What you need to know
- Windows 1.11, a game created as a tie-in with Netflix's Stranger Things.
- The game tasks you with saving the world by unraveling clues using a recreated version of Windows 1.0.
- Yeah, it's weird.
Updated July 8, 2019: The game is available once again in the Microsoft Store, so you can go ahead and try it out if you missed it the first time. We expect Microsoft will announce the release properly sometime today.
Well, here it is. The confounding Windows 1.0 teases Microsoft has been unleashing on social media over the past week have culminated in the release of Windows 1.11, a game on the Microsoft Store that tasks you with saving the world with none other than a recreated version of Windows 1.0 and a healthy dose of Stranger Things flavor.
Yep, it's a weird one. But it's surprisingly fun, too (if you like poking around things like MS-DOS Executive).
The game, which is part of a promotional stunt for the third season of Netflix's Stranger Things, was first spotted by WalkingCat on Twitter. Here's a quick rundown of the description from the Microsoft Store:
Experience 1985 nostalgia with a special edition Windows 10 PC app inspired by Windows 1.0—but one that's been taken over by the Upside Down from Stranger Things. Explore the mysteries and secrets plaguing Hawkins, unlock unique show content and easter eggs, and play retro games and puzzles—all building off Stranger Things 3. Join Eleven, Steve, Dustin and gang as they seek to save Hawkins and the world. Embrace the 80s and grab your hairspray, because it's basically the raddest show companion experience ever. But fair warning: beware the Mind Flayer.
The game is definitely a nostalgia trip. You quite literally boot into Windows through a command line (though it's automated for you; no need to memorize commands here). After you're presented with a suitably glitchy "Microsoft Windows" title screen decked out with the Netflix logo and a message telling you to watch Stranger Things, you'll find yourself presented with list of files you can check out as you begin your journey. The whole thing feels very much like a point-and-click adventure.
Throughout the game, you'll stumble upon lots of glitches caused by the Upside Down taking over Hawkins and, apparently, your PC. In Paint, for example, my brush quickly turned into half a dozen other brushes mimicking my movements to reveal a low-fi video promoting a mall in Hawkins.
There's lots to explore here, especially if you're a big fan of Stranger Things. If you're curious, you can grab Windows 1.11 from the Microsoft Store now.
Take a trip back to 1985 with Windows 1.11 and save the world from Stranger Things' Upside Down.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
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Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
