Video Games
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ByKatDavid
Video games can be a lot of fun, and also easy to take over your life, so be careful. Some of your biggest decision lies in picking which console to go with. The major manufactures are, of course, Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo. Sega is no longer making hardware. Sony and Nintendo not only have consoles that are connected to your television, but also have hand held versions of thier systems. Obviously, if you already have a console from one particular vendor, you'll need to keep yourself in games. That's why you're here on this article! Some current big titles are Guitar Hero 5 
which ShopWiki has ready at any given minute to rock out with. Favorites at home include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 ,The Beatles: Rock Band ,Metroid Prime Trilogy and Mario Kart . You'll find the latest game titles in the incoming video games guide, and there's also a general video game accessories guide. The rest is below.
About the Editor
My love for videos games started when I was eight years old. I had just received a Nintendo N64 console for Christmas from my mother, after weeks and weeks of begging for it. (It was, and still is, the best gift I've ever gotten.) I instantly went out and bought a handful of games, all of which I still play to this day. Now, at the age of 22, I own several consoles--a Nintendo Gameboy Pocket, Nintendo N64, Nintendo DS, a Nintendo Wii , and a Playstation. I was recently introduced to computer gaming, and have been completely addicted to Team Fortress 2 , a first person shooter created by Valve. As a female gamer, playing online multiplayer computer games is a bit more challenging because it is such a male-dominated realm, but I've managed to keep up (and in some cases, excel) while having a great time.
Top Nintendo DS Games |
Pokemon-White Version This version of Pokemon introduces us to the new region of Unova--a breathtaking combination of skyscrapers and bridges, mountains and beaches. With vastly improved graphics and many new Pokemon to catch, including the legendary Zekrom, this game is highly enjoyed by everyone! |
Pokemon-Black Version Similar to the White version, this game takes place in the beautiful region of Unova. Between catching and training new Pokemon, searching for the legendary Reshiram, and battling trainers, Pokemon Black provides endless hours of entertainment. |
New Super Mario Bros. This game provides a whole new spin on the classic Super Mario Bros. Along with all the old gameplay, you'll find brand new moves and powerups as well as a multiplayer and mini game mode. And don't forget to explore to find brand new secrets! |
Mario Kart DS Mario Kart has be found in nearly every home since it came out for the N64. The DS version includes singleplayer and an 8-player multiplayer option (that connects via Wi-Fi), classic courses as well as brand new ones, and provides five different game play modes. |
Okamiden Okamiden is a highly stylized action, adventure, and puzzle game that utilizes the DS stylus for pressure-sensitive painting, drawing, and caligraphy. Players can join forces with in-game characters, each with their own unique abilities, to learn new skills and conquor enemies. |
Product Spotlight |
Nintendo 3DS
Many of us are familiar with Nintendo's popular handheld gaming consoles: the DS, DSi XL , DSi, and DS lite . But on March 27, 2011, Nintendo plans on releasing yet another version of the DS in America--only this time, it's in 3-D .
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- The Nintendo 3DS will be able to produce glasses-free 3-D effects, thanks to a process called autostereoscopy.
- The device has many new features, including:
- Activity Log: Track your gameplay (which games have been played and for how long) as well as your physical activity with a built-in pedometer.
- Augmented Reality: New software will utilize real-world environment interactions with the use of cards that come with certain games.
- Backward Capability: Older Nintendo DS software is compatible with the new console, so there's no need to buy the same games all over again.
- 3DS Messaging: This services allows users to send and receive messages from friends via Wi-Fi connection.
- Virtual Console: Similar to the Wii, you can now buy games and software through Nintendo's eShop using a cash-based system.
- SpotPass Mode: A background connectivity system automatically connects to wireless networks to send and download information during sleep mode or gameplay.
- Video Content: You can watch 3D movies and use video playback on your handheld system.
- Mii: The device contains a Mii Maker and the ability to import from your Wii.
