Today's games are no longer child's play<\/p>\n
Vishnu K. Mahmud, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
When you hear the term video games, you might immediately think
\nof children huddled in front of a TV screen or monitor, shooting
\ndown alien invaders or jumping over barrels thrown down by that
\nugly Donkey Kong. The general public has always considered video
\ngames to be for the very young and not fun enough for adults.
\nThat way of thinking, however, is extremely old-fashioned.<\/p>\n
Go to any shop selling video game consoles or software and
\nyou're bound to see not just small children begging their parents
\nto buy the latest Mario game, but also university students and
\nbusinessmen clutching a PlayStation 2 or X Box.<\/p>\n
These young people represent a generation that grew up during
\nthe Nintendo revolution of the late 1980s, an era when the Mario
\nBrothers ruled supreme. Now in their late 20s, they are more open
\nto video game technology and not affected by the stigma of
\nplaying them.<\/p>\n
The game industry has taken note of this and released a
\nvariety of entertainment programs to attract the mature
\ngeneration. Today's games are no longer the two-dimensional
\nshoot-em-up types but can be intelligent, engrossing and totally
\ndependent on the interactive choices of its user. They can
\nprovide a totally immersive experience that drags people into a
\nwhole new world. This is something Hollywood movies seldom do.<\/p>\n
One good example would be simulation games. For those not fast
\nenough with a game pad or keyboard to shoot hordes of mutants,
\naliens, terrorists or pan galactic monsters, they can choose a
\nleisurely sim game and build railroads, theme parks, cities and
\neven relationships.<\/p>\n
Many things must be considered in creating worlds. In Sim City
\nfor example, you must contemplate city transportation, taxes, job
\ncreation, entertainment zones and other things if you want to
\nkeep your job as mayor. Sim games practically have no end as they
\ntotally absorb the user\/gamer into their unique world.<\/p>\n
For those who want more excitement, they can always choose an
\naction-packed game or other mature themes to suit their fancy.
\nThe controversial Grand Theft Auto 3 allows gamers to play the
\npart of an irredeemable thug, whose primary mission is to
\ncomplete crime missions in order to advance to the next level.
\nMade by the irreverent Rockstar Games, this is definitely not a
\ngame for your 14 year old as you steal, cheat, kill and become a
\ngeneral menace to society.<\/p>\n
Despite its antisocial antics, Grand Theft Auto 3 provides
\nexcellent game play, since it combines the driving skills of
\nFormula One and the gunplay of Tomb Raider. The storyline is
\nhighly riveting, with voice acting provided by some of
\nHollywood's finest. Michael Madsen, Kyle MacLachlan and Robert
\nLoggia provide some of the game's theatrical moments.<\/p>\n
Another example of a mature storyline is Max Payne. Another
\nRockstar Games release, the story follows the metamorphosis of an
\nundercover cop, bent on revenge for the murder of his wife and
\nchild and framed for a crime he didn't commit. Although the
\nstoryline may not be too original, audience participation is. As
\nMax Payne, you must fight your way past an army of thugs, find
\nthe evidence and put your tortured demons to rest.<\/p>\n
The game reads like a graphic novel, with the feeling of
\nwatching an old film noir crime movie. With the incorporation of
\nthe Matrix-like bullet time technology, you can dive down in slow
\nmotion while shooting a gang of thugs and actually see the
\nbullets fly by. With this John Woo-like experience, this game
\nmakes you feel like Chow Yun Fat!<\/p>\n
Movies have always offered a sense of escapism for their
\naudience. What people fail to realize is that games today offer
\nthe same feeling and much more. While movies last for two to
\nthree hours, playing an interactive game could last days if not
\nmonths. Instead of watching a SWAT team take down a group of
\nterrorists, be a part of the action and learn valuable team
\ntactics for a hostage situation.<\/p>\n
Experience the virtual feeling of driving down the Hockenheim
\nGrand Prix racetrack. Feel the fear of facing hostile aliens in a
\ndark corridor, trapped in a starship, with no way to escape.
\nThese games are not for children anymore. Even the U.S. Army has
\njoined the fray, releasing an ultra-realistic combat game to try
\nand drum up recruitment.<\/p>\n
Games can provide a virtual extension of real life experiences
\nin different scenarios. And as technology advances, it won't be
\nTom Cruise on the screen chasing bad guys. It will be you. Your
\ndecisions, your reactions determine the course of the story. And
\nthat would make one interesting movie.<\/p>",
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