Saturday, July 29, 2006
Sonic Versus Mario
Even though Mario is ten years older, a very good case can be made for Sonic, when it comes to the title of "Most Popular Video Game Character" of ALL TIME!! Let look at the "Tale of the Tape":
Sonic from Sega, is a blue anthropomorphic (changes shape) hedgehog with the ability to run faster than the speed of sound; his talent for speed forms a large part of the game play of the series. He is 15 years old. Sonic has been described as being "like the wind." He is noted for being heroic, adventurous, and free-spirited. He enjoys relaxation, but is never one to rest in the face of injustice. He is extremely benevolent, and would willingly put himself at risk for others, taking on any challenge that confronts him without hesitation. Throughout his 15 years of existence, Sonic has never been linked to any job he is always collecting jewelry, so access to funds is not a problem for him.
Mario from Nintendo, now at the ripe old age of 25, is more of a "George Foreman" type, Mario is always portrayed as being a kind-hearted and brave hero. He helps those in need without any hesitation. Despite his status as a great hero, Mario is very humble. His cheerful personality and love of life make him a very approachable video game character. He also has a love of pasta and pizza, as the stereotypical Italian does. Mario is suppose to be a plumber by trade, but in all his years I don't recall him ever working on any "plumbing" jobs, but always in the "rescue business" saving princess' or Mushroom kingdoms from Large "Dino" type animals.
Based on these descriptions, they appear to have more in common than one might originally have thought.
Sonic's speed would be his biggest asset in a match up with Mario while Mario counters with his tremendous jumping ability and Mario also carries a BIG HAMMER. Maybe this should be a "Steel Cage" match? LOL
Mario counters with his experience and his "jumping ability" which would be the deciding factor I believe in this battle, as he would continue to stomp on Sonic's head. Now on to the "Game breakdown":
MARIO
1. Donkey Kong
2. Mario Bros
3. Super Mario Bros
4. Super Mario Bros 2
5. Super Mario Land
6. Super Mario Bros 3
7. Super Mario World
8. Super Mario Land 2
9. Super Mario Land 3
10. Super Mario Bros DX
SONIC
1. Sonic the Hedgehog
2. Sonic 2
3. Sonic 3
4. Sonic & Knuckles
5. Sonic CD
6. Sonic 3D Blast
7. Sonic Adventure
8. Sonic Adventure 2
9. Sonic Hero's
10. Sonic Spinball
After reviewing the above "tale of the tape", it is my conclusion that the winner of a contest between these two behemoths would be Mario by a Knock Out. I believe that his perseverance and stamina would wear down Sonic and render Sonic's one advantage (his speed) worthless.
Sonic from Sega, is a blue anthropomorphic (changes shape) hedgehog with the ability to run faster than the speed of sound; his talent for speed forms a large part of the game play of the series. He is 15 years old. Sonic has been described as being "like the wind." He is noted for being heroic, adventurous, and free-spirited. He enjoys relaxation, but is never one to rest in the face of injustice. He is extremely benevolent, and would willingly put himself at risk for others, taking on any challenge that confronts him without hesitation. Throughout his 15 years of existence, Sonic has never been linked to any job he is always collecting jewelry, so access to funds is not a problem for him.
Mario from Nintendo, now at the ripe old age of 25, is more of a "George Foreman" type, Mario is always portrayed as being a kind-hearted and brave hero. He helps those in need without any hesitation. Despite his status as a great hero, Mario is very humble. His cheerful personality and love of life make him a very approachable video game character. He also has a love of pasta and pizza, as the stereotypical Italian does. Mario is suppose to be a plumber by trade, but in all his years I don't recall him ever working on any "plumbing" jobs, but always in the "rescue business" saving princess' or Mushroom kingdoms from Large "Dino" type animals.
Based on these descriptions, they appear to have more in common than one might originally have thought.
