With faster computers coming out every day, the programs that go with them are improving as well. This was never more true than in the arena of games.
We’ve come a long way from Pac man and Ping Pong! Today’s computer games are action-packed, full of realistic graphics and sound, and just as addicting as their 16-bit ancestors. With the myriad of options on the market, you might have difficulties choosing an appropriate game.
Types of games
Computer games fall into a few main categories. These are as follows:
Action – These are games that are full of, well, action! Include Battlefield and Final Fantasy.
Adventure – These are similar to Action, but have more of a storyline. Try Alien vs. Predator or Diablo.
Strategy – These tend to be management games that require skill to win. Strategy games include Zoo Tycoon and Age of Empires.
Simulation – Games that simulate real life . . . or something like it! Includes The Sims and Flight Simulator.
Sports – Based on famous sports, these games include Fifa 2006, Madden NFL 2000, andMotocross.
Children’s Games – Obviously for the young and the young at heart. These include games like Disney’s Toontown and Tarzan.
Game Ratings
There is a universal game rating system available to let users know what the content is like for each game.
EC-Early Childhood: This game is appropriate for children age 3 and up.
E-Everyone: Games in this category are suitable for ages 6 and up. May contain cartoon or simple violence
E 10+-Everyone 10+: For ages 10 and up. Might have mildly suggestive scenes, mild language and probable simple violence
T-Teen: Meant for teens. Contains violence, blood, mildly offensive language, suggestive scenes, etc
M-Mature: These games are for over 17 years and are likely to contain more offensive material.
AO-Adults only, for over 18 only probably contain nudity, extreme violence and nasty language.
Using these ratings, you can see at a glance if the game is considered age-appropriate or not, although for children, it is a good idea if the parent previews the game.
Controls
While most computer games can be played with simply a mouse and/or keyboard, some, like Flight Simulator are made better by the use of special controls. For this reason, it is possible to buy extra control options for the PC.
Everything from a joystick and Nintendo-style controls to special foot pedals and pistols can be added to your PC to make gaming more enjoyable.
Research and Purchase
Before buying a game that you think you might like, it is advisable to check it out on the internet. Type the name into Google, along with the word “review” to find out what other people think of the game. You will often find valuable advice online.
Many times, the game maker will offer a free trial on their website. You might want to download the trial to see what you think of the game before buying. Often, if you like it, you can simply pay online to get an access code that will unlock the full game on your computer.
If you aren’t into internet downloads, you can always check out your local computer software store. Many stores have computers onsite where you can try a game before you buy. Some people feel more secure buying a physical product and having it on hand to reinstall if there are problems.