Lesson 1: Looks Aren't Everything
In terms of raw horsepower, the Nintendo Wii lags behind its competitors (Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360). Although it doesn't churn out breathtaking graphics, the Wii is currently the best-selling gaming console worldwide. Built around a unique motion-sensing control system, the Wii offers a novel, quirky and cute experience. With more than 20 million units sold, it shows that looks are not the most important thing.
Lesson 2: People Yearn To Breathe Freely
Linden Lab's "Second Life" is barely a game. Yet, it's so much more. There's no score or story or strategy involved. Instead, users can do anything and be anyone in this open-ended world. Inhabitants can interact with one another, build and explore areas, create and trade items, participate in group social functions and more. From meeting like-minded singles to attending financial seminars to participating in political rallies to taking foreign language classes, it's entirely possible to live a full life in "Second Life" without ever leaving your PC. Many people do not understand the appeal of this free and directionless world, but 20 million residents (more people than live in The Netherlands) are enamored with its virtual freedom.
Lesson 3: Your Friends Will Help You Succeed
The first-person shooter genre is arguably gaming's most competitive field. With dozens of titles available, it's difficult for one game to stand out. So game developer Valve took a different tactic with its latest release of The Orange Box. Valve included five great games for the price of one. Included in this package are "Half-Life 2," "Half-Life 2: Episode One," "Half-Life 2: Episode Two," "Portal" and "Team Fortress 2." With the enormous variety and value it offers, "The Orange Box" definitely stands out in this crowded field.
Lesson 4: Accumulating Points Matters
Microsoft's Xbox 360 introduced the concept of "achievement points." This system gives players an additional score for completing certain tasks in any game they play. Individual achievement points are tallied and added to a player's "Gamerscore," which is essentially a player's permanent record. Like diplomas, trophies and medals, the Gamerscore is a lasting record that gives the player a gratifying sense of accomplishment.
Lesson 5: Evolve Or Die
Despite having superior technology over the competition, Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) floundered from 2005 to 2006. It has been more successful in the last year partially due to better games and improved functionality. Sony continually increases this handheld system's capabilities through firmware updates. Adding things like a Web browser, an RSS reader and Skype functionality has made the PSP an increasingly attractive system. Without those continual improvements, PSP would have been sunk.
Lesson 6: Nobody Likes A Braggart
John Romero, co-founder of id Software, has contributed to some of the most influential PC games, including "Wolfenstein 3D," "Doom" and "Quake." After leaving id, he co-founded Ion Storm and worked on the heavily hyped "Daikatana." One ad declared that Romero was going to make gamers "his servants ...". PC Gamer magazine lauded Romero as one of the "new game gods." But gods can tumble. "Daikatana" was plagued by numerous delays. When it finally debuted, reviewers were harsh. While Romero is undeniably talented, a disappointing--and overly hyped--product transformed him from a gaming god to a gaming afterthought.
Lesson 7: Everybody Wants To Be A Rock Star
Whether it's Eddie Van Halen, Brian May, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Vernon Reid or Randy Rhoads, Red Octane's line of "Guitar Hero" games lets players "shred" like some of the best guitarists in music history. With an outstanding variety of songs to choose from and a novel guitar controller that's much easier than playing an actual six-string, "Guitar Hero" takes the art of air guitar to new levels.
Lesson 8: Community Is Key
Consoles have traditionally offered a single- or two-player experience. Microsoft changed that with the Xbox 360. In addition to online play, the company took things a step further by giving players a place to chat (voice and video), find like-minded gamers, shop for games and movies and more. Everyone knew that playing console games online was the future, but Microsoft was the first to build a community through its console.
Lesson 9: Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Who knew that Tears for Fears' lyrics would be so profound? Apparently Will Wright did. The legendary game designer has crafted numerous titles the allow gamers to play God. From controlling a city ("SimCity") to an ant colony ("SimAnt") to everyday life ("The Sims"), Wright has satisfied millions of gamers by allowing them to rule virtual worlds. The upcoming test: how Wright's upcoming--and much delayed--"Spore" will be received.
Lesson 10: When Life Gives You Problems, Throw A Large Ball
According to the "Pokemon" series of videogames, there isn't a problem that can't be solved by hurling a large ball at it. These games star a young adventurer that captures adorable monsters--the titular Pokemon--that help him (or her) save the world. Pokemon are caught by throwing objects called Pokeballs at them. From helping a town in need to stopping overzealous environmentalists to saving the planet, all problems in this game are solved by throwing a ball. The series has sold more than 167 million games, so it must be a sound solution.
Credit .
