Sunday, February 4, 2007

Why We Play Games Part 2

In part one we started to get into the motivation of the gamer. We discussed challenge and its ugly stepsister competition, two of the most common motivators. Today, we look at two more on the way to forming an overall model for what moves us.

Perhaps less common than the first two motivators, creativity is nonetheless an important driving force in the gamer psyche. Though at first gaming doesn't seem like a particularly creative act, what with its formalized rules and structured systems, there is much more room for self expression than one might think. Some games play to this directly through unique presentations or artistic themes. Music games and many of the Sim titles are basically just expressive outlets that happen to be governed by a computerized system of rules. Other creatives find their outlet in multiplayer gaming. The modern MMORPG sports equipment and decorative combinations numbering well into the millions. The Creatively Motivated gamer takes pleasure in designing how their character looks as well as changing how they interact with their environment. Creatively Motivated gamers thrive when outlets are available. Anything involving a high degree of expression, decoration, or a large abstract component draws them. They wilt in gaming environments governed purely by numbers, and in those where presentation is extremely homogeneous.

Though we sometimes don't like to admit it, escapism is a motivation that lives in the heart of every gamer. By design, a game creates an inherently different world. Even games which have as one of their primary goals simulation of some aspect of the real world recast the player into some role they find more exciting than their own. Escaping into the role of adventurer, pilot, quarterback or even zookeeper provides motivation for nearly every gamer. Escapism Motivated gamers seek out games where the environment is rich, comprehensive, real. They thrive in worlds where suspension of disbelief is high, where they can lose themselves in the depth and complexity available to them. They gravitate toward role playing and simulation, environments where the world is rich and believable. They tend to avoid abstract games where the underlying reality is difficult to believe or understand. It is a strange sort of paradox that MMORPGS, with their incredibly deep histories and expansive worlds, are not as attractive to Escapism Motivated gamers as pure RPGs. This effect arises from the multiplayer aspect. Players talking in a public channel about out of game topics or, worse, about the mechanical and numerical aspects of the game world may well ruin the escapists experience and cause them to seek the company of non player characters or others who share their motivation.

Much has been made of the downside of escapism. A gamer who spends too much time in a world not their own can begin to lose touch. This sort of disassociation with reality can, and has, lead to all sorts of problems with work, school and personal relations. This does not mean, however, that escapism is itself an unhealthy thing. It is a basic part of the human experience. The reason we vacation, watch moves, enjoy sporting events or go camping is inherently escapist. As people, we are often unsatisfied with out lot in life. It's natural to seek out activities that allow us to experience something outside of our day to day. Gaming is no different. However, as gamers, we are an oft misunderstood community. We owe it to ourselves and to the world at large both to fight with information, by spreading the positive realities of gaming and gamer culture, and to fight internally against obsession. No matter how good a substitute for the real world a game may seem it is, in the end, only a pastime. Leave it once in a while.

http://add-articles.com/Article/Why-We-Play-Games--Part-2/9837

Why We Play Games Part 2

In part one we started to get into the motivation of the gamer. We discussed challenge and its ugly stepsister competition, two of the most common motivators. Today, we look at two more on the way to forming an overall model for what moves us.

Perhaps less common than the first two motivators, creativity is nonetheless an important driving force in the gamer psyche. Though at first gaming doesn't seem like a particularly creative act, what with its formalized rules and structured systems, there is much more room for self expression than one might think. Some games play to this directly through unique presentations or artistic themes. Music games and many of the Sim titles are basically just expressive outlets that happen to be governed by a computerized system of rules. Other creatives find their outlet in multiplayer gaming. The modern MMORPG sports equipment and decorative combinations numbering well into the millions. The Creatively Motivated gamer takes pleasure in designing how their character looks as well as changing how they interact with their environment. Creatively Motivated gamers thrive when outlets are available. Anything involving a high degree of expression, decoration, or a large abstract component draws them. They wilt in gaming environments governed purely by numbers, and in those where presentation is extremely homogeneous.

Though we sometimes don't like to admit it, escapism is a motivation that lives in the heart of every gamer. By design, a game creates an inherently different world. Even games which have as one of their primary goals simulation of some aspect of the real world recast the player into some role they find more exciting than their own. Escaping into the role of adventurer, pilot, quarterback or even zookeeper provides motivation for nearly every gamer. Escapism Motivated gamers seek out games where the environment is rich, comprehensive, real. They thrive in worlds where suspension of disbelief is high, where they can lose themselves in the depth and complexity available to them. They gravitate toward role playing and simulation, environments where the world is rich and believable. They tend to avoid abstract games where the underlying reality is difficult to believe or understand. It is a strange sort of paradox that MMORPGS, with their incredibly deep histories and expansive worlds, are not as attractive to Escapism Motivated gamers as pure RPGs. This effect arises from the multiplayer aspect. Players talking in a public channel about out of game topics or, worse, about the mechanical and numerical aspects of the game world may well ruin the escapists experience and cause them to seek the company of non player characters or others who share their motivation.

