If you’re getting your hands on a brand new Microsoft Surface laptop and find yourself waiting for the lengthy setup and updates process to finish, here’s a little treat for you. Microsoft has apparently added a delightful game to the Windows 11 setup procedure, allowing you to indulge in a bit of retro gaming while the operating system works its magic. And who knows, maybe this feature will also make its way to the DIY Windows installation in the future. This addition could definitely provide some entertainment while setting up a new office test rig.
As discovered by The Verge, the game in question has actually been available in the Edge browser since 2020. By simply typing “edge://surf” into the address bar, you can embark on a nostalgic gaming session. For those familiar with older games like Horace Goes Skiing on the Sinclair Spectrum or SkiFree from Microsoft’s Entertainment Pack 3, released in 1991, this will surely evoke some fond memories.
Despite being a simple endless scrolling dodge-the-obstacle game, “Surf” manages to deliver an enjoyable experience. The game features charming animations and offers support for various input methods such as the keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, and even gamepads. The browser version also includes three different play modes, although it remains uncertain if the Windows installation version offers the same variety.
The concept of hidden mini-games within software or even other games is not entirely new. In the past, Namco incorporated the classic arcade game Galaxian into the loading screens of its Ridge Racer port for the original PlayStation. This allowed players to engage in some alien-blasting action while waiting for the console to prepare for gameplay.
It is currently unclear whether Surf is now a standard feature of every new Windows 11 installation. It may possibly be limited to Microsoft’s own PCs. However, there is nothing preventing Microsoft from including it retrospectively in a general update. This means that when you perform a future OS reinstallation, you may have the opportunity to embark on a surfing adventure once again.
In the past, Windows used to come with a plethora of games that served as entertaining distractions (or productivity killers, depending on your perspective). However, since Windows 7, most of these games have been removed. The inclusion of Surf in the Windows 11 setup process raises hopes that Microsoft has recognized the value of gaming features and may consider reintroducing more games in the future. Perhaps we can even hope for a revival of classics like Minesweeper. Only time will tell if this is just the beginning of a gaming renaissance within the Windows ecosystem.
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