Sean Jordan | Sharing Great Games You Probably Never Played!
@greatestgames.substack.com
There are tons of amazing video games that have been forgotten, overlooked or which never found an audience. I'm a researcher who's going through them and finding the Greatest Games You (Probably) Never Played!
Website: https://greatestgames.substack.com
Website: https://greatestgames.substack.com
You could write a story like this and people would tell you it was too unbelievable.
That's the crazy part about everything.
That's the crazy part about everything.
January 15, 2026 at 11:57 PM
You could write a story like this and people would tell you it was too unbelievable.
That's the crazy part about everything.
That's the crazy part about everything.
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
10. Super Skateboardin' (1988)
Don't let the title fool you - this game is actually about working in a factory where you ride around on a skateboard and turn out all the lights before 15 minutes go by.
This game was made by Pitfall! creator David Crane!
10. Super Skateboardin' (1988)
Don't let the title fool you - this game is actually about working in a factory where you ride around on a skateboard and turn out all the lights before 15 minutes go by.
This game was made by Pitfall! creator David Crane!
Super Skateboardin' (1988) - MobyGames
Super Skateboardin' is a game where a young skateboarder is hired by his dad's company to do what he does best, Skateboard. Your job is to navigate the many rooms of the factory and turn off all the e...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
10. Super Skateboardin' (1988)
Don't let the title fool you - this game is actually about working in a factory where you ride around on a skateboard and turn out all the lights before 15 minutes go by.
This game was made by Pitfall! creator David Crane!
10. Super Skateboardin' (1988)
Don't let the title fool you - this game is actually about working in a factory where you ride around on a skateboard and turn out all the lights before 15 minutes go by.
This game was made by Pitfall! creator David Crane!
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
9. Lawn Mower (1987, DOS)
One of several games about moving lawns, this one is particularly ambitious because it has no actual graphics - just ASCII art depicting the grass. Even so, it's fun and worth your time!
9. Lawn Mower (1987, DOS)
One of several games about moving lawns, this one is particularly ambitious because it has no actual graphics - just ASCII art depicting the grass. Even so, it's fun and worth your time!
Lawn Mower (1987) - MobyGames
Lawn Mower is a text-only action game, in which you play, well, a lawn mower. Of course, this is not too interesting in itself, so there are some catches. First of all, you have to mow the entire lawn...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
9. Lawn Mower (1987, DOS)
One of several games about moving lawns, this one is particularly ambitious because it has no actual graphics - just ASCII art depicting the grass. Even so, it's fun and worth your time!
9. Lawn Mower (1987, DOS)
One of several games about moving lawns, this one is particularly ambitious because it has no actual graphics - just ASCII art depicting the grass. Even so, it's fun and worth your time!
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
8. Hard Hat Mack (1983)
This Donkey Kong-style platformer has you rushing through three levels where you either put girders in holes, collect lunchboxes or toss things into a processor.
But you have to dodge worksite vandals and OSHA inspectors along the way!
8. Hard Hat Mack (1983)
This Donkey Kong-style platformer has you rushing through three levels where you either put girders in holes, collect lunchboxes or toss things into a processor.
But you have to dodge worksite vandals and OSHA inspectors along the way!
Hard Hat Mack (1983) - MobyGames
Hard Hat Mack is a platform game similar in concept to Donkey Kong. The player controls a worker who must complete specific objectives in a construction site while avoiding enemies and trying not to r...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
8. Hard Hat Mack (1983)
This Donkey Kong-style platformer has you rushing through three levels where you either put girders in holes, collect lunchboxes or toss things into a processor.
But you have to dodge worksite vandals and OSHA inspectors along the way!
8. Hard Hat Mack (1983)
This Donkey Kong-style platformer has you rushing through three levels where you either put girders in holes, collect lunchboxes or toss things into a processor.
But you have to dodge worksite vandals and OSHA inspectors along the way!
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
7. Donald Duck's Playground (1984)
You'd think this game would be about playing on a playground, but nope - it's about Donald trying to earn money to build one for his nephews by taking on odd jobs around town like catching fruit or sorting toys.
7. Donald Duck's Playground (1984)
You'd think this game would be about playing on a playground, but nope - it's about Donald trying to earn money to build one for his nephews by taking on odd jobs around town like catching fruit or sorting toys.
