Archive for the ‘Video Games’ Category

Turbo 16 Video Games

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010
Rose Basile asked:




If you’ve been playing video games for a long time, then you’ll remember one of the first rivalries between the Turbo Grafx-16 of NEC and Nintendo. Nintendo seemed to control the video game industry since it came out with one of the most popular new games to hit the market since its inception, Mario Brothers. However, NEC was an up and coming company that had a successful business in semiconductors, one of the most expensive components in a new machine.

The Turbo Grafx-16 vintage video game system was released to a lot of fanfare, but soon faced a lot of competition from companies such as Nintendo and Sega who were able to produce much more complex video games. This system was marketed as the first 16-bit system, and had a great start in the market in the United States. The system was first released in 1989.

The Turbo Grafx-16 eventually became the first console to offer video games on CD, but was unable to beat out its competitors. Gamers eventually chose to stick with the largest video game consoles. The problem was that the video games offered by NEC were simply not up to par. Nintendo and other major video game consoles offered more bang for their buck. Gamers loved the infinite possibilities and incredible gameplay offered by Nintendo. NEC had very few games, and was unable to create interesting games that attracted hard-core video game players, although the system was well known for having some great top-down shooters.

NEC couldn’t turn to other developers since they already had contracts with Nintendo and other major video consoles. It seemed that NEC was doomed to fail in this increasingly competitive world of gaming. It was one of the first video game consoles to fall victim to the changes in trends that affect other industries such as automobiles and fashion.

It was the Sega Genesis that put the death nail in the Turbo 16 video game system. Every serious gamer who was around at that time can remember the first time they played the Sega Genesis. This console had incredible games as well. Sports, action, adventure, and strategy games offered incredible gameplay and intricate scenarios. There was no chance for the TurboGrafx-16.

Less than 1 million video game consoles from TurboGrafx-16 were sold, and vintage consoles are available to collectors on many auction sites around the internet. Today, Nintendo and Sony rule the video game world, with new competition from Microsoft. There will almost certainly be new victims in this difficult market that changes tastes every day.

Benefits Playing Video Games

Monday, August 30th, 2010
Victor Epand asked:




For years, video games have invaded toy store shelves. Producing a variety of games that cover everything from racing to action to movies, game console manufacturers have tapped into a very lucrative industry. Although the popular phrase “too much of a good thing” does apply when it comes to video games, studies have shown that a considerable portion of games can be beneficial to the brain.

Video games help to develop and fine-tune a long list of cognitive milestones. Playing these games assists in the growth of thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as reasoning and memory capabilities. Video games can also spark a child’s interest in a particular subject, causing them to not only pick up information throughout the game, but to seek further details at a later date, such as games based on animals, nature, or real-life events.

Language remains one of the most important components of video games. During almost any particular game, the player must understand the instructions given and decide how to proceed; this is even true for young children’s games. Video games have the ability to teach kids various words in other languages, as well as encouraging them to recognize the alphabet and numbers, or begin to take the first steps towards reading. Of course, playing video games often helps to build the vocabulary of a child, regardless of age.

All too often, kids are left to play video games on their own, with parents, caregivers and other family members failing to realize the entertainment they provide. Renting a few video games makes for a great family night, as a way to get every member involved in a fun, crowd-pleasing event.

Although the cost of consoles may seem high, they will last a long time if taken care of properly. Most children treasure their game systems and keep them out of harm’s way, unlike many other toys and electronics they may own. Surprisingly, most kids are also eager to share their systems and games with others, realizing that many games are better suited to more than one player.

Using the latest developments in gaming systems, even physical fitness can be achieved through the use of video games. This type of console offers accessories that record real-life movements, allowing for at-home fun that once could only be found outside of the house. One example is bowling; an instrument connected to the game system translates the actual physical movements of the player to the game itself. Other physical-based titles feature yoga, music and dancing, and an extensive list of sports.

All About Skateboarding Video Games

Sunday, August 29th, 2010
Scott Robson asked:




If you are a skateboarder, then you may be interested in playing skateboarding video games when the weather is too bad for you to skateboard outside, or it’s already dark out. These video games allow you to simulate your favorite skateboarding moves. Many of these popular titles include the likeness of famous pro skateboarders. In the game, you can perform the various moves and tricks made famous by your favorite skateboarders.

One of the earliest skateboarding video games was a 1987 title called “Skate or Die,” for early Atari and Nintendo systems. It allowed up to eight people to play at once, which is several more than even most modern skateboarding games. However, it was a short game, featuring only five events, and the downside was that most skateboarders could master it very easily. Modern skateboarding games have rectified this by included many more levels for players to master, including some that are ‘unlocked’ by special moves.

