The Racketboy Summer Games Challenge has always been my favorite event on the forum -- something I would come back to year after year, even if I'd been otherwise inactive. @alienjesus put a lot of energy and time into running it for goodness knows how long, and I want to thank him for tirelessly building us a clubhouse and keeping the lights on for us each season. Although I can't possibly run as tight a ship as he did, he's letting me take the helm for 2022.
So, let's get packing, campers!
The Challenge: A Quick History Lesson
Over a decade ago a forum member named SnickerD00dle began issuing an annual challenge: play through ten classic games you've never beaten over the course of the summer. The genius of the challenge is that it gives everyone the freedom to pursue their own customized lists while still guaranteeing that conversation will be lively, since each game you pick will no doubt hold a place in another participant's heart (or nightmares). You'll find that folks are eager to share their memories and/or live vicariously through you as you play, as well commiserate and help you out if you get stuck. It's a blast.
Generally speaking and simply put, a classic is a "definitive" game (or game series) that many gamers have played. I am absolutely not going to police lists, but for the sake of generating community conversation, try to pick titles and/or series that a lot of folks have connections to. Capeesh?
Difficulty Levels
Now, SnickerD00dle's original rules have loosened over time, and I'm glad of it, because it makes me sad when people forgo the challenge because they fixate on the rules and get scared off by the perceived pressure and commitment. Thus, this year I am instituting difficulty settings. (This might be a stupid idea, but there's only way to find out, so I'm diving in and we'll see how it goes over.) Choose exactly how much pressure you want to put on yourself -- and yes, difficulty can be adjusted at any time during the summer!
HARDCORE MODE (SnickerD00dle's original stipulations):
- Make a list of 10 classic games you've never beaten
- Try to finish all of them before the summer's end
- Make a list of 5-10 classic games you've never beaten
- Try to finish 5 before the summer's end
- Make a list of 1-10 classic games you've never beaten
- Try to finish 1 before the summer's end
Season Dates
- Season Start: May 2022
- Season End: September 2022
So, pick a difficulty and let's get discussing our lists! Really looking forward to doing this again with you all.
Also, feel free to drop some nice comments about @alienjesus for carrying this challenge on his shoulders for so long. I'm sure he'll appreciate them as much as we've appreciated his efforts.