Top Video Game Reviews

Neil Gerstein asked:


Hordes of video game lovers, many of whom were devoted to the widely popular Sims video games, waited anxiously for Electronic Arts newest video game release called Spore. Electronics Arts did not disappoint it’s many fans as the $49.99 regular version of Spore, the $9.99 Spore Creature Creator and the $79.99 Galactic version of Spore were released without a hitch and were quickly snatched off the retail stores shelves. Although Spore’s sales didn’t quite match the volume of sales of video game monoliths Guitar Hero III or Grand Theft Auto IV, it did very well. It is usually about a week after a video game release when the people who bought the game begin flooding the Internet with either their personal praise or damnation of the video game. They talk about things like game play, graphics speed and resolution, end game, online play, character building etc. Not this time! With Spore, the talk was all about its DRM!

What is DRM? The copyright protection called DRM is an acronym for Digital Rights Management, a term used to describe the different techniques for restricting the free use and transfer of digital content. DRM is used in a number of media, but is found most often in music and video files. Many of people believe that DRM should stand for Digital Restrictions Manager being that it manages users restrictions while taking away their rights. Companies like Apple began using DRM under the auspices of fighting piracy. Has it worked? You tell me. After the news of the type of severe DRM Electronics Arts put on Spore spread to future buyers, it took only days for over 500,000 illegal copies of the Spore video game (without DRM) to be downloaded from P2P BitTorrent sites on the Internet. Does DRM work? No! It ticks people off. If you don’t believe it, ask Amazon.com, where thousands of people unhappy with Spore’s DRM restrictions gave the new video game a lowly one star rating. Thanks to DRM, Spore has become the most pirated game ever.

So, what was so bad about Spore’s DRM to get so many people in an uproar? Here is what it is all about and I am going to tell you from first hand experience because I purchased the $79.99 Galactic version of Spore and after one more download, the game will be worthless. Because my video card was not set perfectly to run Spore, I received a warning message after the first installation that I needed to change my video card settings and reinstall Spore again or the game would not work. One installation used. I did what was required and reinstalled Spore again. No error messages this time, the game works wonderfully. Two installations used. So why am I counting installations? You see, with Spore’s DRM restrictions, the purchaser can only install the game three times. After the third installation, your bought and paid for game of Spore will be nothing but a worthless piece of plastic. You can play it, but you will never be able to install it again. So you pray nothing goes wrong with your computer because you won’t be able to install Spore to a new one. If I would have known about Electronic Arts DRM restrictions for Spore, I never would have purchased it and I may have gone as far as joining the other 500,000 so-called pirates visiting a free game downloads site to download a DRM-less version.

Some folks say that a company should be allowed to protect their copyrighted products, and I agree as long as they don’t take the rights away from the new owners, the people who have purchased those copyrighted products. I want to first say that I don’t necessarily **** the idea of copyright protection but I do **** the way DRM is being abused by the companies. When a person buys a copyrighted product, the copyright should now belong to the new owner along with the product. As far as I am concerned, when I purchase something it should be mine to do with as I please. As long as it does not involve harming, torturing or killing a living creature, I should have complete and total rights to do what I want with that product. Here are some examples of what I mean. If I were to purchase a German Shepherd dog ($800), it is mine. If I want to either sell or give my dog away to someone else, I have every right to do so. If I buy a car ($25,000) and a week later feel like selling it or giving it away, I can because I have the every right to do so. If I were to buy a house ($200,000) outright for cash (I wish), that house would be completely mine to sell or even give it away if I choose. If I have complete and total rights to do what I want with my dog, my car and my house, will somebody please tell me why can I face criminal charges and punishment for doing what I want with my $79.99 game of Spore or any other video game for that matter. Heck, with EA’s new DRM restrictions imposed on my Spore video game, I can’t even install it more than three times. In truth, Spore still belongs to Electronic Arts even though I forked out my hard earned cash for the rights of ownership. Therein lies the true crime my friends. And the video game industry is wondering why more and more normally honest folks have turned to pirating.

