🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Steve PH Roberts🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Lemmings turned 35 this year (a few days ago)... Not just one of the most unique games ever, but also one of the best. When Lemmings hit the market in February 1991, it felt like a completely new concept - something never done before. At least I don’t remember any game that came even remotely close. On top of that, it had an incredibly gorgeous style, beautiful graphics, the cutest animated pixel characters, and one of gaming history’s most recognizable soundtracks. I remember one review giving it a 99% rating with the comment that “we need to leave the 1% off so there’s room for something better - if it ever comes” (paraphrased). In all the years since, you’d have a hard time finding a more unique concept that’s also so very playable. The early levels are super easy, basically a walk in the park, gently introducing the idea and controls. But once you reach the later levels, boy, does it get tough. It never felt unfair, though - the key was smart usage and timing of the different Lemming types. That’s why the game was also great with friends: you’d sit around the screen and try to figure out the best strategy together. Lemmings became one of the most sold games ever on the Amiga. Deservedly so. This game is timeless and 99% perfection.

Look at this view of Maine Road from back in the day. Proper old school ground.