In terms of raw horsepower, the Nintendo Wii lags behind its competitors (Sony's PlayStation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360). Although it doesn't churn out breathtaking graphics, the Wii is currently the best-selling gaming console worldwide. Built around a unique motion-sensing control system, the Wii offers a novel, quirky and cute experience. With more than 20 million units sold, it shows that looks are not the most important thing.
Lesson 2: People Yearn To Breathe Freely
Linden Lab's "Second Life" is barely a game. Yet, it's so much more. There's no score or story or strategy involved. Instead, users can do anything and be anyone in this open-ended world. Inhabitants can interact with one another, build and explore areas, create and trade items, participate in group social functions and more. From meeting like-minded singles to attending financial seminars to participating in political rallies to taking foreign language classes, it's entirely possible to live a full life in "Second Life" without ever leaving your PC. Many people do not understand the appeal of this free and directionless world, but 20 million residents (more people than live in The Netherlands) are enamored with its virtual freedom.
Lesson 3: Your Friends Will Help You Succeed
The first-person shooter genre is arguably gaming's most competitive field. With dozens of titles available, it's difficult for one game to stand out. So game developer Valve took a different tactic with its latest release of The Orange Box. Valve included five great games for the price of one. Included in this package are "Half-Life 2," "Half-Life 2: Episode One," "Half-Life 2: Episode Two," "Portal" and "Team Fortress 2." With the enormous variety and value it offers, "The Orange Box" definitely stands out in this crowded field.
Lesson 4: Accumulating Points Matters
Microsoft's Xbox 360 introduced the concept of "achievement points." This system gives players an additional score for completing certain tasks in any game they play. Individual achievement points are tallied and added to a player's "Gamerscore," which is essentially a player's permanent record. Like diplomas, trophies and medals, the Gamerscore is a lasting record that gives the player a gratifying sense of accomplishment.
Lesson 5: Evolve Or Die
Despite having superior technology over the competition, Sony's PlayStation Portable (PSP) floundered from 2005 to 2006. It has been more successful in the last year partially due to better games and improved functionality. Sony continually increases this handheld system's capabilities through firmware updates. Adding things like a Web browser, an RSS reader and Skype functionality has made the PSP an increasingly attractive system. Without those continual improvements, PSP would have been sunk.
Lesson 6: Nobody Likes A Braggart
John Romero, co-founder of id Software, has contributed to some of the most influential PC games, including "Wolfenstein 3D," "Doom" and "Quake." After leaving id, he co-founded Ion Storm and worked on the heavily hyped "Daikatana." One ad declared that Romero was going to make gamers "his servants ...". PC Gamer magazine lauded Romero as one of the "new game gods." But gods can tumble. "Daikatana" was plagued by numerous delays. When it finally debuted, reviewers were harsh. While Romero is undeniably talented, a disappointing--and overly hyped--product transformed him from a gaming god to a gaming afterthought.
Lesson 7: Everybody Wants To Be A Rock Star
Whether it's Eddie Van Halen, Brian May, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Vernon Reid or Randy Rhoads, Red Octane's line of "Guitar Hero" games lets players "shred" like some of the best guitarists in music history. With an outstanding variety of songs to choose from and a novel guitar controller that's much easier than playing an actual six-string, "Guitar Hero" takes the art of air guitar to new levels.
Lesson 8: Community Is Key
Consoles have traditionally offered a single- or two-player experience. Microsoft changed that with the Xbox 360. In addition to online play, the company took things a step further by giving players a place to chat (voice and video), find like-minded gamers, shop for games and movies and more. Everyone knew that playing console games online was the future, but Microsoft was the first to build a community through its console.
Lesson 9: Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Who knew that Tears for Fears' lyrics would be so profound? Apparently Will Wright did. The legendary game designer has crafted numerous titles the allow gamers to play God. From controlling a city ("SimCity") to an ant colony ("SimAnt") to everyday life ("The Sims"), Wright has satisfied millions of gamers by allowing them to rule virtual worlds. The upcoming test: how Wright's upcoming--and much delayed--"Spore" will be received.
Lesson 10: When Life Gives You Problems, Throw A Large Ball
According to the "Pokemon" series of videogames, there isn't a problem that can't be solved by hurling a large ball at it. These games star a young adventurer that captures adorable monsters--the titular Pokemon--that help him (or her) save the world. Pokemon are caught by throwing objects called Pokeballs at them. From helping a town in need to stopping overzealous environmentalists to saving the planet, all problems in this game are solved by throwing a ball. The series has sold more than 167 million games, so it must be a sound solution.
Credit .
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