Choose the Correct Video Game for Yourself

So you're on your way to the store to pick out a new video game. But how do you know what's right for you?

Steps

  1. Choose a game genre or category. For example, simulators, RPGs (Role Playing Games), Platform/Adventure Games, Driving Games, Shooting Games, etc. If you still can't decide, then look at the games you already have, and choose 5 or so that are your favourite ones. See the tips for a detailed description of each genre.
  2. Check some games websites for your chosen genre of game. For example, if you chose an RPG, then check GameSpy and see if it recommends any RPGs. Best Buy also has games and user reviews for a lot of the video games.
  3. Go to your local or cheapest game shop. If it's split into categories by genre, then skip to step 6.
  4. Ask the person at the counter if he or she knows any good <your genre=""> games or what's currently popular and fun. Most game shop workers are there because they're into games.
  5. Ask the person to select a couple of games. When he or she has selected their personal favorites, use the filtering system below.
  6. Check the rating. ESRB ratings (defined below) provide information about game content and age-appropriateness and can help make sure you're picking a game that includes content with which you're comfortable.
  7. Check the back of the video game box. It usually has a detailed description of the game. Read all of given information and see if you like the plot and gameplay. If there are pictures on the back of the box, look at the pictures and decide if you like the graphics. If there is a "Features" section, read that part too and see what comes with the game and what it gives. Then decide if you like it or not. If you don't, put it back on the shelf. If you do, consider buying it.
  8. Check the price. The most expensive isn't always the best. Then check the back of the box, and see what it says about the game. If you're really lucky and you are at a massive gaming shop, you might be able to play the game, but don't get your hopes up.
  9. Buy from a shop that allows returns/exchanges/refunds. Sometimes a game can look good but can actually play poorly.
  10. You should now have your favorite game!

Tips

  • Here are some helpful hints about the genre that is right for you.</your>
  • RTS (Real time strategy) Games such as Warcraft and Age of Empires. Allows you to build your world from nothing, gathering resources and making your abilities grow as you build new things. Good to play alone or with others as well as against others. Many subcategories available all the way from Ancient civilizations to futuristic Space themes and Fantasy.
  • SPORT - Originally produced for PCs and nothing else, Sports games have gained in popularity over the past few years. If buying this variety of game, get official brand games, FIFA etc. Never get sports games made by a clothing label 'NIKE' etc. The best types are made from the EA Sports Company. While boosted graphics are a plus, the game play usually lacks on PC sports games.
  • SHOOTER/FPS - PC shooters are normally better for a single player. Console shooters can get very boring, very quickly, unless you have a few people to play it with.
  • PARTY - Stay away from this type. It's normally for if you have tons of mates and can play a lot. These games are not much fun for a single player. MARIO PARTY is a good example.
  • RPG (ROLE PLAYING GAME) - These are very detailed games, normally with 'stats'. You should want to get quite involved if choosing this type. They range from POKÉMON to FINAL FANTASY.
  • PLATFORMER or ADVENTURE - The masters of the platformer are Nintendo. Choose a game such as a Mario game and the Legend of Zelda series or just something simple in this genre.
  • MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online RPG) - Extremely time and life-consuming. While playing with hundreds of other people can be fun, you will run into your darker type of players; ninja loots, thieves etc. Just try to remember it's only a game, and games don't stay fresh forever.
  • SIMULATION - Probably the best ones for beginning gamers and normal people because you can do what you want and see what happens. The best games are the Tycoon games, and any of the sims games, either Sims 1 or Sims 2. But beware, if you want to play any of the expansion packs of the sims (University, Nightlife, Hot Date, Unleashed, Livin' Large 2000 Version, etc. you got to get the Sims 1 or the Deluxe Edition first. If you can't wait, get the Sims 1 Complete Collection. Flight and train simulators are for the more advanced, experienced gamers. The Sims 2 recently came out with various expansion packs including the sims 2 pets and the sims 2 family fun pack. Also for the Sims 2 there are two STUFF packs which include items for that category. There is the Sims two glamour life which has stylish décor and clothing for your sims. The Sims 2 happy holiday has, well, holiday stuff.
  • If you have an idea of some games you might like, do some research on the internet

. Read reviews, both from popular gaming sites such as IGN or Gamespot, and from other gamers as well. (Gamefaqs .com usually has quite a few for each game; search for a title and click the Reviews button). Research beforehand could save you from buying a game you'll end up not liking.

  • Here is the ESRB Game Rating System:
    • EC - Early Childhood. May be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.
    • E - Everyone. Is suitable for all ages and may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.
    • E10+ - Suitable for people 10 and older. May contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.
    • T - Teen. May be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.T Rating is the highest unrestricted rating.
    • M - Mature. Have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language.Requires to have a parent or guardian.
    • AO - Have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.
    • RP - Rating Pending. These titles have been submitted to the ESRB and are awaiting final rating. (This symbol appears only in advertising prior to a game's release.).

Warnings

  • Be careful. Sometimes games shop workers will try to get you to buy very expensive games, sometimes even asking you to buy an entire console.
  • If you find a good series get the first one. It will help you understand the game more.
  • When downloading computer games, be aware of viruses and malware. If something looks too good to be true, chances are it's corrupt. Also, (you have probably heard this so many times) never give away personal data online like passwords, bank details, where you live ect. One last thing, be careful when signing up for stuff, or you could be spammed.

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Sources and Citations

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