Why A PC Is Better Than A Game Console For Online Gaming

Gaming consoles have taken over the gaming community. Companies such as Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony have changed the way we play video games. It used to be common to play computer games, sometimes against another person via the Internet.

Access to these games was only available through your computer, now there are several options available and more on their way. Once consumers began using game consoles online to play, companies feared the downfall of computer gaming. That was not the case at all. There are some disadvantages of gaming consoles for online gaming compared to personal computers.

Gaming Options

There are a few different brands of gaming consoles available right now. Microsoft has Xbox and most recently Xbox 360. Sony has PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 due to be released in November 2006. Nintendo has the Game Cube. Although these are all good consoles the PC has already been trying to merge the two (game consoles and pc gaming). Sony managed to merge them with its game Need for Speed, putting game console gamers against PC gamers in online games. This game became very successful. There are more pros than cons for gaming consoles when compared to PC gaming.

Disadvantages to Gaming Consoles

Some of the disadvantages of console gaming are:

All of the gaming components are sealed inside the unit. If there should be a problem you will have to replace most or all of unit, losing game data.

Once a console becomes outdated you cannot up grade without buying a new console.

A console is a one hit wonder; meaning you can only do one thing on it, play games. Unlike PC there is no other use for game consoles. Some do have the option of purchasing additional hardware, making DVD movie playback the only other option.

The games are not transferable. You can't take an Xbox game and play it in a PlayStation etc.

Advantages to PC

There are some real advantages to owning a PC to play your games on. Here are a few:

The most popular advantage to PC gaming is the games! There is more variety and options for PC games than any other system.

Since the PC is more of a tool, games are easily downloaded and there are more and more made available for free.

Computers are made to handle the pixels displayed on the monitor keeping graphics sharp and without damage to the screen. Televisions weren't made to handle the pixels as well and become damaged after a while.

Computers have many options available to connect to the internet, whereas consoles are limited.

Computers are versatile, allowing numerous upgrades and possible additions. Consoles are limited to the current system available.

Until a game console can handle the same things as a PC there is just no contest. PCs will still rule in the game world!

Source: Free Articles

Tricks To Finishing Your Game

Computer games walkthrough refers to a certain form of documentation that is used to teach a game player how to solve or beat a specific computer game. Most people look at computer game walkthroughs as a form of cheating; however, going through a walkthrough is perfectly acceptable. Walkthroughs for games are usually made by amateur game players after completing a certain game. These written guides are often then made available online for other players to consult in case they too want some help in finishing a campaign or solving a certain puzzle.

There are a lot of computer game walkthroughs, covering a wide variety of games ranging from text adventure games, graphic adventure games, and even puzzle adventure games. Nowadays, computer game walkthroughs are mostly used for computer games that are more complex such as strategy games and the popular role playing games. Computer games that do not require a lot of player involvement usually just provide its players with answers to a list of frequently asked questions or FAQs. Some of the most effective computer game walkthroughs do not exactly give a player a step by step guide on how to complete the game; instead, these computer game walkthroughs simply point a player into a different direction, pointing out things that they may have not tried. This type of computer game walkthrough is far better than simply divulging solutions to a certain puzzle, campaign, or quest. Most game players, especially those who play role playing games, simply want hints and tips on where to find more things to do; some step by step computer game walkthroughs sometimes spoil and even eliminate the fun in playing these computer games in the first place.

Most computer game walkthroughs are systematically organized based on the stages or levels of a specific game. These documents are usually made available as an online resource for computer game enthusiasts. Good computer game walkthroughs provide a review or overview of the game, a short description, and maybe even a screenshot; some hints that may contain spoilers; and some cheats that contain solutions to puzzles and make game play easier.

