Visit any video game outlet and you're bound to get overwhelmed by the hundreds of choices available - especially if you're new to gaming. Interestingly, children and teens seem to know their way around these places as if they were their second home. But for the adult, the typical video store looks like some sort of color paint explosion and sooner or later, all the games start to look the same. This guide is for the adult who's buying a game for a younger person perhaps as a birthday gift or as a bribe. Whatever the reason, you're going to appreciate the following tips.
1. Research this strange phenomenon before setting foot inside a video store. There's plenty of information available about video games online, so to reduce frustration offline, fire up your web browser and do a little homework. Visit the website of the gaming outlet nearest you and then look for a link to the games section of the system that your youngster plays. Here's a helpful chart to explain what all those strange letters mean.
Wii = Nintendo's Wii System
EA Sports = Entertainment Arts System
PS3 = Playstation 3 System
XBOX 360 = Microsoft's XBOX 360 System
PC = Personal Computer
PS2 = Playstation 2 System
PSP = Playstation Portable System
DS = Nintendo's DS System
The key is to locate the system on the store's website first. The system, it's accessories, and all of the games that work on that system will follow. If not, you may need to use the website's internal search engine.
2. After locating the appropriate games section for your youngster's machine, check out the ratings of each game and create a temporary shopping list of age appropriate material. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) gives each game a rating in an effort to inform parents what their children are playing. Here's a handy reference to what the ratings mean:
C = Appropriate for Early childhood
E = Appropriate for Everyone
E 10+ = Appropriate for Everyone aged 10 and older
T = Appropriate for Teens
M = Appropriate for Mature Adults
3. Within your temporary shopping list, try find a game that's built from the latest movie release. Little people love the new animated movies put out by Disney and Pixar, and they really enjoy re-living precious moments in the movie in a video game. That's why when these movies come out on DVD, their producers put a few games in the "Special Features section" of the CDs.
4. If you can't find a game that's built from a movie that the child likes, try to find a game that centers around a popular cartoon character or one that attempts to educate.
5. If you still can't find one that resembles something that you've heard this particular person rambling on about, first give yourself a slight slap on the hand. You should pay better attention. Then point your browser to the nearest Blockbuster or Hollywood Video website. Follow the same procedure outlined in steps 1 - 3 only this time, elect to rent 5 or 6 games that look appealing. This will give your tot a chance to play some games and select one to keep forever while you return the others.
6. If on the other hand, you did find a game in step 3 or 4, you can either check out online, or drive up to the store and buy it there.
They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but the illustrations on the both video and pc game cases do a pretty good job of representing the game's content. So if you see an illustration of fighting warriors, chances are the game will be more violent than you prefer. If on the other hand, you see an illustration that resembles what you'd see on the cover of an interesting children's book, the game should be age appropriate.
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Guide to buying video games
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A guide : Nintendo's Wii System
If you haven't heard of Nintendo's Wii system, we have just one question for you. Where have you been?! This hot new gaming system made its debut right at the time when Microsoft's new Xbox hit the market. But what makes this system so popular is that it's the first system that incorporates virtual reality in the living room. That, in addition to Nintendo's dedication to producing gaming material for that entire family as opposed to the complex games that we have on the market (for other systems) today.
This article describes some of the accessories and games available that everyone can enjoy.
The Wii System. Welcome back to family fun with this console. For only $249, the entire family can enjoy time's treasured games and physically interact with them using Nintendo's unique wrist-strapped controller. Anyone at any skill level can get in on the fun with this new machine and it comes with a free Wii Sports game cartridge.
Wii Accessories. If you're still "old school" and you prefer to use the classic Nintendo style controller, no need to fret. They're still available and they cost no more than $19.99. But if you can't wait to try out the Wii Remote, get one or two or three at only $40 each. The Wii Nunchuck Controller will run you about $19.99, however both the Nunchuck and Remote controller will give you hours of fun as you swing your way through your favorite games.
Of course, all that gaming could warrant the purchase of the Wii Air cooler ($14.99) or the Wii Charge Station ($29.99). And you certainly don't want to quit a game without saving your place! You can buy a 1GB SD Memory card ($39.99) or 2 GB SD memory card ($59.99) made by SanDisk, and pick up the fun where you left off at a later time.
