I started my video game experiences with Commodore 64 and arcade machines at the 80s. Life wasn’t too hectic at the time, and everything related to forbidden things, like beer, was naturally highly interesting for a young kid. During those days it was totally OK to wait 15 minutes to load a game (from a c-cassette tape), even if the end result could be the famous “LOAD ERROR” disaster. Of course, problems like this could have been resolved by adjusting the azimuth head of the cassette loader with a small screw driver. But in most of the cases this made things even worse. None of your games would load after the “adjustment”.

OK, let’s begin. Here is my personal list of beer-related games I have actually played in the 80’s.

3rd place, Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong is a classic game and actually I’m not sure if it has anything to do with beer. However, when I was a kid, we always talked with my friends that Donkey Kong is rolling beer barrels down to squish the player. Surprisingly, today I didn’t find any clue whether or not those barrels where actually for beer.

But regardless of this failed background check, this warm childhood memory definitely deserves a third place on this list.

2nd place, Auf Wiedersehen Monty

Auf Wiedersehen Monty. The main idea of this game is not to drink beer, but you can still do it if you finally reach West Germany. Yes, in West Germany.

The main idea is to collect some money for Monty to retire and to buy an island from Greece. Monty travels around the Europe, does some sightseeing, and tries to avoid a wide range of weird obstacles, which can all kill him.

If Monty takes a drink he briefly becomes drunk. And consequently, his abilities to avoid obstacles becomes harder. But it makes sense to take a glass of wine or a pint of beer, because then you are rewarded by additional points.

1st place, Tapper

Tapper. This was originally an arcade game, but it was ported to several home computers after it became popular.

In this game you are a bartender and your main task is to keep your customers happy. You have 4 beer taps and four lines of customers. If you don’t deliver the beer fast enough, customers will smash your head against the wall of the bar. You also need to collect the empty beer glasses when your customers are done with their beers. You finish the level by emptying the bar of customers. You can also collect tips from the customers and use money for hiring can-can dance girls to make customers happy, and to simultaneously ease your workload.

Bonus Track: Jet Set Willy

Ok, what happens on the famous “next day”? You’re dreaming of hangover cure but your mansion is a mess after a huge party. Willy is a guy who needs to tidy his place to get the access to housekeeper Maria’s bedroom.

I didn’t manage to finish this game so I don’t know what kind of hangover cure would be available in Maria’s hideout. I can only guess!

This is it! We all love computer games. And most of us love a good pint of beer. Or pints… If you have any nice memories or you think that I have missed some games, please leave a note below.