I really appreciate you Rob for taking the time to tell us the emotional roadbloacks you had to face during your teenage years - that was really touching.
I wasn't bullied as in being beat up, but I was bullied more verbally and socially. Video games helped me escape from the awfulness that was school and it felt great seeing characters and I loved rather than annoying people I hated in my life.
I agree. After all the of the stress from school and work, I like coming home and playing a video game. If I'm feeling angry, I can come home and play an a first person shooter like Call of Duty or an action game like God of War. There are times where I feel like without it, I would break down from the stress.
+Edgar Never too late to make awesome friends man. I'm a big board game player and found a group of other board game players on BBG. In the past 3-4 years they have become awesome friends of mine. If you're a gamer check forums, sub reddits, look up retro video game stores. If you search you will find other people who enjoy your passions and before you know it develop some new positive relationships.
+Joseph LoPresto Thanks mate, but you probably know how hard it is to make new friends, after you have reached 30. Thanks for the tips... I´ll give it a go.
Rob's description of Johnny is Bromance at it's finest. Cheers guys! The HCG channel has been an amazing therapy for me. Be proud of the fact that you help people in everyday life by telling relateable stories and being such awesome bro's.
I've been eating my breakfast during your Sunday videos for the past few weeks. There's so many great memories with the NES. Those tough games taught me patience and to keep trying.
thank you Rob you telling your story has really help today I have been in a real dark place lately and I been felling hollow for so long. just last night I broke down crying because I fell like I have no ture friends. I try talking to one of my oldest friend and all she did was talk like she was written fortune cookie and I know it was heart felt but it did not help and I told her that now she's mad at me. I felt at my lowest last night but hearing your story really did help. I'm glad I'm not the only one that went through that kind of life and turn to games for escape gba for me. thank you to Johnny for having this episod👍
I was born in 1988 but played the NES when I was very young starting maybe 1992/1993. When I think of the NES in those days, I think of warm summers going to my cousin's house and playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mario. I have incredible nostalgia for those days because that was all I had to care about. It was eternal childhood bliss and I miss it terribly.
+JohnnyDeppFan1433 I was born 1988 as well. I played NES for the first time when I was three years old, 1991. The games I played were The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man 2, Castlevania 3 and of course Super Mario Bros+Tetris+Nintendo WorldCup 3in1. I cant remember which one was the very first game I played. I think it was Zelda or Mega Man 2. Can't remember. Warm summers which changed my life forever. Everything was perfect at that time and then the Snes came out. Mindblown. My friend got a Sega Master System and Genesis. We played the shit out of these games we got. Sorry for my bad english.
same I was also born in 1988 and my first console was the nes which my parents bought me in the early 90s.. the reason I play games to this day is because of the nes..
I just wanna say thanks for sharing your story on this episode. While I was growing up I was also bullied for quite a few years from 6th grade through 12th grade. I was deeply touched got emotional once you spoke about your experience because I can relate with you on so many different levels. I also found a way to escape away from it all through video games, especially the NES. Also once our local video stores started to rent out NES games I was in heaven. I couldn't wait until Friday night because my parents would pay for us (me and my younger brother) to rent a couple games for the weekend. Even through the constant bullying at school, those weekends we spent with the NES were some of the best memories I've ever had in my life. Thanks again for sharing!
That's a very real story which I relate to all to much, beat up everyday, escaping into games, I even had that one friend just like Johnny who was way tougher than me and helped me out a lot. That said you can't expect everyone to find a "safe space" in games, folks have different needs. Thanks for sharing Rob.
It's great you and Robman found each other. You're not just friends. You became brothers. And even before Rob said it, it was already in my head that you and the NES had saved him from that awful life. I agree with what Rob said about the correlation between violence and video games and I just roll my eyes at the people who spout off nonsense that the games are what bring violence to our society. For me, video games were just fun and it was the NES that showed how advanced they were becoming. The SNES carried the torch. I remember craving deeper stories once I got a PS1 and played Final Fantasy 7. I always hated reading but these RPGs were my reading. I don't get to play as much now at age 35, but still enjoy games and the escape they give me. I've been living in depression for almost 16 years. I've had PTSD since my roommate was murdered in 2008 (flying to LA to be a guest on Dr. Phil tomorrow). I was declared diabetic in June and am trying to overcome my phobia of needles. I've had ulcers, dry eyes, and abrasions in my eyes that got so bad my eyelids are still partially stitched closed. I had a rotated hip 2 years ago and just now completed 3 months of physical therapy after I was double teamed by a bone spur on my foot and mild arthritis in my ankles. I deal with all this while avoiding the temptation to die in this lonely world, yet decades later, a little Mario, Mega Man, Street Fighter, or whatever just feel great to play and remember I can beat a trial laid out before me.
Friendship, nostalgia, and focusing on positivity in gaming are the three pillars of this channel- and it's always so remarkably refreshing and heartwarming. Honestly, thank you for being so open and thoughtful. You two rock!
For me video games and nintendo were an escape from being sick. I was always a sickly person with numerous health problems and couldn't really play sports or anything like that but when I played video games I could do anything, be anything. Now I am in my 30's and wheel chair bound. I have a wonderful family and things but sometimes my pain levels are high and with health issues comes some depression and video games are still an escape and release for me.
Thought I had maxed out my respect-o-meter for you guys. I was wrong. This isn't just a video game show, this is special. Always so passionate, honest and never fail to connect on an emotional level. Rare guys. Very rare.
I was an only child and raised by a single parent. I played regular Nintendo as a past time, hobby, and as entertainment. But Nintendo wasn't just a distraction. Nintendo was my friend. It helped me escape. To become a hero, a pilot, a racer, an adventurer. It helped me when I was depressed, lonely, angry and upset. Playing Dragon Spirit on my 1986 Red Zenith 9inch color tv that was all mine took me away to a better place. Thank you Nintendo.
OMG Rob's openness was so cool! I think we all had similar times in our youths when we were bullied, and finding an escape was so essential! My case might not have been quite as extreme as yours Rob, but I can feel your torment right now as I write this comment! I have been a life long game enthusiast and I thank you and Johnie for rekindling all those memories and passions! Game on dudes.....game on!