Sonic's speed would be his biggest asset in a match up with Mario while Mario counters with his tremendous jumping ability and Mario also carries a BIG HAMMER. Maybe this should be a "Steel Cage" match? LOL
Mario counters with his experience and his "jumping ability" which would be the deciding factor I believe in this battle, as he would continue to stomp on Sonic's head. Now on to the "Game breakdown":
MARIO
1. Donkey Kong
2. Mario Bros
3. Super Mario Bros
4. Super Mario Bros 2
5. Super Mario Land
6. Super Mario Bros 3
7. Super Mario World
8. Super Mario Land 2
9. Super Mario Land 3
10. Super Mario Bros DX
SONIC
1. Sonic the Hedgehog
2. Sonic 2
3. Sonic 3
4. Sonic & Knuckles
5. Sonic CD
6. Sonic 3D Blast
7. Sonic Adventure
8. Sonic Adventure 2
9. Sonic Hero's
10. Sonic Spinball
After reviewing the above "tale of the tape", it is my conclusion that the winner of a contest between these two behemoths would be Mario by a Knock Out. I believe that his perseverance and stamina would wear down Sonic and render Sonic's one advantage (his speed) worthless.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Video Game Evolution
Very few of the "gamers" remember "back in the day", around Christmas of 1975 Atari was the first to mass produce and distribute a game, where the game console had 2 knobs that turned left and right moving a little rectangle block up an down the screen, one on the left side and the other on the right. Moving this rectangle allowed the "player" to hit a small ball back and forth between the two players, trying to "play the angle" by hitting it on the edge of your paddle to "give it English" or a sharp angle to score the point. The first "Video Tennis or Ping Pong" game I guess would be a proper reference, in fact it was call "PONG".
Two year later, the development of a cartridge-based console called the Video Computer System (VCS), later called Atari 2600 and the next generation of creators brought us game such as galaxian, space Invaders, Asteroids, Moon Patrol, Frogger, Donkey Kong (who was that little man jumping over those barrels? Hmmm). The first football game from the Atari 2600 allowed you to control one player on offense and your opponent controlled either the 3 man D-Line or a single player. Gee the good ol' days....
1980 ushered in the "Golden Era" of video games such as Defender, Battle Zone, Zork and some game called, let me see, what was it? Oh yea, Pacman....... Anyone remember that one? (just kidding)
Around 1985 the "console game" market hit a low point as desktop computers along with hand held units took over the popular market. Then came the invention of the 8-bit machines and a company called Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) burst on the seen with some Italian guys called Mario and Lugi Mario. Mario first appeared in the 1982 arcade hit Donkey Kong, and became an instant hit. He appeared again 2 years later in Mario Bros., his first title role. This game also introduced Lugi to the public. Mario first came home on the Nintendo Entertainment System in Super Mario Bros., one of the best selling games ever. This game brought Mario into millions of homes around the world and made him a cultural icon equal to Harrison Ford, Arnold Swartzneger, or Tom Cruise. Besides all the games, he has starred in 3 cartoon series, one major motion picture (although they did use live actors instead of the character). In a 1991 poll, it was found more kids could identify a picture of Mario than Mickey Mouse.
The 1990's brought us into the "shooters" era with games such as Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. Following Doom, the retail publishers and developers began to earnestly mimic the practice of offering demos, which had the effect of reducing shareware's appeal for the rest of the decade. During this time, the increasing computing power of personal computers began to allow rudimentary 3D graphics. 1993's Doom in particular was largely responsible for defining the genre and setting it apart from other first-person perspective games. The mid 90's brought us genra games such as the "Sim" games, beginning with SimCity, and continuing with a variety of titles, such as SimEarth, SimCity 2000, SimAnt, SimTower, and the wildly popular day to day life simulator, The Sims in 2000. The 90s also saw the beginnings of Internet gaming, with MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) in the early years. Id Software's 1996 game Quake pioneered play over the Internet in first-person shooters. Internet multiplayer capability became a defacto requirement in almost all of the games we see now.
With all of these developments, but online and console games, the "arcade" as we knew it, has pretty much became a thing of the past limited now to expensive game control systems not available to home users. These are usually based on sports like skiing or cycling, as well as rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution, which have carved out a large slice of the market.
Current times have us now playing PS2, PSP, Xbox, all of which have become Multi-tasking devises similar to computers in that they can play not only games created and designed for them, but also CD's, MP3's, Videos. What is next? PS3, Xbox 360 are both due out this fall/early winter just in time for Christmas. Both with disk space rivaling that of a desktop computer.
