14 Life Lessons We Learned From Classic Video Games

Who says gaming isn't educational? Experience the evolution of video games firsthand, and see if you have what it takes to become a true Game Hero.

1. The popular way isn't always the right way.

Lemmings / Psygnosis / Via 1jps.tumblr.com

Especially if it ends with you turning into a sidewalk pancake.

2. You're not the only one who's made questionable fashion choices.

Mortal Kombat II / Midway / Via 1jps.tumblr.com

Middle school was tough for everybody, dude.

3. Everyone — everyone — has a bad day now and then.

Castlevania II: Simon's Quest / Konami / Via retrogaminggifs.tumblr.com

4. You can't run away from your problems.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 / Sega / Via dadrkrealm.tumblr.com

Especially if your problem is a three-foot tall talking hedgehog.

5. Life's full of little surprises.

Final Fight / Capcom / Via brotherbrain.tumblr.com

Rotisserie tire chicken being one of the big ones.

6. Nothing is impossible.

Battletoads / Rare / Via inagif.tumblr.com

It's just really really really really really really really hard sometimes.

7. Perseverance is essential to success.

Super Mario Bros. / Nintendo / Via brotherbrain.tumblr.com

8. Everyone makes mistakes.

Bomberman / Hudsonsoft / Via unrinconmas.tumblr.com

Just wait until you respawn and try, try again.

9. Fortune favors the bold.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons / Nintendo / Via tell.la

10. Responsibility is, uh, not to be taken lightly.

SimCity 2000 / Maxis / Via drawingnothing.tumblr.com

I SWEAR I WAS ONLY GONE FOR LIKE FIVE MINUTES.

11. Don't be afraid of the unknown.

Super Castlevania IV / Konami / Via 1jps.tumblr.com

You know what they say: "There's nothing to fear but floating medusa heads and spike pits."

12. Leave no stone unturned.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time / Nintendo / Via mynintendo.tumblr.com

You never know who's hidden their entire life savings in their vase collection.

13. Life isn't always fair...

Super Mario Bros. / Nintendo / Via thathumorguy.tumblr.com

14. ...but it's never dull.

Crash Bandicoot / SCEA / Via retrogamenation.tumblr.com

How have the classic video games of your childhood influenced you? Head over to Game Hero to test and showcase your gaming fanhood and skills.