Much has been made of the downside of escapism. A gamer who spends too much time in a world not their own can begin to lose touch. This sort of disassociation with reality can, and has, lead to all sorts of problems with work, school and personal relations. This does not mean, however, that escapism is itself an unhealthy thing. It is a basic part of the human experience. The reason we vacation, watch moves, enjoy sporting events or go camping is inherently escapist. As people, we are often unsatisfied with out lot in life. It's natural to seek out activities that allow us to experience something outside of our day to day. Gaming is no different. However, as gamers, we are an oft misunderstood community. We owe it to ourselves and to the world at large both to fight with information, by spreading the positive realities of gaming and gamer culture, and to fight internally against obsession. No matter how good a substitute for the real world a game may seem it is, in the end, only a pastime. Leave it once in a while.

http://add-articles.com/Article/Why-We-Play-Games--Part-2/9837

The PSP Report Card One Year Later

Well folks, the psp has now been out for about one year and its time to take a look at how it has done and whether or not it lived up to its expectations. All in all, I would say that the graphics on mostly any psp game definitely looked awesome. Its hard to believe how far technology has actually come over the years. It doesn't seem that long ago when I can remember playing Tetris on my gameboy and i thought that was the best thing since sliced bread. Boy have we come along way, huh.

The sound quality on the psp is also very good. But the one downside is that it just doesn't get that loud. Now if your only worried about private listening with headphones, then the volume really isn't an issue. Playing music on the psp is very easy. You simply connect your psp to your computer with the USB connection and then drag & drop your favorite songs onto the built in music folder. Then you just scroll to the psp music section and click on the song you want to hear. Unfortunately, the memory stick that the psp comes with is only 32 MB, so you can't hold a ton of songs, but of course you can upgrade to a more expensive one.

One disappointment I had with the average psp game is that most of them were just a copycat of games already out there for the ps2. Not that this is such a bad thing, because there are many excellent ps2 games which did translate to an excellent psp game, but I would just like to see some more originality for this system. How about using the psp to its full potential? Come on you software designers, lets see a new idea for a psp game once in awhile!

When questioned about this, some of the developers blamed it on lack of time, and that they were also busy with ongoing ps2 projects, so sometimes a psp game would have to take a back seat.

The good news is from what I've been reading is that they are really looking to expand the psp experience with new original titles and not the same old psp game that is already out there and played into the ground on ps2. So we will keep our fingers crossed and see what the future holds and keep our eye out for some new original games for the psp.

http://add-articles.com/Article/The-PSP-Report-Card---One-Year-Later/8504

Featuring the Latest PSP Portable Paly Station

Have you ever realized how innovative the inventors of the play stations are? They cannot be contented with its mere discovery, as time passes by, they discern for something new. They show a lot of flexibility in rendering the people the best service that their products can give.

The ultimate goal for their invention is always towards the user’s entertainment. Aside from the convenience and easy access to these equipments that they give to the customers, manufacturers also arouse their excitement. With the new features that they offer them, this eventually drives the interest of the people to buy one and discover it.

The newest that comes out in the market is the PSP associated with your play stations at home. PSP short for Play Station Portable offers you more powerful features beside those that are presented to you by the traditional play stations that you enjoy with. PSP allows you to get more fun with your most favourite games, music, videos, and photos wherever you go.

The PSP system has more gleaming high-resolution screen as well as a cutting edge-connectivity and Internet browser. This is more upgraded because it contains of chips that are well-equipped and suited for the system to make the process of whatever you wish to do as fast as it could. Unlike the typical play station that you have whose main feature is only for your games, this invention has a lot to offer you.

Here are the best-noted services that the Portable Play Station can do for you.

• On Photos. Capturing your memories will be one of its best features. With this PSP, you can now be able to store your digital photos with proven high resolution that helps it to appear clearer. It has a wide range of memory for your storage. By the use of the image transfer feature; you can also transfer your much-loved photos with your friends. Modifying your own wall paper is also one.

• On Music. Apart from downloading your most wanted songs to your own Portable Play Station System you can also be able to take a look at the full version of concerts being held of your favourite stars and out of sight footages. This can be done through the Memory Stick Duo feature of the PSP.