Can we actually wait that long?......
Two year later, the development of a cartridge-based console called the Video Computer System (VCS), later called Atari 2600 and the next generation of creators brought us game such as galaxian, space Invaders, Asteroids, Moon Patrol, Frogger, Donkey Kong (who was that little man jumping over those barrels? Hmmm). The first football game from the Atari 2600 allowed you to control one player on offense and your opponent controlled either the 3 man D-Line or a single player. Gee the good ol' days....
1980 ushered in the "Golden Era" of video games such as Defender, Battle Zone, Zork and some game called, let me see, what was it? Oh yea, Pacman....... Anyone remember that one? (just kidding)
Around 1985 the "console game" market hit a low point as desktop computers along with hand held units took over the popular market. Then came the invention of the 8-bit machines and a company called Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) burst on the seen with some Italian guys called Mario and Lugi Mario. Mario first appeared in the 1982 arcade hit Donkey Kong, and became an instant hit. He appeared again 2 years later in Mario Bros., his first title role. This game also introduced Lugi to the public. Mario first came home on the Nintendo Entertainment System in Super Mario Bros., one of the best selling games ever. This game brought Mario into millions of homes around the world and made him a cultural icon equal to Harrison Ford, Arnold Swartzneger, or Tom Cruise. Besides all the games, he has starred in 3 cartoon series, one major motion picture (although they did use live actors instead of the character). In a 1991 poll, it was found more kids could identify a picture of Mario than Mickey Mouse.
The 1990's brought us into the "shooters" era with games such as Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. Following Doom, the retail publishers and developers began to earnestly mimic the practice of offering demos, which had the effect of reducing shareware's appeal for the rest of the decade. During this time, the increasing computing power of personal computers began to allow rudimentary 3D graphics. 1993's Doom in particular was largely responsible for defining the genre and setting it apart from other first-person perspective games. The mid 90's brought us genra games such as the "Sim" games, beginning with SimCity, and continuing with a variety of titles, such as SimEarth, SimCity 2000, SimAnt, SimTower, and the wildly popular day to day life simulator, The Sims in 2000. The 90s also saw the beginnings of Internet gaming, with MUDs (Multi-User Dungeons) in the early years. Id Software's 1996 game Quake pioneered play over the Internet in first-person shooters. Internet multiplayer capability became a defacto requirement in almost all of the games we see now.
With all of these developments, but online and console games, the "arcade" as we knew it, has pretty much became a thing of the past limited now to expensive game control systems not available to home users. These are usually based on sports like skiing or cycling, as well as rhythm games like Dance Dance Revolution, which have carved out a large slice of the market.
Current times have us now playing PS2, PSP, Xbox, all of which have become Multi-tasking devises similar to computers in that they can play not only games created and designed for them, but also CD's, MP3's, Videos. What is next? PS3, Xbox 360 are both due out this fall/early winter just in time for Christmas. Both with disk space rivaling that of a desktop computer.
Can we actually wait that long?......
10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Play Video Games
10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Play Video Games
By Andrew Bermam
Since its inception video games have caught the fantasy of children as well as adults. The success of gaming is reflected in the fact that it is a multi billion dollar industry. And, games fascinate not just children but adults as well.
From time immemorial mankind has played games of all kinds—cowboys and Indians, the battle of the North versus South, hunting, war games, as well as sword fights, and wrestling. A taste for excitement and a touch of violence runs in our veins. What makes video games attractive is that they are full of action and three dimensional in nature. They can be played even alone, have fascinating graphics, and are fast paced.
While many articles focus on why gaming is evil or detrimental to health here we present 10 reasons to play video games!
1. Playing video games enhances the ability to think quickly as the game proceeds. The mind can make quick-fire decisions on the next strategy to be taken.
2. Many children who are avid players fare better in vision tests. Video games exercise the eyes.
3. Many games nurture logical skills. Gamers have to build cities or entire nations or plan wars such that they are won.
4. Video games sharpen thinking abilities and problem solving skills. Both these qualities are much appreciated and valued in our fast paced world.
5. You will be astonished to know that kids who play video games excel at school and in math. Playing games increases brain function.
