I have lots of time on my hands, and can do whatever I want with it. Do I choose to go outside? No. Do I choose to sit around and do nothing? No. Instead I choose to play a game that will stimulate my mind and body in the safety of my own home. Why would I choose to do something like this? Because it is lots of fun, but don't just take my word for it, there are millions of people world wide who play video games too.
Xbox 360
When people go to the store to buy a video game they have to choose from one of three modern systems. The most modern system that came first is the Xbox 360. Built by Microsoft, the vertically stylish box of technology is meant to make several advances from their fist system: the Xbox. The 360 was the first to really bring out innovation and make it familiar to an old gamer. It made games that would go down in history such as Halo 3 and Gears of War. The system is geared more towards older players and has several features for them to utilize. Great graphics, built in microphones in the controllers, wireless controllers, free online play, as well as internet access and a link to your computer. The Xbox 360 has also rapidly climbed the charts of popularity being much more popular than the Xbox was. For a price of $279.99-$449.99, and a backing of 19 million players worldwide how could you go wrong?
The Playstation 3
The Playstation 3, commonly known as PS3, is a piano black rounded out box that looks like it could fit in at a modern art museam. The system, released by Sony, was meant to be a complete improvement on its previous and most popular system, the PS2. Improvements such as stunning new graphics, internet access, wireless controlers, PS2 compatability, and flash card readers are just some of the features put into the machine by Sony. It also has great games such as LittleBigPlanet and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriot, which demonstrate the originality, beauty, and innovation that the system has to offer. Despite having so many unique features the PS3 comes at a price: a very large one. You might not have to sell your soul to the devil to get one, but the PS3 ranges from a cost of a hefty 499$-599$ depending on the model and extra features you choose. Never the less, the PS3 is a high quality system and if you want a real hardcore gaming experience I recommend this system for you.
The Nintendo Wii
The Wii is the latest console released by the powerhouse, Nintendo. The Wii was codenamed "Revolution" during development and for good reason. The system is unlike any other out there as it utilizes a motion sensor system availible through its controller, the Wii Remote. The remote looks like a magic wand and changes the way people play games. Using its motion sensor one can swing the remote like it was a sword, aim and fire like a gun, turn it horizontally and steer like a car, or even just use it to point and click. Of course all of this depends on the game, with some of its most popular being Wii Sports, Super Smash Bros Brawl, and Super Mario: Galaxy. Each game can use the Wii Remote and something called a nunchuck, that has a joystick so a player can move a character. There are also certain other attachments like a zapper, which is a Wii gun, and a steering wheel for Mario Kart. The Wii has also the ability to go online, download old games, and play games from Nintendo's previous system, the Gamecube. The Wii has also reached the title of the most popular gaming system today, and the #1 best-seller with about 24.45 million units sold. That also makes the system hard to come by as it has some serious supply and demand problems, and is also the cheapest new system available and at launch was available for just $249.99.
Never forget....
... the computer! The computer has been one of the most profitable and historis mediums for gaming in its history. It started out slow but games rapidly innovated the genre and created a network of fun. Games like Civilization, Duke Nukem, and Warcraft shaped the early industry. It was then that DOOM became one of the most celebrated games ever, avaible on the computer. Then Starcraft came out with its unique races and total balance and shaped the industry once again with online competitive play. The Command & Conquer series also became very popular with its polished gameplay, teams, and storyline. Eventually the industry continued to change when a very popular game came into being. That game was World of Warcraft, or WoW. It was an MMO, a massively multiplayer online game, where thousands of players could play all at one time. Eventually the thousands turned into millions - 9 million estimated player worldwide. The success of WoW merely confirmed the popularity and longetivity available to computer gaming, and there is more to come. There is easy access to computer games anymore, as well as the fact that they are all good time wasters. In my opinion the industry can only move foward... the entire nation of South Korea can't be wrong.
Which is your favorite?
Of all the systems I described which is your favorite? I know there are other systems out there too but let's just stick to the big 4, shall we?
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Sharing is Caring
Now a days everyone is playing games. Markets are expanding and gaming companies are trying to tap every market. So whether you play on a Wii, or a computer, or Xbox 360, or PS3, it doesn't matter which one(s, all you have to do is share the love and introduce people to the games. I'm sure they'll be hooked.