Sadly, video game companies like Electronic Arts are unwittingly causing the downfall of the video game industry with their abuse of DRM restrictions. Piracy paranoia has already taken a huge bite out of the PC and Mac game industry. Remember when stores like Egghead and Electronics Boutique used to be stocked wall to wall with computer games for your PC or Mac. Then they come up with all of these unjust anti-piracy rules that if you open the games packaging there will be no exchanges or refunds allowed. Are you kidding me. With all of the different computer configurations out there due to lack of standards within the industry, you were lucky not to run into a conflict when installing or playing the game. How many of you remember buying a $50 computer game only to have it not work when you installed it. Remember how you felt when you tried to get your money back for a $50 game that you never even got to play only to be told by the suspicious salesman at the stores counter, Too Bad, No Refund, No Exchange Policy Here! A lot of people remember. That is the main reason good honest folk turned to P2P download sites for their computer games in the first place. No risk of losing their money through no fault of their own. Thus began the downfall of the video game industry for PC’s and Mac’s. Now when you go into a store looking to purchase a game for your PC, all you will find is a little rack of about fifteen computer games tucked away somewhere in the back of a video game store.

Don’t look now, but the video game industry is following that same path of self destruction as before, and the DRM restrictions they are putting on games like Spore will be their undoing. If the fact that the Spore DRM policy has caused it to become the most pirated video game in history does not bring about changes in copyright policies, then they will be in deep trouble as an industry. I realize I am ranting but I tend to get ticked off when I am being ripped off and I am not alone here. Head over to CNet or Amazon.com to see what people are saying about the Spore DRM policy. The video game makers had better listen too, because they are on the path of causing their own demise with such a draconic DRM policy. Electronic Arts, the maker of Spore especially had better open up its ears, because over 500,000 people downloading DRM free versions of the video game from Free Game Downloads sites in only a few days makes a thunderous sound. The release of Spore was supposed to be a happy day for all. Instead, EA’s punishing DRM policy may have begun the downfall of the video game industry, and that would be a sad day for everyone.



Santo

Copyright (c) 2008 SharpBrains

Last month, at an MIT Northern California event, we discussed what specific applications might take computer-based brain training to a new level, and highlighted the potential to test and improve Driving Skills.

Assessing and improving driving skills would be a top candidate, given both the well-defined nature of the need and the appearance of programs with growing evidence (both scientific and real-world) behind.

Along these lines, the New York Times just published an article, titled “Are You a Good Driver? Here’s How to Find Out”. A few quotes:

- “COULD a video game make you a better driver? More important, could computer software prevent teenagers from making fatal mistakes or even weed out older drivers whose debilities make them crash-prone?”

- “There are already programs like AAA’s Roadwise Review (about $15), which is intended to help older people evaluate their driving.”

- “There are other programs that will test mental agility and then use subsequent computer training sessions to improve a driver’s skills. One such program is an online application called DriveFit ($89), which was developed by CogniFit, an Israeli company specializing in cognitive training software. DriveFit uses visual and memory tests to measure 12 driving-related cognitive abilities.”

A question we often get when talking with insurance companies, “So, can we really train drivers to act smarter behind the wheel”? Well, it depends of what “smarter” means (we are not aware of brain training programs to make drivers avoid alcohol, or sleep-inducing medicaments, before driving), but there is growing evidence that specific cognitive skills that are important for driving can, indeed, be trained, resulting in better driving outcomes.

A key research reference: the published studies by Dr. Karlene Ball and Dr. Jerri Edwards. We had the fortune to interview Dr. Edwards recently, and this is what she had to say when I asked her to explain the results of their 2003 Human Factors paper (Roenker, D., Cissell, G., Ball, K., Wadley, V., & Edwards, J. (2003). Speed of processing and driving simulator training result in improved driving performance. Human Factors, 45: 218-233):

- “Our goal was to train what is called the “useful field of view.” The useful field of view is a measure of processing speed and visual attention that is critical for driving performance, and one of the areas that declines with age. It has previously been shown that this skill can be improved with training, so we wanted to see what effect it would have on the driving performance of older adults, and whether the training would be more or less effective than a traditional driving simulation course.

