Game News

Role-playing games are some of the most popular computer games around. They are such hits because it’s easy to get addicted to the game play of role-playing games. Here are some of the reasons why we love and are so addicted to these games:

Colorful and wonderful adventures of RPGs

Role-playing games are addicting because of the adventures you get to have playing them. With RPG, you can become anything. You can turn yourself into a ninja, a warlord, an elf, or a combative princess – practically anything you can imagine.

RPG characters you can personalize and best identify with

The personalization of the characters in role-playing games is also a great motivator to log in and play. These characters can be personalized to match your looks. Or, you can just skew things a bit and make a totally new version of yourself, just for the game.

RPG game controls that allow flexibility and fulfilling make-believes

The game controls of role-playing games are also commendable. You can set yourself to do so many things with just a flick of a finger or two. It can be so much fun and a fulfillment of your ultimate gaming fantasies.

In life, there could only be heroes and villains. We sometimes stick to one role or dabble with both. But when it comes to fighting crimes, the police will always be ready to serve and protect the common law citizens. Part of their job is to risk life to save us from harm and danger. Ultimately, they are real-life heroes of our fragile society. So can you blame some of them when they take offense in seeing themselves brutally murdered in a computer game?

We didn't hear mommies complaining after the release of "Reservoir Dogs Under Fire." Rather, this Xbox game sent a bleeping red signal among police officers in United Kingdom. Of course, they're exposed to daily crime and violence but they condemn the savagery of killing policemen as part of the game plot. To kill and torture a police officer is not a lovely sight for kids who wander about the streets, confident of the peace and order system.

The British Board of Film Classification just turned their backs on UK cops, giving the "Reservoir Dogs Under Fire" a go signal for release. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand countered the police violence on video game with a ban order. Still, Police Chief Tom McGhie of the West Yorkshire Police, continued to air his vehement disapproval in glorifying police execution. A movie with the same title was first released in cinemas, but surprisingly, this Xbox game version received the most publicity.

Boys will always be boys, that's what they say. Their raging hormones will make them all the more rowdy, active and dynamic. They can pull pranks at you or simply turn your quiet life into a rumpled mess. Boys can be too aggressive, especially when they start to unlock their virile ego approaching the teenage years. But if there's one damn thing that can always keep them hanging on their seats, with the same overflowing passion, it is an Xbox 360 computer game package. It is another way to exhaust their vim and energy. But how will you react when computer game fantasies turn to real life drama?

Computer game console can be sensational and popular among teenage boys, but never did it cross my mind that one day they can actually kill for a silly Xbox 360. Imagine how passion can turn into obsession. Given that it might be a cause of a nasty argument, it doesn't make an excuse and justify a move to murder your 6 other friends in Florida. Florida was in shock when the news of Xbox murderers hit the headlines. It is such a mindless and brutal killing. All for a moment's violent rage, perpetrators are convicted of first-degree murder in legal court.

One sweet night, five friends were sleeping over Erin Belanger's house. They were confined to serenity when three men broke in. The cranky Belanger then asked the uninvited guest to leave the house. However, Troy Victorino with Michael Salas and Herone Hunter were pissed off when Victorino refused to give back their belongings including an Xbox. Heated argument then turned into murder when intruders killed all six people, hitting them with baseball bats. The success of the conviction relied heavily on the cooperation of the fourth accomplice, Robert Cannon. The jury will decide if these men will face life imprisonment or suffer death penalty through lethal injection.

In a quick throw of assessment, we always assume that a child who slumps the whole day with a video game is a dumb-dumb. At least let's admit to that. That's an initial hunch without trying to be critical. Various studies even show that kids addicted to video games perform poorly in school. Well, in contrary, it also shows that higher retention skill and enhanced memory is attributed to exposure to video games.

This only goes to show that playing isn't necessarily bad. That video games is not always the antagonist of modern times. There are always the positive and negative effects. It all depends on the kid and the environment on how he'll cope with the visual spectacles of surreal characters and plots.

For instance, when I was in grade school, I do better in abstract reasoning and mathematical problems. It's only now that I realized this flair to be the effect of being curious in observing while playing my virtual games. I also proved to be very creative and imaginative in solutions and approaches to conflicts in life.

Not all gamers are bums! What a child needs is not a hazy ridicule, but proper encouragement on honing other skills. Besides, the environment and exposure says a lot to a child's brain development. Watching Barney dance won't make him a valedictorian! We could only suspect what runs in their inquisitive minds at an early stage.

Kids are predisposed to the incessant danger and lures of computer games: the graphic assimilation of characters, weaponry, and its violent and sexual features. Well it's a common fact that even "Lara Croft" doesn't have to scour the recesses of archeological artifacts just to finally see the light and the truth. Even I, as a game buff, would admit to that. If you can teach an infant to mumble the words "mama", how much more when a child is confronted with violence and explicit scenes in a boob tube! What else do you expect? That they'd grow up eating mushrooms like "Super Mario"?!

The game industry is earning billions of dollars every year. The video enterprise itself is a milking cow of dinero. They're squeezing it out of me and you and the rest of the jerks who rely for excitement in the virtual world.