Donald Duck's Playground (1984) - MobyGames
Donald Duck's Playground won several awards from educational software magazines as best educational game of the year. In it, you are Donald, working to earn money, which you then spend to buy playgrou...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
7. Donald Duck's Playground (1984)
You'd think this game would be about playing on a playground, but nope - it's about Donald trying to earn money to build one for his nephews by taking on odd jobs around town like catching fruit or sorting toys.
7. Donald Duck's Playground (1984)
You'd think this game would be about playing on a playground, but nope - it's about Donald trying to earn money to build one for his nephews by taking on odd jobs around town like catching fruit or sorting toys.
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
6. It's Clean Up Time (1986)
By far the most obscure game on the list, this UK C64 platformer is all about cleaning up messes in a hotel before vandals and wildlife rush in and make things worse. There's even a 1987 sequel called Cleanup Service.
6. It's Clean Up Time (1986)
By far the most obscure game on the list, this UK C64 platformer is all about cleaning up messes in a hotel before vandals and wildlife rush in and make things worse. There's even a 1987 sequel called Cleanup Service.
It's Clean-Up Time (1986) - MobyGames
Otto and Bobban, two cowboy cleaners have been hired by a new hotel to clean it before the staff and the first guests arrive. Vandals had broken in and littered the place with paper and it's up to our...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
6. It's Clean Up Time (1986)
By far the most obscure game on the list, this UK C64 platformer is all about cleaning up messes in a hotel before vandals and wildlife rush in and make things worse. There's even a 1987 sequel called Cleanup Service.
6. It's Clean Up Time (1986)
By far the most obscure game on the list, this UK C64 platformer is all about cleaning up messes in a hotel before vandals and wildlife rush in and make things worse. There's even a 1987 sequel called Cleanup Service.
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
5. Paperboy (1985)
One of the all-time classic games about getting a job, Paperboy puts you in the sneakers of a bicycle-riding kid who's just trying to keep subscribers on increasingly dangerous streets by making timely deliveries.
5. Paperboy (1985)
One of the all-time classic games about getting a job, Paperboy puts you in the sneakers of a bicycle-riding kid who's just trying to keep subscribers on increasingly dangerous streets by making timely deliveries.
Paperboy (1985) - MobyGames
The object of Paperboy is to deliver papers to your customers while inflicting as much damage as possible to the houses of your non-customers. To make things more difficult, numerous obstacles get in ...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
5. Paperboy (1985)
One of the all-time classic games about getting a job, Paperboy puts you in the sneakers of a bicycle-riding kid who's just trying to keep subscribers on increasingly dangerous streets by making timely deliveries.
5. Paperboy (1985)
One of the all-time classic games about getting a job, Paperboy puts you in the sneakers of a bicycle-riding kid who's just trying to keep subscribers on increasingly dangerous streets by making timely deliveries.
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
4. Girl's Garden (1985)
This obscure SG-1000 game was Yuji Naka's first and involves collecting flowers to impress a boy with a wandering eye. Besides dodging water hazards, you also have to avoid bears as you locate flowers at full blossom to build bouquets.
4. Girl's Garden (1985)
This obscure SG-1000 game was Yuji Naka's first and involves collecting flowers to impress a boy with a wandering eye. Besides dodging water hazards, you also have to avoid bears as you locate flowers at full blossom to build bouquets.
Girl's Garden (1985) - MobyGames
The simple little country girl Papri has a problem: her boyfriend Minto seems to show signs of interest towards another little girl, Cocco. Papri has to win his love back! The only way she can achieve...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
4. Girl's Garden (1985)
This obscure SG-1000 game was Yuji Naka's first and involves collecting flowers to impress a boy with a wandering eye. Besides dodging water hazards, you also have to avoid bears as you locate flowers at full blossom to build bouquets.
4. Girl's Garden (1985)
This obscure SG-1000 game was Yuji Naka's first and involves collecting flowers to impress a boy with a wandering eye. Besides dodging water hazards, you also have to avoid bears as you locate flowers at full blossom to build bouquets.
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
3. Timber (1984)
As a logger who looks a lot like the guy from Tapper, you have to chop down trees while you avoid getting crushed when they start to fall. You also stay away from bears who throw beehives at you for some reason!
3. Timber (1984)
As a logger who looks a lot like the guy from Tapper, you have to chop down trees while you avoid getting crushed when they start to fall. You also stay away from bears who throw beehives at you for some reason!