- For the study, we divided forty-eight adults over fifty-five years old into two intervention groups of twenty-four people each. Each group received twenty hours of training. One group was exposed to a traditional driving simulator, where they learned specific driving behaviours. The other one went through the cognitive training program.

- Both groups’ driving performance improved right after their respective programs, but most benefits of the driving simulator disappeared by month eighteen.

- The speed-of-processing intervention helped participants not only improve “useful field of view,” the skill that was directly trained, but it also transferred into real-life driving, and the results were sustained after 18 months. And, by the way, the evaluation was as real as one can imagine: a 14-mile open road evaluation.

- Faster speed-of-processing seemed to enable adults to react better to unexpected events that require a fast response and to reduce by 40% the number of dangerous manoeuvres on real roads (defined as those that required the training instructor to intervene during the evaluation).”

Note: the program used in that study, called Visual Awareness, was recently acquired by Posit Science Corporation.

In short, more likely than not, I’d reply YES to the question used to open the New York Times article. A well-designed video game CAN make one a better driver.

Of course, this is an emerging field, and much more research needs to be done before applications become mainstream, but the field certainly deserves more attention, research dollars, and engagement by insurance companies to design and conduct real-world trials.

Allstate: what about spending just a fraction of your scary ad campaign ad campaign budget in exploring additional potential solutions?



By: Alvaro Fernandez

About the Author:

Hollis

Tony Smith asked:


Being able to get PS3 games that are downloadable is awesome.  Especially when you’re able to download all of the new ones that come out.  You may not know where to get them from or which Playstation game you can get.

So, what I’m going to do is share with you some PS3 games that are downloadable.  That way, you can get all of your favorite ones for your console.

The PS3 games that you can download are:

1.  LittleBigPlanet.  This is a fun game for the Playstation 3.  LittleBigPlanet is great.  It’s fun being able to create your own levels and share them with other people online.  If you haven’t played it yet, make sure you get it.

2.  Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.  This is another PS3 game that you can download.  Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is awesome.  If you are a fan, you will love seeing Subzero battle Batman.

3.  Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of The Patriots.  This is another one of the PS3 games that are downloadable.  MGS4 is one of the best games for the Playstation 3.  If you haven’t played it yet, you are really missing out on some fun.

4.  Resistance: Fall of Man.  Resistance is another great game that you can download to your PS3.  If you want to enjoy your game system, be sure to get this one.

These are some PS3 games that are downloadable.  Actually, there are hundreds of Playstation 3 games that you can download.  So, if you want to have a lot of fun with your game system, make sure you get the games that I mentioned above.



Hipolito

1. Prepare yourself: you need to prepare yourself in a professional manner. How do you prepare yourself? By getting acquitted with the responsibilities of a video game tester. The main role of a video game tester is to detect bugs and report it to the developer that assigned you the testing job. First and foremost, you need to learn how to detect bugs. If you already a game player, one that does it for fun, it will be easier for you to learn how to detect glitches in game. You can get this knowledge by testing small games for the web. That way, you will get the experience required to test games for developers. Another way to learn how to test games and find bugs is to play buggy games. Through these ways, you could develop the knowledge and experience required to taken on a bigger testing job.

2. Get yourself a resume: a resume is necessary for you to land a testing job. It’s through your resume companies will be able to know your capabilities before they offer you the job. When building your resume, do not forget to include games you own, the games you’ve play and anything about video games that can thrill your employer. If there is any time you’ve discovered a bug while playing games, also include it in your resume. It will also interest you to know that video game testing is normally assigned to people that are 18 years and above, though people that are below 18 years also get this job but it is very rare. Let that not derail your dreams, its necessary you try first. After you’ve built a resume, review it over and over again to make sure its accurate and no mistakes.