Wii Games. Looking for games? We've separated this part of our guide into two sections: one for children and one for adults. Use caution when purchasing Wii games for players under 18 years of age.
Excite Truck.................................................$49.99
Wario Ware: Smooth Moves........................$49.99
Super Paper Mario.......................................$19.99
Bionicle........................................................$49.99
Sonic and the Secret Rings.........................$49.99
Cooking Mama: Cook Off............................$49.99
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07.......................... $49.99
FOR ADULTS:
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess......$49.99
Medal of Honor Vangaurd...........................$49.99
The Godfather: Blackhand Edition..............$49.99
COMING SOON:
Mario Party 8
Legend of the Dragon
Mortal Combat Armageddon
Scarface: The World is Yours
NOTE: Legend of the Dragon and Zelda is rated T for Teen. The Godfather, Scarface, and Mortal Combat is rated M for Mature. Both The Godfather and Scarface emulate scenes from their movies and the violence follows with them.. Mortal Combat was designed to appeal to an audience that's, "eager for violence."
Xbox 360: A Revolution in Console Gaming
It wasn't so long ago that kids who got the "new" Nintendo 8-bit gaming console or the Sega system for Christmas were the envy of every less fortunate and burned out Atari owning neighborhood playmate. As time elapsed, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and NES's Turbo Graphix 16 became all the rave. Anyone now in their twenties can recall being impressed by the awesome advancements in playability and graphic display of the Nintendo 64 and Sega's Dreamcast system, and even more recently (only five or so years ago) the advent of Microsoft's Xbox, Nintendo's Game Cube, and the Play Station by Sony. The Video Gaming industry has made great strides in the past twenty years: from slow-moving, barely recognizable forms on screen in original Atari games such as Pac-Man, Calga, and Tron, to the extremely vivid and life-like graphics of Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, and Tekken; available for the Xbox and Play Station. Now, just in time for Christmas 2005, Microsoft has made the next move in the continuing race for Video.
Gaming Supremacy with the introduction of the Xbox 360. The result is truly phenomenal.
The Xbox 360, as with all video game consoles, is basically just a computer with hardware and software dedicated to the function of running video games. The original Xbox was pretty much just a Microsoft PC with a modified Pentium III processor, some powerful graphics and audio capabilities, and a modified version of the Windows 2000 operating system, all packaged in that distinctive black box.
This year Microsoft has released two versions of the Xbox 360: the Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System. The Xbox 360Core System is "plug and play", that is, that in addition to the console, it includes an integrated controller and an AV cable. The Xbox 360 (not the "Core system") comes with a wireless controller, an HD AV cable, an Ethernet connectivity cable, a headset, a media remote, and a removable 20-GB hard drive.
For anyone who thought the original Xbox was a technological marvel, you must try this out! As amazing and realistic as the play on the first Xbox was, the Xbox 360 makes its predecessor look tired and worn-out. Microsoft has rebuilt the Xbox from the ground up. From the name to the look, from hardware to features, the Xbox 360 is a radically different and more powerful machine than the original Xbox. Far more than a video game console, the Xbox 360 is a total media center that allows users to play games, network with other 360 owners; rip, stream and download all types of media, including high-definition movies, music, digital pictures and game content, as well as play DVD movies and audio CD's.
The Xbox 360 will revolutionize the gaming world. Microsoft has definitely set the new standard in video game technology.
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PlayStation 3 vs. Xbox 360: Choosing the Best
Gaming consoles are one of the best entertainment tools available and many people buy one for their own home. In fact, gaming consoles are very popular today that every release of a new kind of gaming console, stores always run out of stock.
However, there are also different kinds of gaming consoles available in the market today that claims to be the best. These companies claim that they guarantee that with their gaming console, you will have the ultimate gaming experience. Because of this, people tend to get confused on which gaming console they should buy.
Two examples of companies that manufacture gaming consoles that are always competing is Sony and Microsoft. The upcoming Sony PlayStation 3 and the newly released Microsoft Xbox 360 are two of the most popular gaming consoles available today. Both companies claim that their gaming console offers the best quality gaming experience that you will ever have.