Wow. Def one of your best videos, change the title! This was more than just reminiscing about the NES! This let us know deeper and more personally the relationship between you two and it's beautiful. Honestly looking at te shear size of rob it was easy for me to misconstrue that rob was a guy picked on before. Not a cheesy PA, Draw My Life, or anything. This was a surprisingly deep video that you guys shared with us. Thanks guys for all te hard work, entertainment, awesome personalities and almost reaching out to us fans after all these years. You guys are honestly awesome friends and it just makes us love you all more to share with us more personal stuff like this. And rob, I'm super sorry that happened to you. What an awful experience that must've been horribly dreadful. I'm happy not just for the NES and Johnny being there, but the fact you remained an exuberant and passionate guy after all that bullshit. We're lucky to have you around, man.
Rob's story is very relatable. I can remember hanging out with my small group of friends, dorky/unpopular kids all, and talking games all day at school, games were a big time escape. The NES was my first console and the one that made me a life long gamer.
30 years, geez. Thanks for sharing, a lot of us understand. I love how you guys can be so open and casual when you sit down a d record, it's almost like you're right there on the couch with the viewers. You guys are excellent as always!
This really hit me, I've had pretty much the same experience and honestly IDK what I'd do with out gaming in my life. Thanks for shearing Rob, I know its hard to talk about things like that.
The NES Action set holds very dear to me too. I got mine in 1991 and it made me the gamer I am today. Such an amazing system and a great time to be a kid. Thanks for sharing your stories.
Johnny and Rob, you guys were one of the first retro game channels I've ever subscribed to and I've stuck around so long because you guys are just the best story tellers. Real stories coming from real dudes with real emotions and experiences. I want to thank you both for being such entertaining and honest guys. Cheers!
i was like rob and got bullied constantly. i also didnt really have friends or social skills due to the constant bullying at school which lasted until i finished highschool. gaming was also an escape for me and has and still does mean alot to my life. your story touched me as i was beat up alot too.
i fuckin love this man, it’s crazy the conversation you guys had about being in your early 20s and nostalgic for NES games. I was 9 years old when I found this channel initially. My grandma had just bought me Dragon Quest IV on the DS (she thought it was Dragon Ball) so I went on a searching spree and eventually came across HCG. I’m 20 now living alone with a full time job and I’m still watching the channel, nostalgic for you guys being nostalgic about being nostalgic lmao. Also huge love to you guys, so happy for Rob. I hope most who have to go through that shit have at least half a beautiful light at the end of their tunnel. Kids, a wife, a lifelong friend and a true passion. You guys are the greatest.
"Escapism" is a good word for it. I can relate to a lot. Video games and books are what helped me. I got bullied all through school too, and my family moved around a lot (13 times before I got out of elementary school). So it was a constant feeling of dread and anxiety, because, like you said, everyone is forming their little friendship groups, and when your family moves towns every 6 months you get left behind pretty quickly in any social circles.
Great video guys and great courage to say the things you said Rob. I went through some familiar stuff although not quite as bad as yours. Man I wanted to give you a hug through the screen towards the end when you were talking about how thankful you were for the Nes and Johnny.
I get everything you are saying Rob, it was the same for me growing up and having an escape from that shit was huge! I love the NES and SNES, got me through a lot. Thanks for sharing guys
I wasn't bullied anywhere near as much as Rob was (I had friends but would every now and then get bullied, etc), but I can fully understand the escapism that games can have. I really liked the NES, but the SNES was more significant to me (I am a little younger, but I genuinely felt it had much better games). I then got more into Sega and when they stopped making consoles, moved on to Playstation. So the last Nintendo console I owned was the SNES XD Escapism through gaming is something that goes well beyond childhood, it is always great to get out of work knowing I can continue on my latest RPG game (or play Fight Night if I had a bad day.... seriously, that is NOTHING more therapeutic than playing Fight Night 3 or 4 when you are pissed off ;) ).
I was born in 1988 and I grew up with the Sega Master System, Mega Drive and Playstation during my "child" years. I was always bullied, beaten, mocked, verbally throughout my years at school. That escape from reality really helped me get through the stuff that was going on. It's when I moved to high school that it turned into an utter nightmare where I had no friends and would get beaten daily. I needed my video games, cartoon and anime to get through it. The main thing was when I reached my darkest at 16 and I became extremely suicidal and self harmed, discovering Kingdom Hearts and the character Sora who had such a huge impact on me got me through it and helped push me into the long path to finally having social skills, being happy with who I was and not being ashamed of the things that bring me joy. Still today at 27 I love my video games, my favourite tv shows to watch are cartoons like Steven Universe and I'm happy with being myself.
I remember getting my Nes in 87 and I loved it, I was never bullied, and actually I was the one who defended those that got picked on. But by 92 in high school I was way too much into girls, weed and playing guitar that by 93 I didn't really play games anymore until about 97 when I got my ps1.
great vid guys, Robman, sorry you had to go through that for 10 years? thats insane bro! I've been through that kind of stuff when I was around 9, but it lasted a month or so, can't even imagine how bad it was. Really nice insight of the friendship as well.. I definitely have friends who 'saved' me and i hope they can say the same about me.. thats what true friendship is.. anyway, lets all just tear the house down for Rob being in more videos, you were missed our friend!
Damn I would love to see more pics of Rob back in the day. Really kinda connected with this episode, when I was younger...always got harassed by other kids in the neighborhood and got picked on. Ended up playing a lot of N64 in my parents basement, when high school started things just changed. Found a friendship like yours and Johnny's. You guys rock!
I remember when I was in 3rd grade my brother introduced me to the Nintendo Entertainment System and I remember playing the first Legend of Zelda and Mario Bros and loving both of them and I still have a small collection of my favorite games(Mega Man 2, Zelda 1 and 2, Mario Bros 1,2,3, Battletoads, Contra, Bubble Bobble, Duck Tales and Mike Tysons Punch Out.
