This is not a joke!

The last thing I was expecting during CES week is that I'd be so excited over two retro re-releases of some classic Windows games from 1991 on the Apple App Store. Go figure.

Yup, SkiFree and Rodent's Revenge have just been released for $0.99 each. SkiFree can be considered the first "runner" style game, where you have to race down a slope, avoiding obstacles and the most evil creature in all of gaming. Rodent's Revenge sees you playing as a mouse having to solve puzzles and avoiding cats.

I spoke with Tommy Tornroos of GearSprout, the company responsible for re-releasing both these games. He informed me that they reached out to Chris Pirih -- the original creator of SkiFree -- about creating the iOS versions. Eventually they were directed to Microsoft, and were told that the company was "no longer claiming rights" to the games, giving GearSprout the all clear to move ahead.

Unfortunately, the name SkiFree was reserved so the company released SkeeFree for the time being. The rights to the name eventually expired as nothing was created by whoever was holding onto it, thus giving GearSprout the chance to properly re-release the classic now. Tommy also informed me that they're talking with Apple about merging both versions.

GearSprout is currently working on an original game that will be released this February. After that you can expect some more Microsoft Entertainment packs in the near future as they've "been receiving many requests" for other classic games. Fingers crossed for Chip's Challenge!

If you're excited as I am then that means you're really old.

Rodent's Revenge [iTunes]

SkiFree [iTunes]

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