• On Video. If you find it a burden before to bring VCD and DVD just for you to watch the best memories you had, now with the new PSP it is not a problem anymore. You can bring along with you already this PSP and be able to watch on the big screen your videos.

• On Games. This is what the young individuals always look for. This is the most requested service of play station for them anyway. The big screen of the PSP gives them a realistic view and brings gaming to life. You will have the chance to play the game wherever you are and whatever time you want.

• On Browser. This is another benefit for you; it will offer you the greatest opportunity to surf on the net. All that you want to research will be made available for you. Pretty cool, right?

The Portable Play Station is already at your service. You can enjoy all these features by purchasing one for you and your kids.

http://add-articles.com/Article/Featuring-the-Latest-PSP---Portable-Paly-Station-/8014

Friday, February 2, 2007

A Newcomers Guide To Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy XI is an excellent game and has a variety of strengths. It is a wonderful title because even if you are new to this series it is simple to play and understand. The game contains an enormous world and yet it is easy to become familiar with it and learn how everything works. A newcomer should find it a delight.

Final Fantasy XI is a massively multi-player online role-playing game. It functions as an online world. Players can access this world by buying the game and paying a subscription of $12.95 a month. The game is a cross-platform title, which means that players on both PCs and consoles can interact with each other in the same game environment. This makes it a truly unique experience.

The PC version of Final Fantasy XI comes on five disks that you must install to set up the game. The first disk installs the PlayOnline client, a piece of software required for access to the game, while the other disks install the game itself. The PlayStation 2 version requires a special Hard Disk Drive and network adapter, the first of which is usually sold with the title. Once the game and the PlayOnline software have been set up, you will need to download any updates, and then it will be ready to play.

The first thing that you will do in Final Fantasy XI is create your character. There are five races to choose from, all of which possess their own abilities and skills. There are the Hume, who are human and are useful in most areas of the game; the Elvaan, who are Elves and are strong in combat; the Galka, who are enormous beast creatures; the Mithra, who resemble cats; and the Taru Taru, who are small individuals and are talented at magic. They are all great characters and they excel in different ways.

Final Fantasy XI allows you great range in customizing your character. You are able to choose your character’s body size, face and appearance, and select a particular look and style that will suit them. You will also choose a career for your character, and this will affect your progress in the game. The various careers include positions like mages, monks, thieves and warriors. The characters suit certain careers better than others and you must choose one that will fit your character perfectly.

Final Fantasy XI is set in the world of Vana’diel. Vana’diel is a fantastic world that is home to a number of civilizations. The game takes place in the aftermath of the Crystal War, a battle where the five main races fought with the Beastmen, a collection of hostile creatures who wanted to destroy them. The story of the game sees the Beastmen return and stir up further conflict. It is up to your character to face them and defeat them.

Vana’diel consists of two main continents, Mindartia and Quon. It is further divided into a number of regions, all with their own climate and features. There are cities, towns, forests, ports and wasteland areas. Final Fantasy XI allows you to choose from one of three places as your starting point. You can be a citizen of the nations Bastok, San d’Oria or Windurst. Each nation is unique and has its own history and population. In the course of the game you are able to visit other nations and explore them.

Final Fantasy XI contains a great deal to do and is a very engaging game. The world of Vana’diel is immense and there is much to explore and see. There are missions and quests to go on and there are a number of storylines running through the game. There is also an element of teamwork. It is often necessary to join a group of players and work together to defeat enemies and opponents. In general the gameplay is multi-layered and enthralling.

Final Fantasy XI has a well-designed control system that works as a perfect complement to the game. It is best experienced with a keyboard, which allows you to chat with other players. The game controls are logical and it does not take long to grasp the various functions and commands. The game camera works nicely and is easy to handle, allowing you to view the world of Vana’diel as you please. The entire system is great and really strengthens the whole experience.

Final Fantasy XI is a joy to play. A newcomer to the game will be pleased with it and will have no difficulty getting set up and started. It is ideal for anyone who is looking for an interesting and rewarding game.

http://add-articles.com/Article/A-Newcomer-s-Guide-To-Final-Fantasy-XI/7762

Eagle One Harrier Jumpiet Cheap Game for Playstation

Did you ever notice that ever since the play station was out in the market everybody went crazy over it regardless of his or her age? They become more avid and number one fan of the play station.

Many play station games are already out in the market. No matter how expensive each game costs, they do not mind it at all for as long as they can continue playing with their play station.

As a result, many cheap play station games are also out in the market, along with the good ones. One of the cheap play stations is the Eagle 1: Harrier Attack.