A great variation to a straightforward computer game walkthrough is a document that provides its players with progressive hints. This type of walkthrough simply gives the players a series of specific hints that help guide the player in finding a solution to the game. This way, a player is not handed the most obvious and easiest resolution to any problem he may encounter during the course of the game. In this type of computer game walkthrough, the player has a certain degree of control on how many hints he wants to get. Computer game walkthroughs are essentially an option for all game players, whether or not they want to find a step by step solution to the game, or simply hints or tips to make their game play more interesting - the choice is up to them.

Source: http://www.easyarticles.com

Online Racing Games for Kids

Fun racing games for kids are more and more numerous on the Internet these days. Kids can play racing games involving any kind of vehicle on any kind of terrain and enjoy many hours of fun on the worldwide web. From the extreme motocross of daredevil and the breathtaking stunts of Stunt Bike Island to the pure speed of the Fast and the Furious or of the Motor Bike Game these games have to offer all the challenges that a kid would enjoy.



Racing games for kids like the Motor Bike Game pose all the problems that a real racer has during a motorcycle race. To play racing games like this one and win you must be aware of your timing and your fuel level at all times. A pit stop that takes too long may ensure your fuel level for the duration of the race but it will jeopardize your position, while several shorter pit stops may help you maintain your position in the race but you must always keep an eye on the fuel.

Another of the motorcycle racing games for kids is Daredevil, where the time you spend in the air is most important. When you play racing games like daredevil it’s not all about crossing the finish line, the acrobatics are an important part of the final score. Any jump gets you extra points and trick maneuvers and stunts performed in mid-air can double the points you earn. If you play racing games that involve bikes it gets even more challenging and more fun because not only do you have to ride fast and perform complicated stunts, but you must not injure yourself while doing that or you might lose the race. You earn extra points for spectacular jumps and bike tricks but you lose points every time you get injured. Racing games for kids that involve cars are a bit less complicated and a lot more addictive. When playing the Fast and the Furious all you need to do is drive faster than everyone else and cross the finish line first. But the feeling you get when you cross the finish line as a winner only makes you want to play it again and again.

Truck Racing Games

Revolutionary among truck racing games, the Excite Truck is fully controlled using the Wii Remote and not with the usual game consoles. To steer the truck you are playing with all you need to do is move the Wii remote from one side to another like you would move a steering wheel. When you want to brake you just push the button marked “1” and when you want to accelerate you push the button marked “2”. The Wii Remote is also equipped with a directional pad that can give your truck turbo boost. When you want to land your truck after a jump the Wii Remote must be positioned in a way that has the four wheels parallel to the ground. Unlike it is the case with other truck racing games you must first be trained and tested before actually getting to play this racing game. Only after Excite Truck decides that you are ready to play do you get to move the three trucks: the Wolf, the Firefly and the Boulder. This particular racing game has another novelty to it as it is the first of the truck racing games that allows you to play the music of your choice in the background.

Games like the MX vs. ATV Unleashed are not entirely truck racing games but they are a thrilling combination of truck racing and motorcycle racing games. This particular racing game takes trophy trucks, monster trucks and motorcycles and throws them all in a single race on a single track for your playing pleasure.

Another inventive combination is that of legendary Grand Theft Auto, although it would be more accurately described as a driving game rather than a racing game, where the goal is to snatch any vehicle that comes to hand (car, bike, motorcycle, truck, helicopter or airplane) and just enjoy the drive…while performing the tasks requested by the game, of course.