6. Playing improves co-ordination of hand movements and the ability to concentrate without getting disturbed. The games captivate the children and the kids can play with huge levels of focus blocking out all sounds and disturbances from the surroundings.
7. Since many games are based on facts kids learn a lot about pioneers, business planning, town architecture, communicating and more. Researchers feel that the three-dimensionality of the games makes history easy to learn.
8. Gaming improves social skills as kids learn to play as a group with each performing different functions. Many games have role-playing incorporated and from a young age kids learn quickly from the heroes they choose to be.
9. Video games, research proves enhances hand-eye coordination as well as reflexes.
10. Creativity, imagination, and storytelling are all improved and children are able to comprehend the flow of a story as well as its bases. Video games ignite a spirit of adventure and daring in city kids who are otherwise living is a predictable environment.
Contrary to popular beliefs video games have their uses and can even be considered as a learning tool. They help the kids process information faster and to take decisions rapidly. Many are able to use their talents to better the game design and strategy. Video game players become successful soldiers, surgeons, architects, software designers, scientists, and more. Games teach ethics, finance, governance, town planning, as well as social behavior. What one needs to do is to know the content of the games and regulate the number of hours played so that the benefits are reaped and disadvantages are avoided.
Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more. He also freelances for the premier Software Download Site http://www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bermam
Link
By Andrew Bermam
Since its inception video games have caught the fantasy of children as well as adults. The success of gaming is reflected in the fact that it is a multi billion dollar industry. And, games fascinate not just children but adults as well.
From time immemorial mankind has played games of all kinds—cowboys and Indians, the battle of the North versus South, hunting, war games, as well as sword fights, and wrestling. A taste for excitement and a touch of violence runs in our veins. What makes video games attractive is that they are full of action and three dimensional in nature. They can be played even alone, have fascinating graphics, and are fast paced.
While many articles focus on why gaming is evil or detrimental to health here we present 10 reasons to play video games!
1. Playing video games enhances the ability to think quickly as the game proceeds. The mind can make quick-fire decisions on the next strategy to be taken.
2. Many children who are avid players fare better in vision tests. Video games exercise the eyes.
3. Many games nurture logical skills. Gamers have to build cities or entire nations or plan wars such that they are won.
4. Video games sharpen thinking abilities and problem solving skills. Both these qualities are much appreciated and valued in our fast paced world.
5. You will be astonished to know that kids who play video games excel at school and in math. Playing games increases brain function.
6. Playing improves co-ordination of hand movements and the ability to concentrate without getting disturbed. The games captivate the children and the kids can play with huge levels of focus blocking out all sounds and disturbances from the surroundings.
7. Since many games are based on facts kids learn a lot about pioneers, business planning, town architecture, communicating and more. Researchers feel that the three-dimensionality of the games makes history easy to learn.
8. Gaming improves social skills as kids learn to play as a group with each performing different functions. Many games have role-playing incorporated and from a young age kids learn quickly from the heroes they choose to be.
9. Video games, research proves enhances hand-eye coordination as well as reflexes.
10. Creativity, imagination, and storytelling are all improved and children are able to comprehend the flow of a story as well as its bases. Video games ignite a spirit of adventure and daring in city kids who are otherwise living is a predictable environment.
Contrary to popular beliefs video games have their uses and can even be considered as a learning tool. They help the kids process information faster and to take decisions rapidly. Many are able to use their talents to better the game design and strategy. Video game players become successful soldiers, surgeons, architects, software designers, scientists, and more. Games teach ethics, finance, governance, town planning, as well as social behavior. What one needs to do is to know the content of the games and regulate the number of hours played so that the benefits are reaped and disadvantages are avoided.
Andrew Bermam is a freelance writer for http://www.1888FreeOnlineGames.com, the premier website to play thousands of free online games including arcade games, action games, card games, flash games, strategy games, puzzle games and more. He also freelances for the premier Software Download Site http://www.1888SoftwareDownloads.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bermam
Link
Games 4 U from the Master
Greetings to all, I am the Game Master and I plan to offer you, through this "Blog" the best games available on PS, PS2, XBox, and Internet. I offer more than 20 years of "gaming excellence" from the humble beginning of "PONG" to "Halo 2 Live". Be prepared to receive expert tips, secrets, and strategy.
CUL
CUL