I totally understand where you're coming from Rob. I was chased home literally every day from school, and one of the things I had that helped me through that time were my consoles. I didn't have a friend or a buddy at the time that I could talk and share the things I was going through with, but the few hours a day I could get through a game level sucessfully, the dopamine rush that I got from that helped me to push on. Thanks for sharing, and I hope we get 30 more years of games that will give us nostalgia as we look back.
I always love to hear your guys' stories and how you bond over video games. For me, video games were a learning aid since I was terribly dyslexic as a kid, and my teachers would put me in corners and simply leave me to myself since they would get irritated dealing with me as I couldn't write, speak properly, or read. This extended into my social life by literally having no communication ability. Video games were basically my friend and teacher, especially when speech was becoming prominent in the mid-90s, so I could talk along, or hear pronunciations. So, yeah, video games helped my dyslexia when my teachers gave up, and my parents were too busy or didn't know how to deal with it.
I love seeing your videos and hearing the love you have for the nes makes me thankful for this community and others that love the nintendo and video games in general
Just remember loved playing it with my older brother. He was an athlete, loved the NES when we were kids, and he would just be so cool when I was getting bullied. Looked out for me and helped me fit in socially. The clique I had in school were also gamers but to me really do miss those days when it was my parents, older sister, and older brother renting a game and playing it for hours on end. And, if you noticed the past tense my brother passed 1975-2014 thanks guys you brought back a lot of happiness.
I remember the night I got a Nintendo. I forget my age, but I was really young. Me and my dad were playing the asteroids on the 2600, probably owned it 2 months. Then one night he is like "want to go exchange this for a Nintendo?" Back when you can return anything whenever lol. And it all started from there :)
@HappyConsoleGamer great video ! I feel the same way about the Nes and nintendo as a whole it took me away in a time i needed it and also fond memories with my mom and i playing having popcorn and playing supermario and laughing because my mom would get sweaty hands and freak out because she had to jump across areas in sky levels or playing kid icaris or when we for the first time beat zelda and samus was a female ,my mom passed away from cancer in 2011 and all these games still make me smile for those memories i had with her.Im still playin games til this day it definetly is an exscape and still just as fun as when i was a little kid ,anyways great video as usual thanks for sharing your story !
This is why this channel is so great. It's about more than just the games. Video games can make you feel like YOU CAN make a difference, YOU CAN overcome obstacles in your life, YOU CAN slay your own personal demons. Fantastic episode guys. I hope this channel sticks around forever.
Another brilliant video. A lot of Rob's story really hit home for me, compound that onto being an only child and things were pretty rough. Glad you made it through it and got to make so many happy memories after the bad. Keep it up, guys.
Have so many wonderful memories of the NES. I'm now 37 so was at a great age when it came out. So many great games I really really feel it was a great era in gaming.
I know the feeling Rob I got bullied a lot in primary school (I live in Scotland), not just by the pupils but by some of the teachers as well. I've never thought about it until watching this video, but the PS2 was a way to escape for me as well. I still look back and think the only happy times I had from the age of 8 to 12 was playing video games. I did have a few friends but I got more time being bullied than I did hanging out with my friends. And I love that I can watch you guys feeling nostalgic over games because that's what I love doing. And the great thing is going back and being nostalgic, creates more nostalgic memories :)
Had a little cry watching this, and laughed too. So nice to have kindred spirits in the world. Thanks for being so great to each other, and thanks for existing for the rest of us, too. I think the true miracle of video games is how it touches our humanity, as this video proves.
When I look at Rob, I can only picture him in one of those 1950's mens bathing suits that were like shorts that transitioned into tank tops, holding a giant round barbell weight and a long curly mustache.
+Lonegrim O Halloween costume idea. Great episode Rob and John, more please! Also do another resident evil playthrough, after shovel knight, castlevania, or Metroid. Cheers!
I had a two year period were I didn't have an friends and so I played video games a lot. For me it was the PS2, Kingdom Hearts, Ratchet and Clank and Jak and Daxter. That was my childhood in a nut shell. Oh, and Pokemon, lots and lots pokemon.
I can relate to Rob's story quite a bit. My family moved around a lot when I was a kid. On average we moved once ever 2 or 3 years, sometimes more sometimes less, and Nintendo was the only thing that I had during some of these moves. I probably spent more time playing games like Secret of Mana, ALtoP, Super Metriod and Doom than I did with most people. Much like Rob said, it was the only thing I had to keep myself sane. I'm glad you guys made this video and showed me that I'm not the only one who went through such hardships and also found an escape in Nintendo.
Noticed Bionic Commando in your stack of games. It was incredible!!! Thanks for including that in your video. Game was classic. And I just noticed you have Blaster Master in the stack! Great collection!
Man I relate so much to Rob and we both dealt with it the exact same way. I was also a sensitive kid and got bullied throughout almost all of primary school (idk what you call it in the States/Canada) until I left. Got better in high school but video games were always an escape for me, my parents were stressed too and the school blamed me too.
Hey Johnny and Rob, I was there are the Portland Gaming Expo a year back. At your panel we all really had a moment. It went pretty deep and we can relate on a lot of personal experiences. The " FUCK THOSE GUYS" moment was so special. Thank you two for just being you and sharing :).
This video brought back many memories of a very tough era in my life. At age 13 i had a severe speech impediment, i was being bullied in school, my school work was suffering, and my dad had suffered a massive heart attack and was recovering from a heart operation...as a result of all these pressures on me i was very depressed and lived a very secluded life, but my saving grace was my NES and specifically Super Mario Bros 3, i played Mario 3 for three months straight, every single day...it was my release from my own depressing life. Mario 3 and the NES changed my outlook on life drastically and just when i needed it most. The NES gave me something to look forward too every day, a reason to get out of bed and thank goodness i was alive. I absolutely conquered Mario 3, found every secret in the game, knew every world off by heart and absolutely loved every second of it. The NES is a special console in my life, it was where gaming came alive to me and i found a hidden talent for playing games i never knew i had. Love the NES, love Mario 3 and i think this is a very important and relatable video you guys have made. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
You guys are so fucking awesome at telling stories, you hook me each and every time. Awesome video and memories from the NES and your early days of gaming with Nintendo. I was born in '88 so my most vivid nostalgia is heavily N64 based with the likes of Mario 64, Zelda OOT, and Wave Race but i can completely relate to these experiences. Just glad to see you guys chilling together and chatting about the old days.. you always have a story to tell. Anyway have a great week ahead. Until next time!
