Computer
games are generally for an entertainment value, and can also be
educational. Below we have listed several considerations to look at when
purchasing a computer game.
CONSIDERATIONS
Demo
Today, a large majority of computer games
that are released are also released as a demo and are available
through computer game magazines or off of
the Internet. If you are purchasing the game for yourself and have
not seen or played the game, you may consider playing the demo (if
available) before purchasing the game. The demo is generally found
from the developer's web site.
Mass Multiplayer
Mass Multiplayer games are generally an
excellent choice for any advanced or new game player. These games
generally are games where the player joins thousands, sometimes
millions, of other players from all over the planet and build up
their character, fight creatures, develop skills, fight other
players, talk, and much more. While these games are generally fun and
can be played sometimes for years, they do generally require a small
monthly fee. This fee can be anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00 a month
and help to maintain the servers, help with updates and maintain
your account.
These games are also only available when connecting to the
Internet and do not offer a single player option.
Multiplayer
Multiplayer is similar to Mass
Multiplayer; however, these games allow the players to play with a few
players (2 - 20 players generally). These are still fun and
excellent games, and are generally games where you must either shoot
and frag other players, or develop an online character by fighting
creatures.
Unlike the Mass Multiplayer games, these games are quick and do
not require hundreds of hours of game play and can generally be
played as Multiplayer or Single Player.
Piracy
Piracy, unfortunately, is very commonplace
in the computer gaming industry and Computer Hope highly
recommends that it not be considered. While it has been easy in the
past, gaming piracy has become more difficult. Users who pirate
games may be forfeiting the ability to play with their friends
online, not be able to receive updates for the games, and more
importantly are not supporting the company of the game.
Users who let their friends pirate their games may also be
forfeiting the same above rights. If you share your serial or ID
number with a friend you may be giving up your right to play on-line
as your number will likely become invalid.
Rating
The ESRB rating of a game determines how
violent the game is; below is a listing of several of the ratings
found on the majority of all games today. See our ESRB
dictionary definition for additional information on ESRB and a
listing of each of the ratings.
Computer Hope has no place in giving recommendations to parents
on what games they should or should not purchase for their children
and believes that it is up to the parent to decide what is OK or not
OK for their children to play.
Type
There are several types of games. These
games can vary from first person shooter to sports. Visit our game
page for a listing of computer games and game types as well as a
description on each of the game types.
Upgrade
When purchasing a software game, ensure
that it is not an upgrade to an early version of the game. Many of
the available updates will require that the previous version of the
software be already installed on the computer.