I also have to confess that it gets better and better every year. They catapult the games to greater heights, which means better game play and character manipulation. The sexual and violent themes even add up to the machismo appeal of the play. But I'm an adult, at least I assume that power and responsibility. But what about the kids?! It's hard enough to survive the angst and the changing environment of childhood, so I'm more specific and concerned about the effects of game videos in the kids' hands themselves.

The video game rating system sucks! There are games that qualify for AO classifications (Adults Only) but are made available to minors. It's despicable to tamper with the mind of a growing child. How will game executives feel if their own maniacal offspring slip to insanity with these games?

Now that's a no- no! My video game fanaticism gave me more space for creativity and outlet for thrill and passion. But I started with the "Mario Bros.", and I assumed the responsibility as an adult to filter the effects of such cravings. There are positive effects I believe, so long as it does not get out of hand and trifles the mind of the little ones, I'm all for it!

The modern digital computer games have been dramatically growing in practically every nook of the earth. Sad to say, I enjoy more playing at the comfort at home than in oftentimes noisy gaming stations. That is why, I am so glad that Dell had just launched a XPS gaming PC at whopping price of $10,000. But it does not really matter even if it costs twice this price because I am after the entertainment value that I get from it. I know that with Dell, I can get the most of it.

This gaming PC sports Pentium Express Edition 956 from Intel with double core processor. It also features four cards for graphics called NVIDIA GelForce 7900 which can be configured in quad SLI. In addition, this device also comes along with a stylish casing that is made of aluminum while the painting job was customized by Mike Lavallee from Killer Paint. Not only that, this modern gaming device takes pride in its seven color lighting that are controllable. There are still other very effective and useful features of this gaming device which will surely make my gaming encounter truly exciting, challenging, and entertaining. I actually do not mind how much this device will cost me, but how long will serve me best.

Today is May 18, 2006. With just hours away from the opening day of the most awaited movie of the year - in addition to it having the biggest ever movie launching, comes, of course, a video game to accompany the movie. This is becoming a popular trend nowadays, wherein almost every hit fantasy movie made has had a game to accompany it. But for avid fans of the novel, this will surely be one of the games that they would find to be enticing.

The game actually features the same characters as the book - and the movie, but it deviates from these two in several aspects. It includes additional locations, which were not actually part of both the novel and the movie, and it also adds some additional puzzles to unravel. Critiques have expressed that it is a highly intellectually stimulating game, and is recommended for those who like to play around with problems that make their brains twist a little. As of the moment, however, there has been no posted review about the technical aspects of game. But nevertheless, like the much awaited movie, this game will surely keep its fans on their toes.

Tomb Raider, a popular video game that has Lara as the heroine, is set for its XBox release sometime in April. Eidos confirmed the news as they formally announce that the new series is scheduled to be released along with its versions for PlayStation2, PC, and Xbox. Eidos also declared that new graphics system created for 'Legend' would be featuring lifelike images and will be so detailed that the heroine will get wet and dirty as she explores different terrains.

Xbox 360 enables players to bring Lara to life like never before with complex animated facial expressions, smooth movements and realistic skills. It allows players to experience Tomb Raider in a much life like manner. Its new title is 'Lara Croft Tomb Raider the Legend' which is the seventh among its series.

Lara Croft has created a huge impact on popular culture. Her PlayStation debut in 1996 was undeniably among the best sweeps ever by a video game. Lara remains on the top spot of videogames' list of heroines. A new Lara will emerge next month, and Eidos, together with Crystal D assures that players and fanatics would not be dismayed. Those who enjoyed the movie version will definitely have fun playing this new game.

EA Sports always make things interesting for its legion of fans. As one of the most well viewed and played sport, boxing has been transformed to a different level of gaming. Fight Night 2005 is designed to capture the minds of players and transport them to the cudgels of the ring. This game is a realistic approach of virtual gaming to boxing. With a new and improve version, players are able to choose the boxer of their choice. The tales of the tape are accurate and the capabilities of each boxer in the game coincide with their real in ring abilities. Players can also create their own boxer and use modification schemes to manipulate the strengths of their boxers. This game also has a lot of features, including championship tournaments to test the mettle of players. This game guarantees a different gaming experiencing with the best boxing in the world.

This game has been in production for almost three years. Gamers are promised an epic adventure that will keep them wanting for more. There are various worlds that can be explored in this game. Also, the decisions to make are limitless. The aforementioned game has something to prove since it's a sequel to one of the best games that players have had their hands on. From the looks of things, it will surely live up to the legacy that the original Dreamfall game left.

Funcom makes it possible for players to choose from 3 control schemes since Dreamfall is available both in PC and Xbox versions.

Once you set your eyes on the game, you will surely be impressed by the magnitude that this game offers. The worlds that you have to visit are wonderfully detailed. The storyline is marvelous. The characters that you will meet along the way are quite interesting, to say the least.

You might like to grab a copy of this, I'm sure I will.

