Games and Toys
Featured Articles:
Computer Games
by: Robert Jones
Remember your old Commodore Vic 20? You were free to spend a
Saturday afternoon doing nothing but playing video games--as soon as
you found the game cartridge and typed in that lengthy run code. But
man, it was fun!
Computer game plays have come a long way since those days in the
1980's. From pinging a white dot from paddle to paddle, to simple
static non-scrolling games, to today's mind blowing sound and
graphics, computer games have evolved into game categories that are
played on super consoles.
Playing computer games is part of our everyday popular culture. The
entertainment genre that was once reserved for idle teenagers has
grown to be the favorite pastime of the average thirty year-old. The
computer games marketed today are so varied in style; anyone
choosing from a selection of computer game software can easily be
overwhelmed by the available choices.
The latest development to boost computer game playing was the
development of broadband. With this technology, two players can play
games from different parts of the world. As long as the broadband
connection is good, the game is played simultaneously in real time,
with no lag. Because of the universal appeal, computer games have
made it possible to interact with other players anywhere, despite
the cultural, time or language barriers. Even toddlers can now enjoy
software with games and software designed for their education and
amusement.
Computer game playing has enjoyed such worldwide popularity with
people of all ages, studies are now being conducted on the effects
it has on players. The seemingly innocent invention has created so
much attention that international assessments are underway to track
the impact of these products on user's behavior and thinking.
Initial studies hint that computer game "bestsellers" tend to be
violent or ugly game styles, but the results may be leaning to a
more optimistic side.
Choosing which computer games to play is a personal choice affected
by a number of factors. Taste and preference of the player are the
biggest determining factors. When choosing a computer game, consider
these factors to find the style that suits you:
* Challenge: What are your strong points? Logic, speed, verbalizing
or coordination? Find a game that challenges you and builds your
skills.
* Number of Players: Do you play well with others? Team play or
opposition involves organization, multi-player strategies and
building coalitions.
* Luck: If you're just plain lucky, try cards or games of chance.
* Strategies: Strategic games are great for your brain. Choose
titles with deeply strategic game play.
* Ease of use: Some games are so complicated they're just not fun to
play. Kids, especially, should choose games appropriate to their age
and skill.
* Reality: Does the game attempt to simulate real life, or is it an
abstract game designed purely for entertainment.
* Objectives: What is the objective of the game? Do players get
eliminated, or can everyone stay to the end?
* Style: There is an incredible range of themes and styles of
computer games, from comical to downright violent.
Depending on your interests, you can shoot, race, fight or role-play
on your computer. There are real time games, and simulation games.
Computer games have come a long, long way since those early blips
and bleeps of the 1980's. Our screens are now graced with full-colour
3D graphics (although many still prefer two-dimensional games).
Anytime you're ready to take a break, you can just turn on your
computer and instantly disappear with the computer game of your
choice.
About The Author
Robert Jones contributes articles to several web sites, including
http://easy-recreation.com and http://kemop.com.