It all began with SEGA…

One Christmas morning in 1992 (I remember it like it was yesterday), I unwrapped a SEGA Mega Drive console - I couldn’t believe my luck.

This was the first time I had ever come into contact with any form of computer game, never mind actually owning one. From the word go I fell in love with the artistry of the machine; the bright eye-popping visuals, fascinating storylines, and characters that have stayed with me to this day. Ax battler I salute you!

Although, at this time I was still a snotty nosed whippersnapper, I knew I wanted to do something creative. I wasn’t bothered about money, being famous or anything materialistic, I just wanted to be Sonic.

Unaware that people did this for a living, and being only six years old, my biggest worries focussed more around how deep I could dig a hole in the back garden, or if we were having sausages for tea.

The memories that are flooding back whilst writing this are bonkers. What fun it was! Before the Internet, DVD’s, before the regime of ‘Playstation’ and ‘Xbox’.

Filling my heart with joy

For me, nothing touched Golden Axe Two! I was instantly addicted and had rubbish skills, yet I was a devoted fan. I loved swinging my axe, throwing smoke bombs and riding tail-swinging dragons - it had everything. It wasn’t until I owned the title that I witnessed the power of the pixel and had some of my fondest family moments.

Consoles back then especially 16/32bit machines were pure, effortlessly playable and accessible to any and all. I recall waking up one morning around 7am to my dad crouching down with our kid on his lap playing Streets of Rage on silent. I said nothing, I just woke up, tiptoed over and sat on my old man’s knee mesmerised.

That memory alone fills my heart with joy, as I don’t get to see him too much nowadays. In a funny sort of way, I owe everything to that machine and the curious cartridges I collected. I have this to thank for my job, the childhood memories and the friends that I made and still knock about with to this day.

Jon Massey - Twitter

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