Rob Man from 3rd grade till high school I was picked on pretty bad. I did the same thing as you I'd come home angry and confused and the only thing that made me feel better was playing videogames. The N64 and PS1 saved me man. Thanks for sharing your story It always helps when you know you weren't the only one.
So great to hear about Rob's personal nintendo experience, you guys are right it's more than just video games. My biggest personal video game experience came during the Nintendo 64 era, I was about 10 years old and my parents would fight all the time, which eventually led them to split up. I was old enough to understand what was going on and I had these conflicting feelings within myself, to get away from it, I would play this wonderful machine with my little brother and we would have the greatest time. I'll always look back on the N64 as this awesome console that gave us much needed joy during very dark times. For that I'll love nintendo always
+Walker Studios One of my "nick names" was titties because I'm fat. One day one of them decided to grab one and call me it. I backed away and called him gay. Everyone in the locker room started to laugh and call him gay. The gym teacher told him now you know how he feels. they stopped calling me that.:)
+lone wolf what he did was gay looking and if I didn't call him gay they would have called me gay for he just did to me. FyI this guy kidded my ass on a daily basis so no I"m nothing like him.
Thank-you for this episode. I didn't expect this. It made me think about how I was bullied in elementary school and the role that my NES played in coping. I never considered that until now. Here, over 25 years later I collect games and have worked in the gaming industry for 16 years. And my one friend from the NES days is still my friend...was playing Battlefront with him just last night.
Sorry to hear about the shit you had to go through as a kid Rob. Glad you came out the other side. Had similar issues as a young kid myself and gaming helped me through it too.
It is quite sad that Rob and many others have to go through that sort of thing, good that you had something to help you get through it and in the end you got a great friend too. Great episode guys.
+AllwaysRight1 How exactly? I checked the specs for master system, and the master system had a little better here and there so i'll give it that, but what about the games? NES had far more memorable games than master system. You might have memories of having a master system as a kid, but if you look at the general aspect, by far, NES was the bigger one. It was the introduction to the most iconic characters and franchises in gaming. Mario, Zelda, Mega Man, Metroid, Castlevania, Contra, list goes on. Sega grew a lot bigger with Genesis/Mega drive, i'd say.
Great vid, great stories, you speak what we all feel and remember. This is exactly why retro gaming is so special for adults right now, this was OUR childhood
The emotion in this episode, love you guys, can't thank you enough for all the time you've put in with the channel. You're appreciated lads and this episode just shows that overcoming adversity is the secret recipe to successes!
How do you guys keep coming through with these amazing stories of your past ;) Great stuff and amazing you found each other and remain friends to this day. Nintendo is a dream machine for sure! Thanks for the video!
This is something very rarely talked about and you guys nailed it. The escape that games give us are exactly the reason why I play, still today. A great game immerses you in its world and takes you away. Many of the newer games have become realistic, too much so. Thanks for sharing!
Wow I got to say, what an amazing story. You guys always show people the other side of games and the impact they have on us. Thank you for the great videos guys!
I remember getting my NES at Christmas. My brother and I were playing mario world 1-1 and I'll never forget when he went down the pipe for the first time..blew our minds :) To this day, still some of my best memories.
![Quando Rondo - Life Goes On [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eIf3fhMXAow/mqdefault.jpg)
Man Rob went through a lot and now he has a wife and kids. I respect this guy even more now.
Rob is awesome!!!!
I really appreciate you Rob for taking the time to tell us the emotional roadbloacks you had to face during your teenage years - that was really touching.
I wasn't bullied as in being beat up, but I was bullied more verbally and socially. Video games helped me escape from the awfulness that was school and it felt great seeing characters and I loved rather than annoying people I hated in my life.
+EAPvideoz Same here
+EAPvideoz Same here. It also was a way of living an adventure. School was sometimes just too damn boring.
+EAPvideoz Same here to dude
+EAPvideoz Wow my story is excatly the same people tried to beat me up but it didnt end well.
I agree. After all the of the stress from school and work, I like coming home and playing a video game. If I'm feeling angry, I can come home and play an a first person shooter like Call of Duty or an action game like God of War. There are times where I feel like without it, I would break down from the stress.
Sigh... I wish I grew up with you two as my friends.
+Edgar I feel your pain and raise it.
+xNinja83x wanna be buddies?
Edgar Sure
+Edgar Never too late to make awesome friends man. I'm a big board game player and found a group of other board game players on BBG. In the past 3-4 years they have become awesome friends of mine. If you're a gamer check forums, sub reddits, look up retro video game stores. If you search you will find other people who enjoy your passions and before you know it develop some new positive relationships.
+Joseph LoPresto Thanks mate, but you probably know how hard it is to make new friends, after you have reached 30. Thanks for the tips... I´ll give it a go.
Rob's description of Johnny is Bromance at it's finest. Cheers guys! The HCG channel has been an amazing therapy for me. Be proud of the fact that you help people in everyday life by telling relateable stories and being such awesome bro's.
I've been eating my breakfast during your Sunday videos for the past few weeks. There's so many great memories with the NES. Those tough games taught me patience and to keep trying.
HCG is the best show to watch with breakfast!
+Game Galaxy Totally true!!! I just finished my breakfast hahaha
Those tough games taught me back then that controllers weren't cheap :)
thank you Rob you telling your story has really help today I have been in a real dark place lately and I been felling hollow for so long. just last night I broke down crying because I fell like I have no ture friends. I try talking to one of my oldest friend and all she did was talk like she was written fortune cookie and I know it was heart felt but it did not help and I told her that now she's mad at me. I felt at my lowest last night but hearing your story really did help. I'm glad I'm not the only one that went through that kind of life and turn to games for escape gba for me. thank you to Johnny for having this episod👍
+eric welch
You're never alone Eric. I'm right here any time you need someone. :)
Thank you so much that means so much to me right now
You two are my favorite friendship on the internet. :)
The emotions I felt while watching this. Rob's story is very similar to my own.
