amchee's Blog

In the old days, choosing a video game system for children wasn't all that hard. After all, parents didn't have to worry about games carried by systems like Atari (there was nothing threatening about Pac-Man or Space Invaders). Today, however, with the proliferation of games with mature content available on games supported by the major system manufacturers, parents want to know which system carries the most kid-friendly games, ones that the young ones will enjoy and one that parents will not regret spending money on.

Let's start with the Sony PlayStation 2, the best-selling game console on the market today. There are literally thousands of titles available for this system, which cater to every age range. There are approximately 600 games for the PS2 that have the "E" rating, meaning that it is suitable for players ages six and above. However, many of these games are too complicated for young children to play. Games that children ten years old and above can enjoy are rated E10+, while those that are rated EC (Early Childhood) are of course, suitable for the very young. The PS2 carries about a dozen E10+ games, including movie-based titles like Shrek Super Slam for PlayStation 2 and Chicken Little. EC titles that little ones can enjoy include Dora the Explorer: Journey to the Purple Planet, Eggo Mania and At the Races Presents Gallop Racer.

Nintendo's GameCube console continues to be popular because it carries titles that are popular with children. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) lists 263 video game titles rated E for the GameCube, and these include some of the most popular and beloved among the children of today and years past, such as Sega's Sonic GEMS Collection, Nintendo's own Mario Party 6 and Mario Tennis. The Legend of Zelda series and several Pokemon titles are available exclusively on the GameCube as well.

Microsoft's Xbox and Xbox 360 video game consoles likewise have many, many titles that are rated E; the Xbox with approximately 270 games and the Xbox 360 with so far about a dozen -- but count on the number of Xbox 360 titles to increase since it's a new release. Some games published by Microsoft exclusively for the Xbox and the Xbox 360 and which have the E rating are Astropop and Feeding Frenzy. However, remember that most game publishers release crossover titles, or games that are available on multiple platforms. For instance, Eidos Interactive's LEGO Star Wars (rated E) is available for the GameCube, PS2 and Xbox; Activision's Madagascar (rated E10+) is available on the same platforms, while Global Star Software's Dora the Explorer (rated EC) is available on the PS2 and Xbox, but not on the GameCube.

What about parental control options? Among the four systems, the Xbox and the Xbox 360 have the most efficient parental lock functions. Parents are able to set limits on the games and films to be played on the systems. If you set the system to play only E-rated games, kids won't be able to play DVD's or games that have Teen, Mature, or Adults Only ratings. The GameCube also has a parental lock feature, albeit a less effective one. Users note that all it does is tone down certain effects that might be troubling for children (for example, the amount of blood seen in games) but do not block the playing of games at all. It doesn't even screen or bleep offensive language. The parental control function of the PlayStation 2 is even worse -- it doesn't allow parents or anyone to restrict access to video games at all. The most parents can do is to set the PS2 to prevent their kids from watching DVD movies with inappropriate content.

When it comes to price, the GameCube comes out tops. Available for only $99, it's significantly cheaper than the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, whose prices range from $150 to $199 (or more if bundled with game titles). The Xbox 360, being the newest of the bunch, is the highest-priced. For $299, you get the system and a wired controller. For $399, you get a wireless controller, a headset that players can use to talk to other people online, a 20 GB hard drive that is loaded with game-related videos and music, and a remote.

Parents should go out and try each system personally as well as look at the different titles available for them before deciding which one to buy. Factors such as number and age of users at home, game title availability, and budget should also be considered. Each system has its own pros and cons, and families will differ in their preferences: some will be content with the limited but popular games of the GameCube; some might prefer the wider offering of the PlayStation 2 or the Xbox; others might opt for the high-tech features of the Xbox 360. But all things considered, making the right choice will provide hours of wholesome, fun, and worry-free entertainment for the little ones and for their parents as well.

Mark Robbins is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on video game systems, game cheats, and giving new game reviews. http://www.official-game-cheats.com.

I used to be an arcade nut. I spent most of my time in the local video games hot spots to play the latest fighting, shooting, and racing games. I would also frequent the video game stores at the mall with my friends. We would compete against each other in popular arcade games like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat. Video games were a teenager’s favorite pastime back in the early 90’s. I must have spent a fortune in quarters in those video games machine.

It’s almost the same when I would tell customers how much they had spent on video rentals so far. I always find this quite amusing. The customers’ first reaction would usually be a wince; then they would snicker at the ridiculousness of it all, but finally most of them went home ticked off. I think some of them wanted to have their money back. That’s just the way people are. What they don’t know won’t hurt them. Well, most of the time anyway. Nevertheless, when it comes to arcade and video games systems, millions of people were hooked long ago. The only significance nowadays is that modern video games systems for homes have become more advanced and sophisticated.

