Few days in gaming history capture the breadth of the medium quite like August 12. Across the decades, this date has seen the debut of genre-defining arcade staples, fantasy strategy epics, physics-fuelled stunt riding, and an Australian-made cyber-thriller that made waves worldwide.
Whether you were battling Koopas in a coin-op cabinet, leading armies to glory on a beige PC, chasing perfect landings in XBLA challenges, or unravelling a digital conspiracy from your desk, today was the day for every kind of player.
Mario Bros. (Arcade) 1983
At A Glance
When Mario Bros. arrived in 1983, it introduced arcade-goers to a plumber duo who would go on to define gaming. This was Mario and Luigi before the Mushroom Kingdom, battling bizarre creatures in the sewers beneath New York. It was a vibrant, single-screen action game that invited players to rack up points, outlast waves of enemies, and develop sore wrists from frantic button mashing.
Gameplay Gist
Players clear each stage by knocking enemies over from below and then kicking them off the screen. The playfield is dotted with platforms, pipes, and the now-famous POW Block, which stuns enemies when struck. Momentum and timing are key, as careless jumps or mistimed attacks can quickly end a run. The two-player mode fosters both teamwork and sabotage, creating chaotic competitive moments.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
Mario Bros. was the first game to introduce Luigi, as well as the concept of Mario as a plumber. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Gunpei Yokoi, it built on arcade trends of the time while paving the way for platformers that followed. The game’s success cemented Mario’s role in Nintendo’s expanding arcade-to-home strategy.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- First appearance of Luigi
- Introduction of the POW Block
- Focus on enemy flipping and kicking rather than stomping
- Competitive and cooperative two-player gameplay
Kinda Similar
Joust, Bubble Bobble, Donkey Kong
Where To Play It Today
Search for Mario Bros. on eBay Australia
Warlords III (PC) 1997
At A Glance
Warlords III carried the beloved strategy series into a new era with deeper mechanics, sharper visuals, and more complex AI opponents. It was a turn-based fantasy strategy game where players commanded armies, managed resources, and vied for dominance across richly detailed maps. With a blend of city management, hero progression, and tactical combat, it appealed to both fans of the series and newcomers to the genre.
Gameplay Gist
Players take turns moving units, capturing cities, and recruiting new forces while balancing economic growth with military might. Heroes could gain experience, equip magical items, and lead armies with increased effectiveness. Strategic diplomacy and careful planning were key, as reckless expansion often left kingdoms vulnerable.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
Developed by Strategic Studies Group, an Australian studio, Warlords III showcased the country’s growing talent in the global strategy game scene. It featured a built-in map editor and supported multiplayer via hotseat, LAN, and modem connections, which was a significant draw for strategy enthusiasts in the late 1990s.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Turn-based fantasy strategy with deep hero development
- Extensive campaign and skirmish modes
- Map editor for custom scenarios
- Multiple victory conditions for varied playstyles
Kinda Similar
Heroes of Might and Magic III, Master of Magic, Civilization II
Where To Play It Today
Search for Warlords III on eBay Australia
Trials HD (X360) 2009
At A Glance
Trials HD took the physics-based motorcycle platforming formula and refined it into one of the most addictive downloadable titles on Xbox Live Arcade. Players raced against the clock, navigating intricate obstacle courses filled with jumps, ramps, and dangerous hazards. Its blend of precise controls, clever level design, and leaderboard competition kept players coming back for just one more run.
Gameplay Gist
The game’s simple controls hide a surprising level of depth. Acceleration, braking, and careful shifting of the rider’s weight determine success or failure on each track. Levels range from straightforward sprints to devious gauntlets where every movement counts. Replays and ghosts encouraged players to shave milliseconds off their best times while avoiding spectacular crashes.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
Developed by RedLynx, Trials HD built upon the studio’s long history with Trials games on PC. Its success on Xbox Live Arcade was instrumental in bringing smaller, downloadable titles into the spotlight during the console generation.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Physics-driven motorcycle platforming
- Hundreds of community-created levels via the in-game editor
- Addictive leaderboard competition
- Mixture of skill-based and puzzle-like obstacle design
Any Controversies?
No major controversies, though some players found the difficulty spikes in later tracks punishing enough to walk away in frustration.
Kinda Similar
Trials Evolution, Joe Danger, Excitebike
Where To Play It Today
Search for Trials HD on eBay Australia
Hacknet (PC) 2015
At A Glance
Hacknet is a terminal-based hacking simulator that blends puzzle-solving with an unfolding mystery. Players receive messages from a recently deceased hacker named Bit, who tasks them with completing his work and uncovering the truth behind his death. The game’s immersive command-line interface and realistic hacking mechanics set it apart from more arcade-style interpretations of the genre.
Gameplay Gist
Using real-world-inspired commands, players infiltrate systems, steal data, and manipulate networks while avoiding detection. The non-linear structure allows missions to be approached in different orders, with consequences for choices made along the way. The soundtrack and visual style create a tense, focused atmosphere that makes each success feel earned.
Core Memory
When I first played Hacknet, I remember the adrenaline rush of pulling off a hack just before a security trace completed. The simple interface hid layers of complexity, and each mission felt like a personal battle of wits against the clock.
Behind The Scenes Trivia
Developed by Adelaide-based Team Fractal Alligator, Hacknet received praise for its authenticity and educational value. It was supported with expansions like Hacknet Labyrinths, which expanded the storyline and added more advanced hacking tools.
Connoisseur Cheat Sheet
- Realistic hacking mechanics using command-line inputs
- Branching narrative with multiple endings
- Minimalist yet atmospheric presentation
- Expansion packs available for extended play
Kinda Similar
Uplink, Else Heart.Break(), Quadrilateral Cowboy
Where To Play It Today
Search for Hacknet on eBay Australia