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Computer Gaming
For those of you who aren't into handheld gaming devices like the DS, computer games are an excellent step in an alternative direction. Here are some of my favorite games, which range from first person shooters (FPS) to massive multiplayer online (MMO) games. |
Team Fortress 2 , often abbreviated as TF2, is currently my favorite PC game. It's a first person shooter that includes countless maps designed by game developers as well as by the players themselves. And with 9 classes to choose from, everyone can enjoy it. | Warhammer Online is an MMORPG that allows you to create male or female characters that are good (Order) or evil (Destruction). There are many customizable classes to choose from, and each can be leveled up to 40. In my opinion, this game is better than World of Warcraft .
| Diablo II , a hack-and-slash fantasy RPG developed by Blizzard, has been out for Mac and Windows since 2000. With 5 classes to choose from and countless creatures, dungeons, and bosses to defeat, it's still one of my top computer games. I can't wait until Diablo III is released! |
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The Great Debate
Computer Mice
For PC gamers, finding the right computer mouse is crucial to a quality gaming experience. While everyone knows not to use trackball mice anymore, many people find themselves considering whether optical mice or laser mice are better for gaming. There are few discernable differences to the naked eye, but ultimately, laser mice are far superior for those who play games or do graphic design. Here's why:- Sensitivity: The more dpi (dots per inch) a mouse can track, the more sensitive it is. Optical mice, which use an LED light for tracking, usually sense anywhere from 400 to 1600dpi. Laser mice, which use lasers (Duh.) can track more than 2000dpi . This kind of extreme sensitivity, however, is often only useful for gamers and graphic designers--Most regular computer users find it to be too much.
- Adjustability: Programmable mice allow you to change the sensitivity levels of the mouse to exactly what you need.
- Tracking Surfaces: Laser mice work on nearly any surface. Optical mice have trouble on surfaces that are black, shiny, or reflective. This is not a problem, however, if you invest in a mouse pad .
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Ask the Editor
Game Gamble
Q: What are some good, reliable websites where I can review games before I buy them? I want websites that are not affiliated with gaming companies because I feel those are a little biased.
-- Kyle, Brooklyn, NY
A: Finding websites that review games without secretly urging you to buy them can be difficult. The ones I usually turn to for my gaming information are IGN, 1UP, and GameSpot. They all include reviews, news, guides, and cheats and walkthroughs for when those moments when you just can't seem to figure something out. |
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Fun for kids and adults, you'll learn about compatibility, design, system speed, on your quest to buy a Video Game Console . Don't forget to consider the controller and graphics capability, as different system might be better for your particular needs.
Home Consoles Guide
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There's a lot to consider for a PSP or DS Lite game system . If you have a certain game console at home, the choice may be easy to go with the same manufacturer's system, but if you have an Xbox, the decision is wide open. Handheld Systems Guide
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Now that you have your gaming system at home or for on the road, you'll need video games to go with it. There are many titles, appealing to all sorts of interest. Start below to get on your way, whatever type of game you're into. Games Guide
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Just because you have a new video gaming system, you're not through until you customize it with some great game controllers . Some controllers are specific to a game, like the guitar peripheral for Guitar Hero , while others are general. Controllers Guide |
This will help you after you've gotten yourself set up with the system, a few games, and want to take your game play to the next level. A must for day two of your gamer life! Video Game Resources |
Video Games By Brand
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Microsoft There are several versions of the Microsoft Xbox. There is the standard Xbox 360 ,Xbox 360 Arcade , and for the full deal, the Xbox 360 Elite . These are great systems for internet play against oponents as far as a continent away. |
Nintendo Currently, Nintendo has the Wii ,DS Lite and DSi in production, which use new forms of tactile game interaction. Games are still available for the GameCube and Nintendo 64, as well as used systems if you need to replace a console. |
Sony The Playstation 3 is the latest rage from Sony and it even works as a Blu-ray disc player, while the popular PS2 is still available on the cheap. The cutting edge graphics and wide feature set helps create the wide appeal. The current handheld in production is the PSP .
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Others Other classic game systems include the Sega Dreamcast system and many others. These are mainly here to help you with finding addons for those systems, as Sega is no longer deveoping its own hardware. |
Don't overlook the accesories that you'll want. Each gaming system comes with a multitude of additional controllers that will feel great to some, but maybe not to others. If you haven't decided on a system, read up on each of the latest systems, and you'll be able to get comfortable with which one will likely suit you best. In addition, some games that you may have tried at a friend's house may only be avaialbe on one system. If you plan to swap games with friends, don't foget to check in with them to make sure that you have compatible gaming systems.
International Resources
For this resource in your home country, please see:
FR: Jouets et jeux vidéos
DE: Videospiele und Konsolen
NL: Games Shopgids
BE: Games Shopgids
AU: Video Games
UK: Video Games
ES: Videojuegos