So, in order to end all the confusion, here are some facts about these two different gaming consoles and with this information, you can choose which gaming console is right for you.
The Sony PlayStation 3 is the third in the PlayStation series and is expecting great success upon its release on November 2006 in Japan, United States, and in Canada. PlayStation 3 is integrated with the latest and unique technology in a gaming console. It has features like the Blu-ray drive that is not found in other gaming consoles available in the market today. The Blu-ray drive is one of the latest disc drives available presently. What makes Blu-ray special is it has a much larger capacity to store data, meaning it will allow game developers to show their creativity and add detailing effects to make the game more realistic than ever before.
The PlayStation 3 gaming console can also be equipped with a Wi-Fi. This technology will enable you to connect to the Internet wirelessly and it will be able to give you the capability to play online PlayStation 3 games along with millions of players worldwide. Think of this as a virtual community where you can make friends with someone halfway around the world.
PlayStation 3 also has Bluetooth wireless controllers available. This means that it can definitely let you have a more enjoyable experience when you play a PlayStation game. With PlayStation 3, you can also upgrade the hard disk.
PlayStation 3 also has the backward compatibility feature which allows you to play your old PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games in your new PlayStation 3 gaming console.
Xbox 360 also offers one of the best features in a gaming console. Microsoft has thought all about the needs of consumers in a gaming console. Because of this, they developed and manufactured the Xbox 360 gaming console system that virtually has everything that you need in a gaming console system. It has wireless controllers, upgradeable hard drive, Xbox Live headset to let you chat with your friends when playing Xbox 360 online games, WiFi adapter and can also be integrated with the Xbox Live Vision.
As you can see, both gaming console system are closely matched except for the Blu-ray technology that PlayStation 3 has. If you want a gaming console that offers high definition graphics, you should opt for PlayStation 3. With the Blu-ray technology and advanced HDMI technology, you will be able to have the best gaming experience of your life.
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A Guide : Microsoft's XBox 360 System
The new Xbox 360 console brings Microsoft technology to the gaming industry like never before. This new toy sports new Internet connections to social communities and puts the gamer in ultimate control with goo-gobs of fun accessories.
This article describes some of those accessories and the games available that (almost) everyone can enjoy.
XBox 360 Accessories. For such a powerful system, it should be no surprise that this system takes full advantage of accessorizing. We can start by saving games on the $19.99 512MB memory unit or with the $29.99 64MB memory unit. To keep the power going, we can look at the $29.99 Quick Charge Kit or the smaller $19.99 Play & Charge Kit. On the go, you can carry and use the $11.99 Rechargeable Batter Pack while re-powering you controller with the $29.99 charge Station.
Increase connectivity with the $99.99 Wireless Network Adapter and keep your system "kewl" with the $19.99 Intercooler. But that's enough about maintenance. Let's look at the fun.
Get a $39.99 Wired controller or $49.99 Wireless Controller to play your games. Unless you want feel like getting behind the wheel. In that case, you can try on the $149.99 Wireless Racing Wheel for size.
Of course if you want to get down with your PC, check out Xbox's $19.99 Wireless Gaming Receiver and user your Xbox 360 controller on the computer!
XBox 360 Games. Looking for games? We've separated this part of our guide into two sections: one for children and one for adults. Use caution when purchasing XBox 360 games for players under 18 years of age.
Xbox's UEFA Champions League 2006-2007 $59.99
Xbox's Viva Pinata $29.99
Xbox's Fuzion Frenzy 2 $29.99
Meet the Robinsons $49.99 (by Disney Interactive Studios)
Xbox's Star Trek Legacy $39.99
Konami's Dance Dance Revolution Universe $49.99
COMING SOON:
Forza MotorSport 2
FOR ADULTS:
Xbox's Halo 2 $29.99 (rated 10 by GameInformer)
Xbox's Gears of War $59.99 (rated 9.5 by GameInformer)
Xbox's Crackdown $59.99 (rated 8.5 by GameInformer)
Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition $59.99
Bethesda Softworks' Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion $59.99
Xbox's Rainbow Six: Vegas $59.99 (rated 9.5 by GameInformer)
D3 Publishers' Earth Defense Force 2017 $39.99
A Guide : Playstation 2 and 3?