One of the most well-known of all pro skateboarders, Tony Hawk, has lent his image to many different skateboarding video games, fifteen different titles in all produced since the late 1990s. They are produced for nearly every popular gaming console or system, including GameCube, GameBoy, Playstation, and Xbox. Popular titles include Pro Skater and Underground. Some of these are story-based, while others are based solely on the tricks you learn to perform. Most feature other popular skateboarders besides Tony Hawk, while some of the players whose personas you can take on as a player in the game are fictional.

Introduced in 2002 for the GameCube and Playstation 2, Evolution Skateboarding is one of the top selling skateboard video games yet. Including lots of professional skateboarders, such as Danny Way and Rick McCrank, this game is known for offering plenty of tricks to master. You must master certain ones before the game will allow you to move on and explore other moves.

Disney has also entered the popular world of skateboarding video games with their game called Disney’s Extreme Skate Adventure. Designed for younger players, and even those who may be too young to actually skateboard, it features favorite Disney characters from Toy Story, Tarzan, or Lion King. Their second title, 2003′s Disney Sports Skateboarding, included classic characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. Targeted towards a younger audience, it is geared towards those who may have never been on a real skateboard before, unlike most other skateboarding video game titles.

The best skateboarding games historically have been those with a soundtrack that resonates with skateboarding enthusiasts, as well as well-done graphics that can bring the skateboarding tricks to life. Like skateboarding itself, skateboarding games offer many different levels, from beginner to advanced, making it easy for anyone to enter this world. Some manufacturers are currently working on new technology that will allow players to stand on a skateboard-like board in their living room to control the player’s movements in the game. Movements will be captured by the foot motion and leaning.

Get Paid To Play Video Games

Thursday, August 26th, 2010
Steve Valentino asked:




With the turn of the century, the means of entertainment and relaxation have been revolutionized. Video games, PC games, and console games have grown greatly in popularity. Better gaming systems, advanced micro-chips, and video enhancement and display cards clearly indicate the improving game designs, mind blowing game ideas, and spectacular levels of detail. Casual and hardcore gamers look for games that completely mesmerize them and draw them deeper into the scenario of the game. Video gaming has become so popular that organizations have actually started offering money to video gamers.

A large number of hardware companies, software developers, and game promoters employ hardcore gamers having excellent skill in the games. These gamers are commonly referred to as Pro-gamers. Pro-gamers and even teams are employed on a contract basis to represent the employer at large gaming events and tournaments. Gamers are given a sponsorship deal and the employer pays for gaming practice sessions at cafes, provides personal computers and accessories, pays for travel and lodging expenses during tournaments and so on. Some of the common games that skilled gamers can be contracted for are Counter-Strike, Quake 3, Quake 4, Starcraft, Warcraft 3, FIFA, and so on. Gaming contests for these games are held through out the year all over the world. Mega gaming events are sponsored by multinational companies such as Intel, Pepsi, Coca Cola, and so on, and may involve cash prizes for up to $400,000 for the winners.

Another way of getting paid for video games is through video game testing. Large game developers and designers require reviews and feedback about a game before finally releasing it in the market. Game testers are experts that can provide a fair view and opinion about the quality of a game, its game play and over all storyline. Developers actually employ gamers to play their video games and assess them. Game testers are paid after they complete their contract.

In today’s world, playing video games has become a viable career option.

Old Video Games

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010
Steve Valentino asked:




Over the last three decades, video games have evolved as one of the best forms of entertainment and have grown immensely in popularity. Video games serve as one of the best means for spending time with loved ones or simply having fun with friends. The modern trend of video game popularity was not always visible. Conventional designs for video games were sluggish and unattractive and had more of a scientific value rather than entertainment value. Initial designs for video games focused on creating a video display using interactive visuals complemented by in game responses and feedback as the game continued.

Recent video games incorporate quality 3D animation and graphic detail, with excellent game play. Old video games on the other hand, had comparatively poor graphics and relied more on game play for success in the market.

The genre of old video games corresponds to games that used 8-bit and 16-bit microchips. Most of the old video games were introduced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Video games such as Mario, Super Mario, Contra, Street Fighter, Packman series and so on were extremely popular in these years. Some are even played today due to their brilliant game play and excellent story line.

Old video games are generally played on game consoles from Sega, Atari and other game consoles. Some can be played on arcade machines and on computers. These video games are played today, using emulation software on computers. Emulation is however attracts a fair bit of controversy as the software used for emulation may be illegally copied.

Old video games can be availed of online on a plethora of websites offering the same for download. The file size for these video games is usually small and can be downloaded for free. Some rare video games may however require prior payment for download. Search engines such as Google, Yahoo!, and MSN can be used to obtain links and sites offering downloads of old video games. Old video games can also be acquired from select vendors at different parts of the country.