Arcades nowadays are not as popular as it was during my time. Most kid’s these days are investing in video games system of their own. Systems like Game Cube, Playstation 2, and Xbox are very popular. Why would kids go to local arcades and to spend their money on video games, when they can simply receive a system of their own during their birthday or at Christmas? Modern personal video games are not very expensive and most kids can own portable versions like the Gameboy Advance Sp. The advancement in gaming makes personal video games more fun and exciting.

Video games during my childhood and teenage years seem prehistoric when compared to contemporary video games systems. The first system I owned when I was in elementary school was an Atari. Then later down the road, video games systems evolved into Nintendo. These games are obsolete in comparison to modern systems, but they represent the evolution of video games into their present status. This evolution will only continue and you can expect more exciting developments to video games systems. Hop online and discover the latest games, models, and accessories.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Video Game Systems. Get more information by visiting http://www.xtraordinarysite.com/games/games/the-evolution-of-video-game-systems.html.

Let's face it, everyone knows gaming laptops are expensive. Real expensive. Although prices have fallen dramatically over the last few years, you still have to be prepared to spend a fair hunk of change if you're going to treat someone with one of these ultimate computing machines.

Expensive, yes!

But don't be overwhelmed by the high price tag, the gaming laptop has many hidden benefits and practical uses. Very few people realize how practical gaming laptops are as Christmas gifts.

Practical?

Yes! Gaming laptops are practical in several ways...

First, the ideal Christmas gift must be fun, it must offer joy and pleasure to the receiver. A top of line or even middle range gaming laptop will offer hours and hours of fun and enjoyment to the new proud owner.

Think back at all the great Christmas gifts you have received in the past - which ones do you remember with the most fondness? Which ones offered you the most complete joy? Chances are it was the gift or toy that you played with the most, for hours and hours on end.

It was also probably the one toy that kept you out of the way, occupied and playing with it for days. The one gift that kept you from disturbing your parents, giving them perhaps the ultimate gift in return - peace and quiet in the home.

A gaming laptop will keep even the most active child or teenager totally absorbed and oblivious for hours, even days at a time. How practical is that? Ask any besieged parent out there and you might get more than a few sly grins...

Granted, they are still more cheaper practical gifts you can buy. Remember the worst gift you've ever gotten at Christmas time. Probably a pair of socks from Aunt Sue or Uncle Harry?

Socks: Practical, yes. Fun, No!

Perfect Christmas gifts have to be fun. They also have to be shared.

Perhaps your most favorite gift was one that was not only fun but could be shared with others. An interactive toy or game that brought everybody together at Christmas time. Quality time before it was called a silly thing like quality time!

A gaming laptop can be a gift for the whole family, it can be shared with everyone. From friendly game playing to preparing Mom's tax returns to compiling Dad's cooking recipes. Laptops are versatile and completely portable, move them from room to room in your home or take them along on those long car rides to the cottage. A laptop can be a practical fun gift for the whole family.

What many people also don't realize; gaming laptops are high quality computers - take away the gaming aspect and you still have a high performance work-horse. Excellent for company spreadsheets, fast professional video editing or even high volume database storage. Excellent for all those multi-tasking chores for a home business or home office.

For students, that ultimate gaming machine can also be the perfect word processor for all those class assignments. That stylist monster can be the perfect study/resource aid used throughout the school year. These days, with the Internet, gaming laptops can also be the perfect tools to keep parents in touch with their college going children. Most high end gaming laptops even have a built-in webcam.

Of course, you must not forget that a high end, top of the line gaming laptop is foremost a pleasure machine. It will have top quality sound and visuals; perfect for viewing a favorite movie or family photos. Most are now complete home entertainment machines that can offer much more than just video games.

However, you must always remember, the best gifts are the ones that are perfectly matched to what the receiver wants. So if there's a person close to you who wants one of these gaming monsters for Christmas, why not give it to them?

If you can afford it, why not? The receiver will surely be pleased and overjoyed with a gaming laptop. Besides, Christmas is the time for giving joy and pleasure to the ones we care about the most. It is a time to express our love by giving gifts.

Scraping all the sentimental hallmarks to one side for the moment, there are many more practical reasons to justify such an expensive item as we have shown above. Actually, all you have to remember are the key factors which makes a gaming laptop such a perfect Christmas gift in the first place.

Gaming laptops: Practical, yes. Fun, hell yes!

Copyright (c) 2006 Titus Hoskins

Titus Hoskins runs an online Laptop Guide featuring the latest top gaming laptops:

amchee

to amchee