The Playstation Systems. As number three in a line of Playstation products, Playstation 3 boasts new parallel processing that enables broadband multiplayer action. It's built in Blu-Ray disc drive promises high definition gaming, tons of media storage, streaming videos, music and an online service leaving you little to desire.
It's predecessor, system number two, sells for only $19.99 and networks as well (just not as fast as system number three). With over 1,400 games to choose from, it's hard to argue against this bargain.
PSP is hot again ($169.99) and integrates 3D gaming on widescreen with high fidelity stereo music, full motion video, communication and wireless networking.
Playstation 2 Accessories. If you're still "old schooling" your Playstation, then you'll enjoy Playstation's Dual Shock 2 Analog Controller ($24.99), Wireless NERF controller ($29.99), or it's 8MB memory card ($24.99). But the music doesn't stop there. It plays on with the SingStar Pop game and accessory pack ($49.99) or the Guitar Hero II ($79.99).
Playstation 3 Accessories. What's required? The Playstation 3 system sports two different kinds of controllers : a standard Chillstream controller ($39.99) and a Sixaxis Wireless controller ($49.99). Combined with the Blu-ray remote control ($24.99), you can have complete domination over your system in no time.
PSP Accessories. Never interrupt your game play again with a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo ($69.99) or 4Gb Memory Stick Pro Duo ($109.99). Carry your handheld in a Platinum Pack ($19.99) or Traveler Case ($19.99). And don't forget a carry all for your media ($14.99). PSP's Media Manager ($24.99) will keep you organized as well.
Playstation Games. Looking for games? We've separated this part of our guide into two sections: one for children and one for adults. Use caution when purchasing Playstation games for players under 18 years of age.
Playstation 2 Games
FOR CHILDREN:
MLB 07: The Show $59.99
ATV 4: Off Road Fury $39.99
Meet the Robinsons $29.99
Dance Dance Revolution: supernova $39.99
Durnout: Dominator $39.99
NBS Street Homecourt $59.99
FOR ADULTS:
Shadow of the Colossus $19.99
God of War $19.99
Gran Turismo 4 $19.99
Socum U.S. Navy Seals Combines Assault $39.99
Rogue Galaxy $39.99
God of War II $49.99
Destroy All Humans! 2 $39.99
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories $19.99
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas $19.99
Medal of Honor: Vanguard $39.99
Dawn of Mana $39.99
Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion $59.99
Resistance: Fall of Man $59.99
MotorStorm $59.99
Playstation 3 Games
FOR CHILDREN:
MLB 07: The Show $59.99
NBS Street Homecourt $59.99
FOR ADULTS:
Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion $59.99
Resistance: Fall of Man $59.99
MotorStorm $59.99
NOTE: Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion is works with all Playstations and is a game
COMING SOON:
Lair
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2
PSP Games
FOR CHILDREN:
Ultimate Board Game Collection $39.99
Street Horizon $39.99
MLB 07: The Show $39.99
Rachet & Clank: Size Matters $39.99
Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition 19.99
Full Auto 2: Battlelines: $39.99
NOTE: Street Horizon brings both turn-based and real-time strategy game play.
FOR ADULTS:
300: March to Glory: $29.99
Socum U.S. Navy Seals Combines Assault $39.99
After Burner Black Falcon $39.99
Dragonball Z Shin Budokai Another Road $39.99
The Warriors $19.99
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories $29.99
Prince of Persia: Rival Swords $39.99
Rocky Balboa $39.99
COMING SOON:
Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics
Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2
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Sony PlayStation 3: It Is Out?
Gaming consoles today are getting more and more advanced and now offers people great quality entertainment features that you will never find in old gaming consoles. One game console developer and manufacturer is Sony. Sony is known for giving the world one of the best gaming consoles available today, the PlayStation, and PlayStation 2.
Because of the state-of-the-art technology integrated in these gaming consoles, it is considered as a must-have for every household and is a great addition in home entertainment systems. Sony offers great quality gaming console with realistic graphics and sound and they also offer a wide variety of popular game titles.
Because of the worldwide success of PlayStation and PlayStation 2, Sony has developed yet another breakthrough in the world of gaming console. They developed a one-of-a-kind gaming console that will change the way people look at consoles today. This gaming console is called Sony PlayStation 3.