Source: http://www.easyarticles.com

Go For PSP Game Rentals If You Are Cost Conscious

The PSP (Playstation Portable) is a game that many people own, and many wish to own today. With the PSP, children and adults are provided access to not only the gaming world, but can also use the PSP to watch movies. However, owning a PSP is insufficient to experience its benefits. You have to have games and movies to use it. As games cost quite a sum, PSP owners now opt for PSP game rentals to enjoy the PSP.All PSP owners wish to stay on top of other gamers by owning the latest system models and games. The best way to stay on top of other gamers is by visiting the internet and checking out on the numerous PS websites found on the internet. You are sure to find the latest of game systems, game releases and other products that can be used with the PS. These sites also offer tips on playing games, the best games available today and means of winning some PS items. However, it is not always possible for all gamers to buy all the latest PS games that come to the market. This is why the best thing to do is to opt for PSP game rentals.Of course, these game rentals can be accessed either through the internet, or by visiting the many gaming stores there are on the internet. Today, there are quite a few stores that carry games for renting. The reason for the concept of game rentals is so that more fans will be able to enjoy the PSP and reap maximum benefits from it through these game rentals. Moreover, with these game rentals, it is possible for gamers to buy these used games at these stores, at a reduced rate.In addition to PSP game rentals, the stores offering these services also provide for the trading in of older games for some valuable store credit which can be used for other purposes. Of course, when renting these games, it will be necessary for the gamer to spend some money as rental money. PSP game rentals are usually offered at a rental fee, for seven days. Some companies permit the gamer to keep the game for an extra day or two without charging any late fee charges. Of course, there are some companies that do charge for that extra day or two; so make it a point to clarify on this point before renting the game.There are some sites and companies that issue PSP game rentals not on a weekly basis, but through the convenience of unlimited rentals of a game for a single monthly fee. This means that you can keep a game with yourself, play with it for a month paying a monthly fee, and then return it and take another game if needed.Of course, it is possible to download games from the internet, but in the long run, you are sure to run out of disc space to download the games. Moreover, after prolonged used, the games may start becoming boring. So the better alternative would be to opt for PSP game rentals. Moreover, with PSP game rentals, you are sure that there are no viruses that will damage your PSP as the games are available from reputed companies.

Source: Free Articles

Xbox to sell Warner Music videos for $1.99

Faced with declining CD sales, labels are aiming to expand revenues

LOS ANGELES - Gamers with a hankering to watch music videos will have more choices after Warner Music Group Corp. announced Thursday it is adding its library of videos to Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 game console.
Videos from Sony BMG, which sell for the equivalent of $1.99, have been offered on the Xbox since last December.
Microsoft's game division is in talks with other major labels, such as Vivendi SA's Universal Music Group and EMI Group PLC, to add their music videos to the service offered to 12 million users of Xbox Live.

"It's been promising enough that we're going to amp up our discussions with other labels to grow the catalog," said Peter Orullian, senior group product manager on Xbox Live.
Faced with declining CD sales, Warner and other labels have aimed to expand revenues from new digital outlets. The music company will receive licensing revenue from each video sale.
The offering of videos ranges from the most recent, like Warner's T.I. and Flo Rida, to those that go back to the 1980s, such as Michael Jackson's "Thriller," reflecting the growing number of 30- and 40-somethings who are Xbox users, Orullian said.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

GC 2008: Prince of Persia Updated Impressions

The prince makes an appearance in Leipzig and we checked out how the game is shaping up.
We’ve seen some promising builds of Ubisoft’s reinvented prince at Ubidays and E3, and at Leipzig he was back for another appearance. We saw the same level that was on show at E3 2008 but rather than take the same route as before, our presenter chose to take us through a different area and used it to show off a new ability.
We’ve seen the prince pull of wall runs, gap jumps, and use his hand to slide down walls before, and we were shown a new move off at Leipzig which allows him to run upside down along roves for short distances. The section we saw had a series of pillars hanging from the ceiling, interspersed with conveniently-located iron rings. By running between them the prince and Elika were able to leapfrog across a divide and move to a new area of the game.
Ubisoft also highlighted the compass ability Elika has, in which she’ll show you which direction you need to go if you’re unsure what to do next. Hitting the appropriate button will make her point in a specific direction, allowing you to continue on with your journey, in this case a nearby platform. We then encountered the Hunter, a formidable beast made from the corruption of evil that the prince needs to purge from the world around him. In addition to the prince’s own impressive skills, Elika is a helpful companion allowing you to pull off a variety of moves on the hunter. Once he’d been dealt enough punishment, the Hunter retreated to the healing well, which became the next objective to reach.
While exploring the stage, we encountered several pools of the liquid-like corruption, which will suffocate you immediately if you get to close. Thankfully Elika can come to your rescue as a sort of “rolling savepoint” that will restore you to the last safe point. Arriving at the healing ground, the Hunter turned into a corrupted mode which made it impervious to attack. Elika was directed to perform some sort of magic on it which broke the corruption barrier, making it vulnerable again. Defeating our foe, Elika activated the well in a cinematic that restored colour and life to the region, with butterflies aflutter and grass springing up to represent the healed state.
Prince of Persia will be available on Xbox 360, PS3, and PC--in addition to a separate DS version--in time for the holiday season. For more on the prince’s new adventure see our previous coverage.

