Let’s skip the boring bits about Telnet being a network protocol for remote communications (although that’s cool too) and dive into the fun stuff! You can actually do a lot more than just managing servers—you can watch movies, play games, and even challenge yourself with some retro-style entertainment.
Open your CMD or if you are a MAC user, open your terminal ( you might have to install telnet via Homebrew).
- Watch Star Wars in ASCII Art
Yes, you read that right! You can watch Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, entirely rendered in ASCII art. It’s an absolute gem for those who love geeky, retro entertainment. Here’s how you can watch it
:Command:telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl
Imagine the entire movie, scene by scene, coming to life as a charming collection of ASCII characters. It’s a unique experience that you won’t forget!
2. Play Nethack – The Classic Dungeon Crawl
If you’re into roguelike games, Nethack is a complex, text-based game that lets you explore a dungeon, collect treasures, and battle enemies. Every game is different, with random levels that provide endless hours of fun. You’ll have to rely on strategy and imagination to survive.
- Command:
telnet nethack.alt.org
It’s like entering a whole new universe, where your brain is the best weapon.
3. Adventure Games on Telehack
Telehack is more than just a game—it’s a nostalgic throwback to the early Internet. You’ll find a variety of text-based games like Zork (a legendary text adventure game), Minesweeper, and even interactive fiction.
- Command:
telnet telehack.com
Simply type the name of the game you want to play once you’re connected. Whether you want to solve the puzzles in Zork or reminisce about the early days of computing, Telehack has something for everyone.
4. Play Chess Like a Pro
Love chess? You can even play it via Telnet! Connect to a chess server and face off against players worldwide or improve your skills with computer opponents.
- Command:
telnet freechess.org
Nothing beats a classic chess match—especially when it’s in a retro, text-only interface.
But Wait, There’s More!
Telnet isn’t just a tool for geeks and techies—it’s also a playground for retro gaming enthusiasts and ASCII art lovers. Whether you’re solving intricate puzzles, watching an ASCII movie, or battling in dungeons, Telnet has a hidden side that’s full of entertainment. Go ahead, fire up your CMD (or terminal for macOS/Linux users), and take a trip down memory lane.
Pro Tip: If Telnet isn’t recognized on your system, you may need to enable it (on Windows) or install it via Homebrew on macOS (brew install telnet).
Unleash Your Inner Geek!
Have fun, and feel free to explore other Telnet servers for more quirky, retro experiences. There’s always something new to discover in this vintage command-line world!