I was born in 1988 but played the NES when I was very young starting maybe 1992/1993. When I think of the NES in those days, I think of warm summers going to my cousin's house and playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mario. I have incredible nostalgia for those days because that was all I had to care about. It was eternal childhood bliss and I miss it terribly.
+JohnnyDeppFan1433 Same here!
+JohnnyDeppFan1433 I was born 1988 as well. I played NES for the first time when I was three years old, 1991. The games I played were The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man 2, Castlevania 3 and of course Super Mario Bros+Tetris+Nintendo WorldCup 3in1. I cant remember which one was the very first game I played. I think it was Zelda or Mega Man 2. Can't remember. Warm summers which changed my life forever. Everything was perfect at that time and then the Snes came out. Mindblown. My friend got a Sega Master System and Genesis. We played the shit out of these games we got. Sorry for my bad english.
same I was also born in 1988 and my first console was the nes which my parents bought me in the early 90s.. the reason I play games to this day is because of the nes..
I miss those times too...
***** Lol, I had the Genesis in 1993 :) Family and friends still had NES
I just wanna say thanks for sharing your story on this episode. While I was growing up I was also bullied for quite a few years from 6th grade through 12th grade. I was deeply touched got emotional once you spoke about your experience because I can relate with you on so many different levels. I also found a way to escape away from it all through video games, especially the NES. Also once our local video stores started to rent out NES games I was in heaven. I couldn't wait until Friday night because my parents would pay for us (me and my younger brother) to rent a couple games for the weekend. Even through the constant bullying at school, those weekends we spent with the NES were some of the best memories I've ever had in my life. Thanks again for sharing!
You guys show me what friendships should be! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us, it truly means the world to me..
That's a very real story which I relate to all to much, beat up everyday, escaping into games, I even had that one friend just like Johnny who was way tougher than me and helped me out a lot. That said you can't expect everyone to find a "safe space" in games, folks have different needs. Thanks for sharing Rob.
It's great you and Robman found each other. You're not just friends. You became brothers. And even before Rob said it, it was already in my head that you and the NES had saved him from that awful life. I agree with what Rob said about the correlation between violence and video games and I just roll my eyes at the people who spout off nonsense that the games are what bring violence to our society.
For me, video games were just fun and it was the NES that showed how advanced they were becoming. The SNES carried the torch. I remember craving deeper stories once I got a PS1 and played Final Fantasy 7. I always hated reading but these RPGs were my reading. I don't get to play as much now at age 35, but still enjoy games and the escape they give me. I've been living in depression for almost 16 years. I've had PTSD since my roommate was murdered in 2008 (flying to LA to be a guest on Dr. Phil tomorrow). I was declared diabetic in June and am trying to overcome my phobia of needles. I've had ulcers, dry eyes, and abrasions in my eyes that got so bad my eyelids are still partially stitched closed. I had a rotated hip 2 years ago and just now completed 3 months of physical therapy after I was double teamed by a bone spur on my foot and mild arthritis in my ankles. I deal with all this while avoiding the temptation to die in this lonely world, yet decades later, a little Mario, Mega Man, Street Fighter, or whatever just feel great to play and remember I can beat a trial laid out before me.
Friendship, nostalgia, and focusing on positivity in gaming are the three pillars of this channel- and it's always so remarkably refreshing and heartwarming. Honestly, thank you for being so open and thoughtful. You two rock!
For me video games and nintendo were an escape from being sick. I was always a sickly person with numerous health problems and couldn't really play sports or anything like that but when I played video games I could do anything, be anything. Now I am in my 30's and wheel chair bound. I have a wonderful family and things but sometimes my pain levels are high and with health issues comes some depression and video games are still an escape and release for me.
Try marijuana. Its non addictive, non toxic, and you cant overdose on it. I gurrantee it will help with any kind of pain physical or emotional
+MrFrancesc11 except anxiety unfortunately.
+xNinja83x true here, I smoked for 25 years and it gives me anxiety nowadays.Not fun like it used to be long ago.
rellik187redrum Me too,Just started causing panic attacks out of the blue one day so I had to quit.
John Smith Well I'm glad I'm not the only one. Everyone I know acts like I am lying or something.
Thought I had maxed out my respect-o-meter for you guys. I was wrong.
This isn't just a video game show, this is special.
Always so passionate, honest and never fail to connect on an emotional level. Rare guys. Very rare.
I was an only child and raised by a single parent. I played regular Nintendo as a past time, hobby, and as entertainment. But Nintendo wasn't just a distraction. Nintendo was my friend. It helped me escape. To become a hero, a pilot, a racer, an adventurer. It helped me when I was depressed, lonely, angry and upset. Playing Dragon Spirit on my 1986 Red Zenith 9inch color tv that was all mine took me away to a better place. Thank you Nintendo.
OMG Rob's openness was so cool! I think we all had similar times in our youths when we were bullied, and finding an escape was so essential! My case might not have been quite as extreme as yours Rob, but I can feel your torment right now as I write this comment! I have been a life long game enthusiast and I thank you and Johnie for rekindling all those memories and passions! Game on dudes.....game on!
Wow. Def one of your best videos, change the title! This was more than just reminiscing about the NES!
This let us know deeper and more personally the relationship between you two and it's beautiful.
Honestly looking at te shear size of rob it was easy for me to misconstrue that rob was a guy picked on before.
Not a cheesy PA, Draw My Life, or anything. This was a surprisingly deep video that you guys shared with us.
Thanks guys for all te hard work, entertainment, awesome personalities and almost reaching out to us fans after all these years.
You guys are honestly awesome friends and it just makes us love you all more to share with us more personal stuff like this.