3. Getting Your First Testing Job: After you’ve built your resume, your next step should be to forward it to developers and testing firms. Whether they are hiring or not, just send it to them. That way, you will be on a reserve list if they are not hiring at the moment. It’s not necessary to make direct contact with developers, and let them know about your interest. Convince them and give them many reasons to make them believe you are going to make a thorough testing if you are given one. Getting a video game testing job depends on the amount of effort you put into it. You can’t get a testing job by sitting at home all day, playing games and praying to get one, one day. The more effort you put into it, the more you increase your chances of landing this job. The opportunities are there to be exploited. Video games are produced weekly and monthly, so there are ample of chances for testers. Prepare yourself well, in a professional manner; remember that your first impression counts. When you’ve gotten the testing job and you receive your first testing, read the manual that came with the testing assignment very well. Test the games over and over again, write down your report as you test. When you are through with testing, proofread your report and send it back to the company that assigned you the job. Hopefully, you will get your first check in no time after you’ve submitted your first testing and also don’t let that tie you down in your next assignment.

Gamer Testing Ground is a site which provides you with all the step-by-step guide to become a video game tester and companies hiring video game testers.

Check it out at http://gamertestinggroundreview.blogspot.com/



By: Kingsley

About the Author:

Erik

Tony Smith asked:


Being able to download the best rated PS3 games is great.  Especially when you can get all of the top Playstation 3 that you want.  You’re probably unsure which of them you can get or where to get them from.  So, what I’m going to do is share with you the best rated PS3 games that you should download.

That way, you can have a ton of fun with your Playstation 3.

The best rated PS3 games are:

1.  Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.  This is one of the best PS3 games that’s out right now.  You should definitely get MGS4 if you haven’t played it yet.  You are really going to enjoy playing it.

2.  Grand Theft Auto IV.  GTA4 is another awesome Playstation 3 game that you should download.  Grand Theft Auto IV is a great game.  I highly recommend you get this one as soon as you can.

3.  Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.  This is another one of the best rated PS3 games that you should download.  If you like Mortal Kombat, you’re going to love this game.  So, make sure you get it.

4.  Call of Duty 4.  This is another fun game that I highly recommend you download.  Call of Duty 4 is awesome.  If you haven’t had the chance to play it yet, be sure to get it as soon as you can.

These are some of the best rated PS3 games that you should download.  There are actually a lot of Playstation 3 games that you can download.  So, if you really want to enjoy your console, be sure to get the games that I mentioned above.



Huey

Tony Smith asked:


Downloading PS3 kids games is awesome. Especially when your kids can get all of their favorite. You may not know where to get them from or which ones to get. So, what I’m going to do is share with you some PS3 kids games that are downloadable.

That way, your kids can have fun with their Playstation 3.

The PS3 kids games that you can download are:

1. LittleBigPlanet. This is an awesome game that you kids will love playing. You can create your own level and share it with other people online. If you want your kids to have fun, be sure to get this one for them. They will love it.

2. Rockband. This is a very popular and fun PS3 game. Rockband is awesome. You should definitely download this game. Your kids will love playing this game. Actually, you will like it too.

3. Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction. Ratchet and Clank is another PS3 kids game that is downloadable. This game is fun and your kids will love it.

4. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. This is another great Playstation 3 game that your kids will like. You can battle Sub Zero with Batman or Scopion with Superman, which is awesome. This is game that a lot of kids enjoy playing.

These are some of the PS3 kids games that are downloadable. Actually, there are hundreds of Playstation 3 games that you can download. If you really want to your kids to have fun with their Playstation 3, be sure to get the games that were mentioned above.



Miles

Mark Robbins asked:


About the new Playstation 3 gaming system, many serious gamers are saying, “sign me up!” Featuring the new Blu-Ray technology and up to a 60gb hardrive, this is one game system that experts say could last for some time to come. Others are still on the fence.

The original Playstation system was introduced in the United States in 1995 and Playstation 2 followed in 2000. In early 2006, Sony announced the end of production for Playstation 2 as it began working toward the much ballyhooed introduction of the high-tech and next-generation Playstation 3.

So why should someone pony up nearly $600 for the new Playstation? There are several factors driving the success of this new gaming system.

* Featuring high-tech HD technology, the graphic capabilities of the new Playstation 3 are much improved over former models. The PS3 features IBM’s “Cell” processor and a processor that allows the machine to make two trillion calculations per second.

