The Voice
Leps in Gaming are Only One Month AwaySunday, November 13, 2011 By Julian Weiss
Video games have easily become the American Pastime of the 21st century. As a highschooler, I’m frequently enchanted by stories about parents and relatives going haywire over violence, sex, and drug themes in games that are passed around us “children”. Even more pressing is the influence of infamously violent and mindless first-person-shooter games, like the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, where the player is put into the perspective of a gunman, killing terrorists for whatever cause is given. Game designers and frontierswomen like Moorestown grad Jane McGonigal, however, are adamant in their support over the revolutionary and surprisingly educational background video games can not only give to students, but also to the common adult in modern society. She believes that, if played in a healthy manner, games can make us “happier, more creative… and better able to lead others in world-changing efforts.” Of course, this doesn’t really include the bloody, pointless trials that are exhibited in most modern shooter games, and more likely the intention is to promote more challenging games that concentrate on cooperation. All-in-all, the issue of violent, yet creative and tactically-stimulating video games is about to be sparked. During the last few days in October, and into November, a handful of “revolutionary” games are being brought to stores everywhere. Games like: Battlefield 3: Known for intense, thrilling graphics and noble storylines following American soldiers into stressing battles (October 25/PS3, Xbox 360, PC, iOS); The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim: From rolling mountain tops to fantastic role-playing conquests, Skyrim is one of the most anticipated open-world games, that pushes the limits of console gaming and fantasy, from dragons to civil wars (November 11/PS3, Xbox 360, PC); Assassin’s Creed: Revelations: Following in the success of its three predecessors, this ancient-fable telling game merges the secret lives of mythical organizations during the Renaissance era with the real world (November 15/PS3, Xbox 360, PC). Will you be among the many who will surge to local game retailers, participating in the all-out frenzy that is bound to overheat consoles throughout the world? All of the games listed above revisit incredible, life-like graphics, unbeatable gameplay (not only for the experienced, but also the newcomer), and ambitious, cooperative goals (that can be played with a friend, or a stranger from across the known planetary system); the transition from 2011 to 2012 will most likely be brief and painless, and it won’t be hard to imagine the next generation of consoles, knowing all of this is in store. I know I won’t be able to hold off for too long, but don’t tell my Mother! |