And rob, I'm super sorry that happened to you. What an awful experience that must've been horribly dreadful. I'm happy not just for the NES and Johnny being there, but the fact you remained an exuberant and passionate guy after all that bullshit. We're lucky to have you around, man.
I started choking and tearing up when Robman said you saved him. I love you guys, man. Your videos always make me happy.
Rob's story is very relatable. I can remember hanging out with my small group of friends, dorky/unpopular kids all, and talking games all day at school, games were a big time escape. The NES was my first console and the one that made me a life long gamer.
30 years, geez. Thanks for sharing, a lot of us understand. I love how you guys can be so open and casual when you sit down a d record, it's almost like you're right there on the couch with the viewers. You guys are excellent as always!
This really hit me, I've had pretty much the same experience and honestly IDK what I'd do with out gaming in my life. Thanks for shearing Rob, I know its hard to talk about things like that.
The NES Action set holds very dear to me too. I got mine in 1991 and it made me the gamer I am today. Such an amazing system and a great time to be a kid. Thanks for sharing your stories.
Johnny and Rob, you guys were one of the first retro game channels I've ever subscribed to and I've stuck around so long because you guys are just the best story tellers. Real stories coming from real dudes with real emotions and experiences. I want to thank you both for being such entertaining and honest guys.
Cheers!
I remember my mind being blown by the secret in SMB3 where you hold down on the dpad at a certain spot and you drop behind the background.
i was like rob and got bullied constantly. i also didnt really have friends or social skills due to the constant bullying at school which lasted until i finished highschool. gaming was also an escape for me and has and still does mean alot to my life. your story touched me as i was beat up alot too.
Thanks for sharing, Rob! You are a brave man... And thank you both for a great channel!
i fuckin love this man, it’s crazy the conversation you guys had about being in your early 20s and nostalgic for NES games. I was 9 years old when I found this channel initially. My grandma had just bought me Dragon Quest IV on the DS (she thought it was Dragon Ball) so I went on a searching spree and eventually came across HCG. I’m 20 now living alone with a full time job and I’m still watching the channel, nostalgic for you guys being nostalgic about being nostalgic lmao. Also huge love to you guys, so happy for Rob. I hope most who have to go through that shit have at least half a beautiful light at the end of their tunnel. Kids, a wife, a lifelong friend and a true passion. You guys are the greatest.
Thanks Johnny and Rob for sharing such a personal story. I'm sharing this on my Facebook because of how touching it is.
"Escapism" is a good word for it. I can relate to a lot. Video games and books are what helped me. I got bullied all through school too, and my family moved around a lot (13 times before I got out of elementary school). So it was a constant feeling of dread and anxiety, because, like you said, everyone is forming their little friendship groups, and when your family moves towns every 6 months you get left behind pretty quickly in any social circles.
Great episode guys, appreciate you sharing your stories growing up.
You two are so lucky to have found each other. A perfect pair! Rob's childhood was similar to my own, but I never found my Johnny.
what an amazing episode!! Thank you for sharing your experiences!!
I love this show so much. I love hearing about your memories and from people that share the same enthusiasm about gaming as me.
Great video guys and great courage to say the things you said Rob. I went through some familiar stuff although not quite as bad as yours. Man I wanted to give you a hug through the screen towards the end when you were talking about how thankful you were for the Nes and Johnny.
I get everything you are saying Rob, it was the same for me growing up and having an escape from that shit was huge! I love the NES and SNES, got me through a lot.
Thanks for sharing guys
I wasn't bullied anywhere near as much as Rob was (I had friends but would every now and then get bullied, etc), but I can fully understand the escapism that games can have. I really liked the NES, but the SNES was more significant to me (I am a little younger, but I genuinely felt it had much better games). I then got more into Sega and when they stopped making consoles, moved on to Playstation. So the last Nintendo console I owned was the SNES XD
Escapism through gaming is something that goes well beyond childhood, it is always great to get out of work knowing I can continue on my latest RPG game (or play Fight Night if I had a bad day.... seriously, that is NOTHING more therapeutic than playing Fight Night 3 or 4 when you are pissed off ;) ).
I was born in 1988 and I grew up with the Sega Master System, Mega Drive and Playstation during my "child" years. I was always bullied, beaten, mocked, verbally throughout my years at school. That escape from reality really helped me get through the stuff that was going on. It's when I moved to high school that it turned into an utter nightmare where I had no friends and would get beaten daily. I needed my video games, cartoon and anime to get through it. The main thing was when I reached my darkest at 16 and I became extremely suicidal and self harmed, discovering Kingdom Hearts and the character Sora who had such a huge impact on me got me through it and helped push me into the long path to finally having social skills, being happy with who I was and not being ashamed of the things that bring me joy. Still today at 27 I love my video games, my favourite tv shows to watch are cartoons like Steven Universe and I'm happy with being myself.
"Nintendo, you've given us 30 years of one of the most amazing time machines ever invented." - Very well said. :)
I remember getting my Nes in 87 and I loved it, I was never bullied, and actually I was the one who defended those that got picked on. But by 92 in high school I was way too much into girls, weed and playing guitar that by 93 I didn't really play games anymore until about 97 when I got my ps1.
great vid guys, Robman, sorry you had to go through that for 10 years? thats insane bro! I've been through that kind of stuff when I was around 9, but it lasted a month or so, can't even imagine how bad it was. Really nice insight of the friendship as well.. I definitely have friends who 'saved' me and i hope they can say the same about me.. thats what true friendship is.. anyway, lets all just tear the house down for Rob being in more videos, you were missed our friend!
This video moved me to tears more than once. Really great video and great dialogue
I relate to Rob so much. Thanks for sharing, Robman. You're a boss!
I am so glad that I am going back to watch all the older episodes, another amazing one.
Damn I would love to see more pics of Rob back in the day. Really kinda connected with this episode, when I was younger...always got harassed by other kids in the neighborhood and got picked on. Ended up playing a lot of N64 in my parents basement, when high school started things just changed. Found a friendship like yours and Johnny's. You guys rock!