Sony PlayStation 3 is one of the most highly anticipated gaming consoles presently and people are preordering and making reservations in Sony PlayStation 3 retail outlets all over the world in order to ensure ownership of the gaming console upon release. If you have purchased PlayStation or PlayStation 2 when they just came out, you know what to expect with the PlayStation 3. You will expect long lines, and the store running out of PlayStation 3 stocks because of its popularity.
In order to avoid long lines and frustration of not being able to buy a PlayStation 3 because of stocks running out, you should consider preordering or making reservations in order to make sure that you will own a PlayStation 3 gaming console upon release or have it delivered right at your doorstep.
PlayStation 3 80GB
Many people are now waiting for the PlayStation 3 to come out and be officially released in the market. Armed with the knowledge on when PlayStation 3 will be coming out, you can expect to be one of the first persons to own this state-of-the-art gaming console in the world.
With PlayStation 3, you can look forward to a gaming experience that you have never experienced before on other gaming consoles available in the market today. Because of the state-of-the-art technology integrated in PlayStation 3, you would really want to have one in your home for quality home entertainment for you, your family and your friends.
Always remember that on November 2006, PlayStation 3 will be officially coming out in Japan, in the United States, and in Canada and March 2007 on Europe and Australasia. So, wherever you live, you should expect a shopping rush for PlayStation 3 upon release. Secure ownership of this much anticipated gaming console by getting to the PlayStation 3 retail outlets early or make reservations or preorder PlayStation 3.
Online Games : To Mom and Dad...
Have you ever wondered what your child was rambling on about at the dinner table when he or she started saying things like "VR" or "RPG"? If so, you're not alone. "VR" and "RPG" aren't new text messaging acronyms - they're acronyms for gaming and this article is going to introduce you to some of the more common forms.
If you at least thought of the Internet when you heard "VR" or "RPG" however, you're on the right track. Exclusive to the online environment, "VR" or "RPG" - which consequently stands for virtual reality gaming and role playing games - are just two aspects of a gaming world gone wild. The days of playing scrabble in front of the fireplace are over in today's generation, but we don't believe you'll hear too many people complaining about it. Today's generation is fascinated with online gaming - an opportunity to play games over the Internet with hundreds of people at a time.
Available to anyone with a computer and fast Internet connection, there are thousands of online games available to play by anyone... sometimes free and sometimes for a fee. They range from the familiar family board games to strange and more complicated games which require a hundred page manual to understand. One thing that they all have in common however is that they're fun to play.
The most common type of online game you'll probably run into is the Flash game - usually located on educational sites or Yahoo! for Kids for example. These games may or may not involve other players, but they're always full of color, they're fast to download, and they're fun to play. Since they run inside the web browser, no special equipment is needed. These are the simple games - more intriguing than checkers, but no more difficult to play than chess.
Another type of online gaming is more violent than the ones we described above and it's similar to the "shoot-em-up" type games found on the first Nintendo and Playstation systems. Designed from the first person's point of view, the player typically maneuvers around the screen as a weapon-clad hand - periodically changing weapons as the game's scenario permits. The violence in these games vary from mild to offensive, and as a parent, you're cautioned to monitor your children's access to them - especially since these games are played online with other people.
Next, in terms of complication or violence, comes the virtual reality gaming and role playing games that we introduced earlier. These types of games require an extensive amount of time spent online since players assume the role of a game character in play. Players work hard to build up an inventory of weapons or skills - none of which can be accomplished in a period of thirty minutes or less. They then go on to interact with other characters which extends game time even longer (if it even stops). Both virtual reality gaming and role playing games require and encourage strategic thinking, but as parents, you may not be comfortable with the violence that's prominent in some of these games. Nor may you be comfortable with the amount of time that playing these kinds of games can consume. Depending on the complexity of the game, any one person could spend at least six months at a game and having access to thousands of other players simultaneously doesn't exactly make them easy to walk away from.
Our best advice is to learn about these games right along with your child and make the decision to play them (or not play them) together. You can find some helpful advice about making computer decisions with children in our article entitled, "Protecting Children Online."
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