has been mis-informed....goto my site, and you tell me that I am not doing a service to old software houses by putting their games for all to download and see what real computer gaming was all about in the 80’s and early 90’s. The games not only are no longer distributed by SSI, SSG, Microprose etc, but they are at times impossible to find anywhere, for any price! If it wasnt for sites like mine, these CLASSIC games would die, disappear, and be superceded by the next best thing.
Have some fun, and enjoy the WAR!!
I think that games older than 10 years should be available for download free.
Who would buy them anyway?!
How about doing an article on Home the Underdogs’ (http://www.theunderdogs.org) current argument with the IDSA. Also, I thought I’d let you know the SPA and IDSA are currently cracking down on abandonware sites while they don’t touch 0-day warez sites… Fair? I think it would make an interesting article for you guys.
Strongly agree, especially as the established abandonware sites (TUOL, Underdogs, etc.) STRICTLY establish guidelines for abandonware.
In reference to the article about Abandonwarez:
I totally agree with it, but it isn’t just about adventure games.... there are many many decent old games which are no longer available in shops etc.
I must admit I’ve been going to abandonware sites for about 3-4 months now, and just getting some of those old jems!!!
I just read the article “Abandonwarez: The pros outweigh the cons” and by the time I finished it I was so excited I started collecting more games for my fourth abandonwares CD. I’ve never read such a touching article about Abandonwares defense. It is perfectly correct!! We gotta save these games for our kids, so if one day they like playing computer games they can learn their history!!!
Good ‘ol abandonware. I still love these classics especially the space quest, and quest for glory series amongst others. I not only ejoy thses games because of gameplay, but because of a more personal approach, takes me back to the golden age of computer games. I love, and its’s now part of my everyday life.
If it weren’t for abandonware, I wouldn’t have
been able to experience such games as the
King’s Quest Series, Space Quest Series, the
X-COM Series, Wizardry and so many others. The
people who work hard to preserve these great
games for years to come ought to be commended,
because now I will be able to share classic
games with my kids and they can show their kids
etc, etc. I feel all classics are worth
saving, no matter how primitive the graphics or
sound or interface.
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