Timber (1984) - MobyGames
You control a logger, who must chop down trees as they spring up. Two indicators appear at the top of the screen; the left tells you how many trees you must chop to clear the level, and the right tell...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
3. Timber (1984)
As a logger who looks a lot like the guy from Tapper, you have to chop down trees while you avoid getting crushed when they start to fall. You also stay away from bears who throw beehives at you for some reason!
3. Timber (1984)
As a logger who looks a lot like the guy from Tapper, you have to chop down trees while you avoid getting crushed when they start to fall. You also stay away from bears who throw beehives at you for some reason!
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
2. Park Patrol (1984)
As a park ranger, your job is to clean up trash, rescue swimmers and keep pesky ants from walking off with your lunch! And don't forget about the snakes who'll attack you or the turtles that get in your way!
It's a simple game, but a
2. Park Patrol (1984)
As a park ranger, your job is to clean up trash, rescue swimmers and keep pesky ants from walking off with your lunch! And don't forget about the snakes who'll attack you or the turtles that get in your way!
It's a simple game, but a
Park Patrol (1984) - MobyGames
Do you have what it takes to become a park ranger? This game will test you to see if you're really up to the job. You play a park ranger, whose job is to collect twelve items scattered around the park...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
2. Park Patrol (1984)
As a park ranger, your job is to clean up trash, rescue swimmers and keep pesky ants from walking off with your lunch! And don't forget about the snakes who'll attack you or the turtles that get in your way!
It's a simple game, but a
2. Park Patrol (1984)
As a park ranger, your job is to clean up trash, rescue swimmers and keep pesky ants from walking off with your lunch! And don't forget about the snakes who'll attack you or the turtles that get in your way!
It's a simple game, but a
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
1. Bubbles (1982)
Your job in Bubbles is to clean out a sink with a soap bubble that grows as you wipe out more ants, crumbs and "greasies" but you also have to fight sponges and brushes that want in on the action!
1. Bubbles (1982)
Your job in Bubbles is to clean out a sink with a soap bubble that grows as you wipe out more ants, crumbs and "greasies" but you also have to fight sponges and brushes that want in on the action!
Bubbles (1982) - MobyGames
Your goal in Bubbles is to clear each level, by maneuvering a soap bubble in a sink, cleaning the sink of ants, crumbs, and grease splotches, called "greasies". Each ant, crumb and greasie earns point...
www.mobygames.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:10 PM
1980s #RETROGAMES ABOUT MANUAL LABOR
1. Bubbles (1982)
Your job in Bubbles is to clean out a sink with a soap bubble that grows as you wipe out more ants, crumbs and "greasies" but you also have to fight sponges and brushes that want in on the action!
1. Bubbles (1982)
Your job in Bubbles is to clean out a sink with a soap bubble that grows as you wipe out more ants, crumbs and "greasies" but you also have to fight sponges and brushes that want in on the action!
January 15, 2026 at 4:36 PM
I was telling people 10 years ago not to believe anything Disney was saying about all the projects they were hyping up.
It was obvious to me they had no plan, no vision and no understanding of Star Wars.
They just saw an opportunity to make a lot of money off the fandom. And that's what they did.
It was obvious to me they had no plan, no vision and no understanding of Star Wars.
They just saw an opportunity to make a lot of money off the fandom. And that's what they did.
January 15, 2026 at 2:46 AM
I was telling people 10 years ago not to believe anything Disney was saying about all the projects they were hyping up.
It was obvious to me they had no plan, no vision and no understanding of Star Wars.
They just saw an opportunity to make a lot of money off the fandom. And that's what they did.
It was obvious to me they had no plan, no vision and no understanding of Star Wars.
They just saw an opportunity to make a lot of money off the fandom. And that's what they did.
That's good, because I wouldn't even consider it if he weren't!
Some of his other games - Kolibri, Three Dirty Dwarves - show the weird is not just an Ecco thing, and the weird is what I enjoy most about his games!
Some of his other games - Kolibri, Three Dirty Dwarves - show the weird is not just an Ecco thing, and the weird is what I enjoy most about his games!
January 15, 2026 at 1:10 AM
That's good, because I wouldn't even consider it if he weren't!
Some of his other games - Kolibri, Three Dirty Dwarves - show the weird is not just an Ecco thing, and the weird is what I enjoy most about his games!
Some of his other games - Kolibri, Three Dirty Dwarves - show the weird is not just an Ecco thing, and the weird is what I enjoy most about his games!