All this home-computer gaming, Nintendo 64, PlayStation, now this Xbox thing, maybe I just want the boys to see what blowing aliens away was like in the olden days.
In the quoted text from "Bleeding Edge" by Thomas Pynchon, the speaker reflects on the evolution of home-computer gaming, mentioning popular systems like the Nintendo 64, PlayStation, and Xbox. This suggests a sense of nostalgia for earlier gaming experiences. The mention of "blowing aliens away" indicates that these games often feature action-packed scenarios that became iconic in gaming culture.
The speaker expresses a desire for younger generations to appreciate the gaming legacy of the past. By introducing the boys to older games, there’s an intention to share a fragment of cultural history and perhaps a critique of modern gaming compared to its predecessors. This highlights how gaming has transformed over time, yet the core thrill of immersive action remains a constant appeal.