What a great episode, couple of best friends. Your the man Robman
I remember when I was in 3rd grade my brother introduced me to the Nintendo Entertainment System and I remember playing the first Legend of Zelda and Mario Bros and loving both of them and I still have a small collection of my favorite games(Mega Man 2, Zelda 1 and 2, Mario Bros 1,2,3, Battletoads, Contra, Bubble Bobble, Duck Tales and Mike Tysons Punch Out.
I love how the console bonded them and all the stories:)
I'm always entertained by your stories guys! Thanks for sharing!
I totally understand where you're coming from Rob. I was chased home literally every day from school, and one of the things I had that helped me through that time were my consoles. I didn't have a friend or a buddy at the time that I could talk and share the things I was going through with, but the few hours a day I could get through a game level sucessfully, the dopamine rush that I got from that helped me to push on. Thanks for sharing, and I hope we get 30 more years of games that will give us nostalgia as we look back.
I always love to hear your guys' stories and how you bond over video games. For me, video games were a learning aid since I was terribly dyslexic as a kid, and my teachers would put me in corners and simply leave me to myself since they would get irritated dealing with me as I couldn't write, speak properly, or read. This extended into my social life by literally having no communication ability. Video games were basically my friend and teacher, especially when speech was becoming prominent in the mid-90s, so I could talk along, or hear pronunciations.
So, yeah, video games helped my dyslexia when my teachers gave up, and my parents were too busy or didn't know how to deal with it.
Shit, that's a rough story. I'm glad you guys found eachother and bonded over videogames.
NES forever.
I love seeing your videos and hearing the love you have for the nes makes me thankful for this community and others that love the nintendo and video games in general
Just remember loved playing it with my older brother. He was an athlete, loved the NES when we were kids, and he would just be so cool when I was getting bullied. Looked out for me and helped me fit in socially. The clique I had in school were also gamers but to me really do miss those days when it was my parents, older sister, and older brother renting a game and playing it for hours on end. And, if you noticed the past tense my brother passed 1975-2014 thanks guys you brought back a lot of happiness.
I remember the night I got a Nintendo. I forget my age, but I was really young. Me and my dad were playing the asteroids on the 2600, probably owned it 2 months. Then one night he is like "want to go exchange this for a Nintendo?" Back when you can return anything whenever lol. And it all started from there :)
Wow. That friendship. Wish I had such a good friend. Love the videos!
I'm right there with you, Rob. Thanks for sharing.
@HappyConsoleGamer great video ! I feel the same way about the Nes and nintendo as a whole it took me away in a time i needed it and also fond memories with my mom and i playing having popcorn and playing supermario and laughing because my mom would get sweaty hands and freak out because she had to jump across areas in sky levels or playing kid icaris or when we for the first time beat zelda and samus was a female ,my mom passed away from cancer in 2011 and all these games still make me smile for those memories i had with her.Im still playin games til this day it definetly is an exscape and still just as fun as when i was a little kid ,anyways great video as usual thanks for sharing your story !
Nostalgia is food for the soul. Playing 8bit games takes me back to being 11 years old, and loving life. Thanks for the memories guys, great video.
This is the best show to wake up to on Sunday morning and eat breakfast too.
This is why this channel is so great. It's about more than just the games. Video games can make you feel like YOU CAN make a difference, YOU CAN overcome obstacles in your life, YOU CAN slay your own personal demons. Fantastic episode guys. I hope this channel sticks around forever.
Another brilliant video. A lot of Rob's story really hit home for me, compound that onto being an only child and things were pretty rough. Glad you made it through it and got to make so many happy memories after the bad. Keep it up, guys.
Have so many wonderful memories of the NES. I'm now 37 so was at a great age when it came out. So many great games I really really feel it was a great era in gaming.
I know the feeling Rob I got bullied a lot in primary school (I live in Scotland), not just by the pupils but by some of the teachers as well. I've never thought about it until watching this video, but the PS2 was a way to escape for me as well. I still look back and think the only happy times I had from the age of 8 to 12 was playing video games. I did have a few friends but I got more time being bullied than I did hanging out with my friends. And I love that I can watch you guys feeling nostalgic over games because that's what I love doing. And the great thing is going back and being nostalgic, creates more nostalgic memories :)
Wow 30 years! How old was Johnny 30 years ago? 68?
Had a little cry watching this, and laughed too. So nice to have kindred spirits in the world. Thanks for being so great to each other, and thanks for existing for the rest of us, too. I think the true miracle of video games is how it touches our humanity, as this video proves.
When I look at Rob, I can only picture him in one of those 1950's mens bathing suits that were like shorts that transitioned into tank tops, holding a giant round barbell weight and a long curly mustache.
Um.... WTF....?
+FuzzleLand god damnit, now i do too haha
+Lonegrim O Halloween costume idea. Great episode Rob and John, more please! Also do another resident evil playthrough, after shovel knight, castlevania, or Metroid. Cheers!
I had a two year period were I didn't have an friends and so I played video games a lot. For me it was the PS2, Kingdom Hearts, Ratchet and Clank and Jak and Daxter. That was my childhood in a nut shell. Oh, and Pokemon, lots and lots pokemon.
I can relate to Rob's story quite a bit. My family moved around a lot when I was a kid. On average we moved once ever 2 or 3 years, sometimes more sometimes less, and Nintendo was the only thing that I had during some of these moves. I probably spent more time playing games like Secret of Mana, ALtoP, Super Metriod and Doom than I did with most people. Much like Rob said, it was the only thing I had to keep myself sane. I'm glad you guys made this video and showed me that I'm not the only one who went through such hardships and also found an escape in Nintendo.
Noticed Bionic Commando in your stack of games. It was incredible!!! Thanks for including that in your video. Game was classic. And I just noticed you have Blaster Master in the stack! Great collection!
Man I love you guys, I wish I had some friends like you two in my life... :)
stumbled on this video a few days ago and instantly subscribed now watching every video up and it's awesome
Man I relate so much to Rob and we both dealt with it the exact same way. I was also a sensitive kid and got bullied throughout almost all of primary school (idk what you call it in the States/Canada) until I left. Got better in high school but video games were always an escape for me, my parents were stressed too and the school blamed me too.
