Video games grow in popularity every year as do the types and titles.
There are games to play alone, solo, and games to play with others, multiplayer.
They come in all types and flavors – fantasy role-playing games, war games, strategy games, action, adventure, puzzles – the list is endless.
Games can be played on a personal computer and some require a special video game console.
Be sure to check the box for requirements before making a purchase. Games also are rated just as the movies.
Video game consoles
New gaming machines are being released just in time for the season. The official release date for Microsoft XBox 360 and Nintendo Wii was mid-November. CNet.com is a good place to check out reviews, videos and get more information about these hot products.
Word on the street, if you want one for Christmas, is buy sooner than later. Read more about Microsoft XBox 360 and the Nintendo Wii at CNet.com.
PlayStation consoles also are popular choices, and Sony makes a console called a PSP. A variety of games are available for each type, but the games must be played on the console for which it was designed – no mix and match.
Gaming
Massive Multiplayer Online. These games are played through the Internet with thousands of other people across the world. Games tend to get nicknames so it might be helpful to know what game a person is referring to. Here are a few to help: World of Warcraft also called WoW; EverQuest commonly called EQ; Matrix Online sometimes called MO or just Matrix; Starwars Galaxies referred to as SWG, Ryzom as Ry. This is not the complete list and only a sampling. There are so many and more on the way.
First-person shooters are another popular type of video game. Many of these games are played solo – just the player against an AI, an artificial intelligent robot-type character. Other games are multi-player and some are set up on Internet servers the same as a MMO. Just as the name implies, these games test the skill of the player against an AI or another real player in a who-can-shoot-who first battle of wits. Some of these games are quite realistic and not for the squeamish.
If an MMO is on the list, make sure your computer has a good video card (with 256 MB memory), lots of memory (at lease 512 MB but 1 gig is better) and a large hard drive (bigger is better, as games take a lot of space).
Also, remember that many of the Internet-based games require a monthly subscription that ranges in price from $4.95 to $27.95. Many game developers produce expansion packs that are "must buys" for those serious about the game.
If someone on your gift list has requested a specific game title – don't make a substitution and watch out for games that sound alike. When in doubt, try a gift card.
Check the Internet for the names of popular video game stores, such as ebgames.com, which list all the popular games and may help you in your search.
Parents should be cautioned that video games can be highly addictive and those played on the Internet often are not monitored for language. Adult supervision is advised.