This is an action type of game. The cast of the games are the United States pilot that has a different mission against terrorist groups that has conquered the Hawaiian Islands. The underground group of terrorist has set off an electromagnetic pulse device in the air all over Hawaii. As a result, it will destroy all the lines of communication, which will make the U.S. military forces based ineffective.

Therefore, what the U.S. president do, the U.S. military will act in response by setting up a Marine Corps task force that will be lead by the eagle one. By means of lots and different kinds of planes for attacking, Harrier Jumpiet, the leader and the player must get back the control in the Hawaiian Islands.

There are five varieties of aircraft to be chosen namely the top-secret Raven Stealth Jet, Harrier Jumpiet, an F16 Falcon, a rescue helicopter and the A10 Warthog.

All you have to is to personalize your first person, third person and cockpit views and put the players at the center of the battlefield. There is a long replay to know the amount of the aircraft damage, how long you can complete and finish the given mission and how accurate your weapons and system are. The replay also calculates how you will be rewarded for the bonuses and the points you will get if ever you discover hidden missions and aircrafts.

The purpose of the instant replay system is for the players can hit the pause button anytime they wanted even if they are in the war. It also has the ability to re-live the last ten seconds of action.

Two players can play this and both of them can have a split screen where they can monitor themselves properly. They also have the choice on what to play. It is either the dog fighting mode or operative mode.

There are twenty-five missions because there are five islands. Five mission per island. Some of the missions are under time pressure to add thrill and tension to the game. They should be able to finish the mission at once or else you will be lost in the battle.

This kind of cheap game is very fun to play. You will be discovering many different aircrafts that could be help to finish your mission at once. There are still more cheap play station that is out in the market.

You should not be bothered of having a cheap play station game for the reason that not all cheap games are ugly that is why people take it for granted. Don’t you know that the most fun and interesting to be played are the cheap play station games?

http://add-articles.com/Article/Eagle-One--Harrier-Jumpiet-Cheap-Game-for-Playstation/7169

Computer Game Cheat What Is It Really

Anyone who lies can be called a cheater or a cheat. In school, when you “cheat” it is understood that you have copied others’ answers or from a source, say a book, during an exam. Between you and your lover, it could mean having an affair with another or simply lying. In sports, it means getting ahead of your opponent in a manner that violates the rules of the game.

But cheating in computer games is not necessarily equal to lying or taking unfair advantages over your opponent. It constitutes a wide spectrum of activities, which in general is aimed at altering the game experience so as to lead in the game. Cheating differs in every computer game and is dependent on what the players have agreed upon as an unfair advantage.

Most computer games have the so-called “cheat codes,” which are used to make the game easier. But these cheat codes are designed for single players, especially those new to the game. Using these codes could also mean cheating, but it cannot be said that you are using them to gain unfair advantage.

Cheat codes are primarily used in multiplayer and mass multiplayer computer games played through the Internet. In these types of computer games, players may remain anonymous and so they can boldly cheat, without fear of being known to his opponents.

There are different types of computer game cheats. These are by changing the user settings, by using bugs, exploits and external software and by cheesing.

When you alter the settings of your computer, the layout of the computer hardwares or the game itself so that it would suit your gaming style or your computer system, you are in a way cheating. But this can be acceptable. However, going as far as modifying the color and brightness of your computer in order to see through shadowy areas could be questionable.

Exploits are features of a game unintentionally or erroneously made by the developers. When particularly used to gain unfair advantage over your opponent, they can be regarded as computer game cheats. However, sometimes these exploits make the game more fun and exciting.

The use of external softwares specially designed to let the player lead the game unjustly by modifying the program that runs the computer game, is considered as a grave way of cheating. Some of these computer game cheats analyze the status of the game in the computer’s RAM.

Other players “cheese” to lead in the game. This is done when virtual players do things that are not allowed or are unlikely in real life. Although this may not be a very grave kind of computer game cheat, most players disapprove cheesing in a game.

Usually, computer game cheats nowadays are due to alterations made in the game software. This is in spite of the developers’ prohibition of the modification of the original codes. The problem with most game softwares you can find in the market nowadays is that despite their being encrypted, data files can be easily revised without altering the main program so cheat protection features become useless.

Stopping all forms of computer game cheats is really hard because as said earlier, cheating in computer games cover a wide range of activities and there are a lot of aspects to consider in each computer game cheat. There are softwares, though that can be installed on the server in order to help detect a computer game cheat.

http://add-articles.com/Article/Computer-Game-Cheat---What-Is-It-Really-/7036