Hey Johnny and Rob, I was there are the Portland Gaming Expo a year back. At your panel we all really had a moment. It went pretty deep and we can relate on a lot of personal experiences. The " FUCK THOSE GUYS" moment was so special. Thank you two for just being you and sharing :).
You guys been awesome all these years, thanks for sharing a piece of life!
This video brought back many memories of a very tough era in my life. At age 13 i had a severe speech impediment, i was being bullied in school, my school work was suffering, and my dad had suffered a massive heart attack and was recovering from a heart operation...as a result of all these pressures on me i was very depressed and lived a very secluded life, but my saving grace was my NES and specifically Super Mario Bros 3, i played Mario 3 for three months straight, every single day...it was my release from my own depressing life. Mario 3 and the NES changed my outlook on life drastically and just when i needed it most. The NES gave me something to look forward too every day, a reason to get out of bed and thank goodness i was alive. I absolutely conquered Mario 3, found every secret in the game, knew every world off by heart and absolutely loved every second of it. The NES is a special console in my life, it was where gaming came alive to me and i found a hidden talent for playing games i never knew i had.
Love the NES, love Mario 3 and i think this is a very important and relatable video you guys have made.
Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
This literally made my night... You guys are amazing!
You guys are so fucking awesome at telling stories, you hook me each and every time. Awesome video and memories from the NES and your early days of gaming with Nintendo. I was born in '88 so my most vivid nostalgia is heavily N64 based with the likes of Mario 64, Zelda OOT, and Wave Race but i can completely relate to these experiences. Just glad to see you guys chilling together and chatting about the old days.. you always have a story to tell. Anyway have a great week ahead. Until next time!
Rob i know how you feel I've walked in those shoes myself.
Rob Man from 3rd grade till high school I was picked on pretty bad. I did the same thing as you I'd come home angry and confused and the only thing that made me feel better was playing videogames. The N64 and PS1 saved me man. Thanks for sharing your story It always helps when you know you weren't the only one.
So great to hear about Rob's personal nintendo experience, you guys are right it's more than just video games.
My biggest personal video game experience came during the Nintendo 64 era, I was about 10 years old and my parents would fight all the time, which eventually led them to split up.
I was old enough to understand what was going on and I had these conflicting feelings within myself, to get away from it, I would play this wonderful machine with my little brother and we would have the greatest time.
I'll always look back on the N64 as this awesome console that gave us much needed joy during very dark times.
For that I'll love nintendo always
Rob I know how you feel I was bullied from 1st to 12 grade it sucks. My PS2 got me through so many bad days.
+88rman Same, my ps2 helped me escape the world of people who would just try to make you feel like shit and THE PS2 was my first.
+Walker Studios One of my "nick names" was titties because I'm fat. One day one of them decided to grab one and call me it. I backed away and called him gay. Everyone in the locker room started to laugh and call him gay. The gym teacher told him now you know how he feels. they stopped calling me that.:)
+Walker Studios Hey...Hentai is awesome though...Onii-Chan ;)
Guan Yu :)
+lone wolf what he did was gay looking and if I didn't call him gay they would have called me gay for he just did to me. FyI this guy kidded my ass on a daily basis so no I"m nothing like him.
This is one of my favorite episodes, I'd like to see Rob more often in your videos.
Thank-you for this episode. I didn't expect this. It made me think about how I was bullied in elementary school and the role that my NES played in coping. I never considered that until now. Here, over 25 years later I collect games and have worked in the gaming industry for 16 years. And my one friend from the NES days is still my friend...was playing Battlefront with him just last night.
Sorry to hear about the shit you had to go through as a kid Rob. Glad you came out the other side. Had similar issues as a young kid myself and gaming helped me through it too.
having a smile on my face watching this! you guys are so passionate and wise, you can see how much videogames mean to you! instant sub.
It is quite sad that Rob and many others have to go through that sort of thing, good that you had something to help you get through it and in the end you got a great friend too. Great episode guys.
Great story which I can also relate to. We love you Rob! And so glad you both became friends.
Where I grew up the upper middle class kids were the wannabe tough guys and bullies too. The poor kids were cool and fun to hang out with.
The system that saved video games
+AllwaysRight1 opinions are opinions my friend...also your reply had nothing to do with his comment man.
+AllwaysRight1 Opinions. Facts say otherwise
+AllwaysRight1 How exactly? I checked the specs for master system, and the master system had a little better here and there so i'll give it that, but what about the games? NES had far more memorable games than master system. You might have memories of having a master system as a kid, but if you look at the general aspect, by far, NES was the bigger one. It was the introduction to the most iconic characters and franchises in gaming. Mario, Zelda, Mega Man, Metroid, Castlevania, Contra, list goes on. Sega grew a lot bigger with Genesis/Mega drive, i'd say.
***** Your name speaks for itself.
*****
The master system was a good console but games like super mario and castlevania did it for everybody
Great vid, great stories, you speak what we all feel and remember. This is exactly why retro gaming is so special for adults right now, this was OUR childhood
The emotion in this episode, love you guys, can't thank you enough for all the time you've put in with the channel. You're appreciated lads and this episode just shows that overcoming adversity is the secret recipe to successes!
How do you guys keep coming through with these amazing stories of your past ;)
Great stuff and amazing you found each other and remain friends to this day.
Nintendo is a dream machine for sure! Thanks for the video!
I love your videos. You always come off as honest and down to earth. Keep being awesome.
This is something very rarely talked about and you guys nailed it. The escape that games give us are exactly the reason why I play, still today. A great game immerses you in its world and takes you away. Many of the newer games have become realistic, too much so. Thanks for sharing!
Wow I got to say, what an amazing story. You guys always show people the other side of games and the impact they have on us. Thank you for the great videos guys!
You guys always tug at my heart strings - I love you guys!
I remember getting my NES at Christmas. My brother and I were playing mario world 1-1 and I'll never forget when he went down the pipe for the first time..blew our minds :)
To this day, still some of my best memories.