* PS3 games are encoded on the new high-tech Blu-Ray discs, which hold six times more data than traditional CDs. Sony executives predict this will lead to many new popular game franchises and the return of some old favorites. The use of the Blu-Ray technology combined with the powerful processor is promising game players more intricate games featuring incredible graphics.

* You don’t have to buy all new games. The PS3 will play Playstation and PS2 games as well. The system comes with a hard drive, a SD slot, a Compact Memory flash slot, and slots for Memory Stick Duo.

* Online capabilities. Like the Xbox 360, you can connect with other players online when playing PS3 games, as well as download content from the internet. This multi-player concept is sure to bring more players to the table as video games try to compete with that popular aspect of computer gaming.

* New, intuitive controller. Many gamers intuitively move their hands or whole bodies when playing games, even if such movements change nothing about how you’re playing the game. Sony has taken this and turned it into a special feature of the new controller. The controller features a super-precision, 6-axis sensing system that can accurately detect fine movements to control games. Future PS3 games, then, will be controlled by the movements of your hands, and not just your thumbs on the controller. That means, for example, you might be able to play a driving game while “steering” your hands with the controller.

* The option to spend a bit less on the system (and get less). The base model, which features only a 20gb hard drive, can be had for about $499. The larger, 60gb model, is $599 retail. This, of course, assumes you can find one. Initially the old “sorry, we can’t keep up with demand” manufacturer cry will be heard in order to increase demand.

Now, most gamers admit that this system will be superior to anything else available right now. It’s the newest, hottest game system out right now. But, there are a few cons that rub up against the pros. They include:

* This system is not a slim case like the PS2. It’s bigger and heavier, weighing in around 11 pounds.

* To get the superior HD output, you have to dig deeper in your pockets and pony up the $600, as the lesser-priced version doesn’t feature the highest quality graphics capabilities.

* Many argue that for the high prices of the PS3, you could simply buy a new computer or upgrade your current computer so it can run the high-quality games that feature the incredible graphics and playing features that have so many computer gamers leaving video game systems in the closet.



Drew

It is possible for anyone with no college degree or diploma to become a video game tester. It doesn’t require talent or programming skill. You don’t have to know anyone in the gaming companies to become a video game tester. Let’s find out how you can become a video game tester with Gamer Testing Ground.

Gamer Testing Ground provides all the sources that you would need to become a video game tester. It is like a A to Z guide that show you the right path and how to get the job. Many game testing sites are scams, you have to consider wisely on how to find the right source that can lead you to become a video game tester.

It is exactly like you are looking for a regular job, but Gamer Testing Ground teach you how to compose a resume that attract gaming companies want to hire you. As a matter of fact, it is your resume that matter, but level of education is not the factor that whether they will hire you. It depends on how you write your resume. If you give them a good reason why you want to become a video game tester, if they like your answer they will possibly hire you for the job. The game testing job does not require you to work at their company, you can work at home anytime you like and earn a steady stream of income. There are fewer game testers than demand for game testing, so it is the right timing to get the job.

You must own at least either a computer or video game console (Playstation 3, Xbox360, etc.) in order to get the job. The assignment will be sent by mail to your house with a game copied and survey check list, once you have completed your game testing assignment you have to post back the survey but you can keep the game. The earning is usually up to $150 per hour, it also depend on how much the company is willing to pay.

It is really easy to get the game testing job. Many people don’t know that this job do exist and think it require some programming skill to become a video game tester. Believe me, the game programmers would rather spend their time on tweak and modify their own games and they are willing to pay outsiders to test their game for bug and error.

Let me show you how to successfully become a game tester.

 



By: Jonathan Valentine

About the Author:

Armando

Advances in technology have greatly increased the tools we can choose from to assist with the improvement of reading skills. I am going to focus on computer learning software for kids. This is of particular interest to me because while the child is increasing his or her attentional capacity by playing a video game he is also fine tuning reading specific skills such as comprehension and vocabulary.

In ‘Action Video Game Modifies Visual Selection Attention’ published in April 2003 by Shawn Green & Daphne Bavelier a study was conducted to analyze the effects of video game playing on visual attention resources. Green and Bavelier did find that video-game players do indeed have a greater attentional capacity than non video-game players. Thus, we can assume that video games do in fact improve reading skills by increasing the attentional capacity.