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/

Broken Sword Review

Gamers who like their games action-oriented may find Broken Sword to be too slow, but patient folks who like a good story that continually unravels will be delighted by this game.
Broken Sword, a long-running series of adventure games, has found a home in a seemingly unlikely place: the Game Boy Advance. This game, in fact, first appeared on the PC in 1996 under the name Broken Sword: Circle of Blood and was renamed The Shadow of the Templars for a PlayStation appearance in 1998. Surprisingly, little has changed in the transition. Granted, the graphics have had to be changed considerably to fit on the GBA's small screen, but the heart of the game has remained intact.
The game follows the adventures and exploits of George Stobbart, an American tourist on vacation in Europe. When he witnesses the murder of a man in a Paris café, he takes it upon himself to bring justice to the killer. Early in the game, George finds some help by way of a young photojournalist by the name of Nico, who agrees to help him solve the case. Soon after, the two are thrown deep into a twisted tale of murder, conspiracy, and a heavy dose of European history.
Broken Sword is a graphical adventure through and through, featuring the trademark slow-paced gameplay of a genre that lets gamers play the game at their own pace, fastidiously drawn backgrounds, and a heavy dose of text to move the story along. In this day and age of 3D games that command full attention of gamers at all times, adventure games are considered by many to be a dying genre or a lost art to those who love this style of game. Amazingly enough, this game feels right at home on Nintendo's portable system.
The control scheme in this game is easy enough for just about anyone to pick up and play--the D pad moves George around on the screen, the A and B buttons bring up the next page of text or select actions, like talking or using or combining items, and lastly, the left and right shoulder buttons bring up the item menu and scroll through the selectable actions onscreen. In the end, the controls are virtually invisible to the player, ultimately making the game very easy to play.
Visually, Broken Sword looks amazing for a handheld game. For a game that spans the locales of several European countries, Revolution Software has gone to great lengths to shrink the look and feel of a game originally intended for a much larger screen to the size of the Game Boy Advance. Backgrounds are wonderfully alive with detail and color, and the cast of the game has also been animated very carefully. While the amount of detail put into the game combined with the confines of such a small screen can sometimes make small objects hard to recognize, thankfully, the slow pace of the game gives you all the time you need to soak up every detail of your environment. The audio in the game, on the other hand, is sparse, sometimes even nonexistent. It doesn't really detract from the game at all, but it adds to the suspense factor by piping up with a tense piece of music right when the story takes a quick turn.
Broken Sword requires that you spend a lot of time with it, so gamers who want to get to the bottom of the mystery will find themselves in for the long haul. Proceeding carefully through the game will probably clock in somewhere around 20 or 30 hours, but you'll find it gripping and interesting all the way through. Thankfully, the game lets you save anywhere, so even if you have only a couple of minutes at a time to play, you can still make progress.
Gamers who like their games action-oriented may find Broken Sword to be too slow, but patient folks who like a good story that continually unravels will be delighted by this game. While the genre may be all but dead and gone and the game close to seven years old, it is an amazing sight to see, as well as a rewarding experience for those who will take to time to delve deep into the mystery contained within.

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/