Are you a Kimi Raikonen wanna be or do you idolize Juan Pablo Montoya? What can you say about Fernando Alonso? Dream no more because you can be like your idols too by playing Formula One 2005 in your PS2. This is one of my favorite games as it is not violent. You just race to win, that's it. I have nothing against gun-firing, people-killing games but I just find racing really exciting and interesting. I watch Formula One racing on TV and I'm glad that it has a PS2 version. You can be like your idols and be one of the racers of McLaren, Renault, Ferrari and Mercedes. Racing is about strategy too and it will teach you to be observant and alert. Formula One 2005 for the PlayStation 2 will be released in Europe this year. This year's version will include interactive pit stops, more details in the grid lineup, and an improved career mode. Gamers will also be able to take their rides online and even join buddy lists to race the same competition over and over again.

RPG Multiplayer fans, dig this: Eve Online has upgraded and has come up with the latest version called Red Moon Rising! For the makers of this game, we know that coming up with a universal RPG upgrade isn't easy, that's why we salute them for making a huge feat possible. In Red Moon Rising there would be more and more room for RPG players to expand their gaming horizons at an almost infinite level.

They've upgraded the Titans and the Carriers. The Titans are more powerful than ever, and the fleet has now gained support. More missions on the territories have been created, with the addition of new bloodlines (Asians). There are new battle cruisers and ships established. And since it's a universal game, players can now join no matter what language they speak!

Red Moon Rising has been released on December 16, 2005.

From the name itself, readers could already get an idea of the nature of the game. Yes! It's about car racing, an all time favorite game.

TOCA Race Driver 3, however, boasts of new features for gamers. It has more than 35 different racing rules, 116 championship games, and around 80 race tracks and circuits.

TOCA Race Driver 3 has two principal gameplays: Pro Career and World Tour. In Pro Career, you are only able to play one type of race during the entire game. In World Tour, however, you get the chance to experience the other kinds of racing as you advance during the game.

The racing game is still being developed by Codemasters and is due to come out in February next year. With TOCA Race Driver 3, you are surely going to enjoy a new and exciting racing experience.

In a move that surely angered many fans, Lucasarts and Sony Online Entertainment announced that they were giving their massively multiplayer online RPG Star Wars Galaxies and its expansion pack The Trials of Obi-Wan a massive overhaul, changing many of the game's mechanics and game play. As a result, many players had months of their character's history and progress gradually erased or trivialized.

In an effort to appease those who were affected by this overhaul, Lucasarts and Sony Online Entertainment has begun offering refunds for those who bought the expansion pack, as the overhaul was done just days after the expansion pack was released. Players who wish to avail of their refund have until December 1 of this year to avail of it.

It's a discussion that has turned into a heated debate ever since the first console upgrades (i.e. NES to Super NES, Sega Master System to Genesis, etc.) appeared. Both have their points, but what really does make a game stand out and be declared a classic? Graphics or game play?

Graphics are the first things we see in a game, and thus having good ones can really make a game noticed. Great graphics capture the imagination, but without game play, it's just wasted pixels.

Game play can make a game with even the plainest of graphics into a playable one, but don't expect many people to stick around if your characters look like stick figures.

In the end, it should be a compromise between the two that will make a game truly stand out and be declared a classic.

With the coming of the PlayStation 3, the games that will be released along with it are being previewed at an alarming rate, making the PS3 one of the most anticipated gaming consoles ever.

The latest installment of the Metal Gear series, Metal Gear Solid 4, is one of these games. The stealth action game has been a hallmark of the PlayStation all the way back when the system was still in its infancy. Metal Gear Solid made its mark as one of the best games ever for the PlayStation, and still remains as a model to which many games are compared.

This latest sequel to the best-selling series puts the player again in the role of Solid Snake, but this time the years have begun catching up on him. Now sporting a white hairdo and moustache, Snake still continues fighting the good fight even in his, um, senior years. The game boasts the best graphics ever for the PS3, and they're just the play screens! It boggles the mind what they can do for the cutscenes. I guess we'll just have to find out when the PS3 makes its debut soon.

Can this man do no wrong? After taking the hip-hop world by storm, rapper 50 Cent now takes aim at conquering other genres as well. He now has a movie coming up, and, as the focus for today, a video game coming up as well.

Titled 50 Cent: Bulletproof, this game takes the chiseled singer on a quest for the truth that pits him and his abs against the crime families of New York. The game looks, and some would probably say, plays similar to GTA: San Andreas.

Slated for a November release, it's only until then can we tell if 50 Cent: Bulletproof is really worth our hard-earned dollar.

Sigh. Tell me something I don't know. Once again, the Man is tring to curb our freedom to be offended by trying to force game companies to come up with more "family-friendly" games.

I just don't get it. Why put the blame on video games because of their content? A well-adjusted induvidual would never be enticed to do violent acts if his basic values system wasn't faulty to begin with. And that values system is formed when you are still just a baby. So if there is anybody to blame for a child's violent behavior, it's the parents for not instilling a strong sense of right and wrong in their child. And also a sense of humor.