Children who have difficulty reading are more likely to drop out of high school and less likely to attend college. Therefore, focusing on and solidifying reading skills at a young age is incredibly important to an individuals overall success. Reading can be very difficult skill to motivate a young person to practice. However, once an agreed upon method or methods are found it is an easy skill to improve and you will see progress quickly.

I conducted a search for games that would enhance specific reading skills while incorporating the above mentioned increase in attentional capacity and offer the following reviews.

Reader Rabbit 1 Software by The Learning Company builds early reading skills and is geared for ages 4-7. Features include match up, sorter, labeler and word train. Educational benefits include increasing vocabulary by associating pictures with their names, increasing the understanding of letter-sound correspondences with the use of lifelike speech throughout the program and allowing parents to customize their child’s learning experience using graduated levels of difficulty.

Reading Comprehension Booster by Merit Software allows students to receive practice in using basic reading improvement strategies and is geared for grades 3 through 5. Students work with interactive exercises to determine main idea, make inferences, and draw conclusions. Assessments place students in appropriate units of instruction. Students advance as they demonstrate readiness. They receive immediate instructional feedback throughout.

The Jump Start Series by Knowledge Adventure pack extreme fun and exciting adventure into learning. The game takes you through an adventure for example, solving a mystery while using various skills to navigate through a number of different settings. Skills include Parts of Speech, Spelling and Vocabulary, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Prime Numbers, Fractions, Decimals, Estimation, Science, Geography, Music, The Arts and History. Jump Start series is available from Kindergarten through 6th grade!

Technological advances have increased the tools that we can choose for reading enhancement. I have suggested computer learning software for kids that I find to be of high quality as well as engaging. This is of particular interest to me because while the child is increasing his or her attentional capacity by playing a video game he is also fine tuning reading specific skills such as comprehension and vocabulary.



By: Allison Merlino

About the Author:

Herschel

Sharron Nixon asked:


rld of animation, online gaming and virtual entertainment, the creation and popularity of video games stands out as one of the most exciting modern industries.

There are so many endless virtual possibilities available within the modern day gadgetry. Due to the advancement of modern technology, countless gadgets and services are now created to cater to the requirements of this new need.

A video game, which is also known as a computer game, is actually a game composed of a computer-controlled virtual world or universe. Because a video display is used as the primary feedback device, video games enable players to interact with each other to achieve a multitude of goals or a set of goals.

More and more people, especially the younger generation, are getting hooked into this online video game craze. With the growing demand for more interactive, bold, challenging and entertaining video games and programs, a growing demand for excellence and innovative video games has emerged. More and more people, especially the younger generation, are getting hooked into this online video game craze.

For those who became addicted to playing video games, it stands to reason that they will probably develop an ambition to work within the video gaming industry. But, what does it take to enter the world of the video gaming workplace?

No matter whether you would want to work under a Playstation, XBox, or Nintendo platform, there are some basic things you need know. These include:

So, what is the video game industry, and how far does it stretch? Just because you may be a huge fan of video games, that is not enough reason for you to want to look more closely at a career in video gaming. You need to keep yourself abreast of the latest news and be continually updated within the industry.

The video gaming industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been able to outsmart and outgrow many other industries in a very short period of time. This means that entering the video game industry, as a video game worker, could be an extremely lucrative career because of the number of opportunities it opens.

Because it is such a huge industry, it is also a very competitive environment, so it is a must that you familiarize yourself with the latest trends and keep yourself at the very forefront of updates. Employers will expect you to produce more innovation and brilliance, of an ongoing nature, that would appeal to younger generations. This industry can be complicated and you must be prepared to meet the challenging demands of the times.

It will become quite necessary for you to have a high stress tolerance level. Deadlines can be frustrating, but form an integral part of this industry. So if you are faint-hearted and easily stressed out, you would need a very high degree of passion in order to accept this as commonplace within the video gaming industry.

All in all, the video gaming industry can prove very rewarding both financially and personally, if you are willing to put in the effort and tenacity the video gaming industry requires.



Claud