Hey there, fellow nostalgia-seekers! Grew up in the 90s and now as men look back fondly on the days of your youth with fondness? Well then, this article is for you! Rediscover the thrill of yesteryears with our guide on recapturing the exhilarating recreational activities and sports that defined the 90s. Unearth the nostalgia of classic video game battles, epic outdoor adventures, and the camaraderie of sports that once filled those youthful days. From retro gaming marathons to rekindling the joy of skateboarding, join us in re-imagining the vibrant pastimes that shaped a generation. Dive into a world of trivia, music, and pop culture that encapsulates the essence of the 90s. Let's embark on a journey to relive the exuberance of an era through the eyes of today.
Video-game Party
Dust off your SNES and experience the magic of retrogaming, racing through the whimsical tracks of Super Mario Kart, or unleashing your combat prowess in Mortal Kombat II. Even if you don’t own an SNES (or other retro systems), you can still enjoy the video games of your childhood. Thanks to emulators, you'll relish these classics with modern ease. Just install an emulator, download the games from an abandonware site, and you’re all set. If you have a second game pad and some buddies to play with, even better! And if you’d like your retro-gaming session to be an all-out (LAN) party, why not get a couple of friends together, get some drinks and snacks, and start up a period-appropriate game on a local network? Nothing like Quake III to shake up the night. So organize a boys’ night in, and get ready to immerse yourself in pixelated nostalgia, rekindling the excitement of the 90s one game at a time. Your favorite adventures await – let's press start!
Movie Night
If you like the boys’-night-in idea, but aren’t much of a gamer, why not wind down with a movie marathon of the 90s greatest hits and cult classics? Embark on a cinematic journey that transports you back to the golden era of entertainment (at least according to you, that is). Immerse yourself in the coming-of-age charm of Dazed and Confused, and start feeling alright (alright, alright) again. Richard Linklater’s other 90s ensemble comedy Slacker is also a great watch if you feel the aforementioned classic has been a bit over-watched.
And if you’re looking for something more in the spirit of the late 90s, look no further than The Matrix. Released in 1999, the movie practically bleeds the anxiety and hopeful anticipation that permeated the cusp of Y2K. So settle in for the mind-bending adventure of the millennium.
And of course, no boys’ movie night, especially for gen-X and millennial boys, would be incomplete without the quintessential 90s dude-flick. That’s right, the one we don’t talk about, Fight Club (oops!). Ponder the deeper ideas of this classic critique of masculinity and capitalism, or simply ogle at Brad Pitt’s ripped abs and swear to start working out again. Fight Club has something for every man, even on the hundredth watch!
Finally, the last movie on our list of recommendations is one that was released in 2018. But true to its name, Jonah Hill’s Mid90s is a love letter to the decade that captures its angst, raw authenticity, and of course, its skate culture. Simply a must-watch for those seeking a fresh dose of nostalgia.
Skateboarding
Of course, now that we’ve mentioned it, we have to talk about it next. If there is one sport that captures the spirit of the decade, it would be none other than skateboarding. It was a period when the likes of Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen were skyrocketing in popularity, and capturing the hearts of boisterous youths everywhere. So, it is likely that you were a regular hand (or foot) in the art. So what better way to unleash a wave of nostalgia and relive your glory days than by hitting the streets?
But of course, it is most likely that our 90s men can’t just get down to it and execute a gnarly kickflip anymore. Not without risking injury to an odd ankle or hamstring, that is. But fear not, there is an alternative – the longboard cruiser. The large deck provides a much more stable platform than a traditional skateboard, while still being near enough to the experience, although you wouldn’t be hitting the halfpipe anytime soon in one. A gentler experience for the elder skater.
Starting a Band
Music defined the 90s, and the 90s redefined music. It was the age of grunge when a new crop of rebel icons gave voice to the angst of a generation. Bands such as Nirvana and Alice in Chains broke away from the slick, polished performances of mainstream rock, and created a sound that reveled in the ugliness of reality, through the themes of its lyrics, and in the choppy, overdriven hoarseness of its instruments. Of course, this wasn’t a completely new phenomenon, but 90s grunge became the first underground scene to truly become mainstream.
Of course, Cobain and co. are far from from the only musicians who achieved major success in the decade. Hip-hop burst into the mainstream with the likes of NWA and the Wu-Tang Clan, and the East Coast/West Coast rivalry between Biggie and Tupac would reach almost mythological proportions. Across the pond, a new movement emerged in counterpoint to the harshness and anger of grunge, Britpop had arrived, carried on the shoulders of legendary chart-toppers such as Oasis and Blur.
Growing up in the wake of such prolific musical developments must have had a deep impact on 90s men. Surely, many of our readers must have played an instrument or sang, or were even in a band. So what better way to remember the decade than starting all these all over again? Bring out the guitar, and get in touch with fellow 90s men. Maybe a garage jam would be warranted this coming weekend.
Trivia-Night
Rediscover the spirit of competition and camaraderie with a 90s twist. Join the excitement of a trivia night in a bar or at home, and be transported back to the iconic era of the 90s. Test your knowledge on everything from chart-topping songs and blockbuster movies to beloved TV shows and period lingo. Immerse yourself in the culture that defined the decade while competing in your favorite local scene. Gather your crew, recall those iconic catchphrases, and let the games begin.
Article by: Girish Pangeijam
Edited by: Puneet Kapani