Computers | Gamer’s Dreams

What Makes Old-School Video Game Consoles Still Fun to Play?

That don’t make video games like they used to, back in the 1980s when everything was 2D, with linear game-play and made of blocks. Now, video games are very life-like, letting the player manipulate the course of the game like never before. Yet, through it all old-school video games for consoles like Atari, Nintendo, even Commodore 64, remain fun to play to this very day. Why?

Classic Games

“Super Mario Bros”. “The Legend of Zelda”. “Mega Man”. Those are a few of the biggest names in video game history, and they were all made in the early ages of video games. While newer editions of such classic games have been made, they can’t compete with the originals, played on original consoles.

Simple to Play

The controllers for consoles like Play Station 3, Wii and XBox all have buttons that reach into the end of the alphabet. Meanwhile, the original consoles just had A and B. The simplicity is part of the reason they were fun; you could turn them on and start playing instantly. Like the Google and KISS Insights of their time.

More Original Games

Video game makers of the past had much more creative freedom, because no one knew what would be popular. Remember “Pigskin Footbrawl”? It’s highly doubtful you’ll see zombies in the next Madden.

So Bad They’re Good

Not all video games from old consoles were classics, many were duds. And the consoles themselves were susceptible to glitches and malfunctions. But all of that is what has made playing them fun, as old-school consoles are played more for the novelty than the challenge.

Filed Under: Computers, Gaming, Internet Tagged With: Atari, Nintendo, Video game

The Best Flash Games on the Internet

You don’t need any of those expensive game consoles to play fun video games when there are a plethora of them available right on the Internet. Whether you’re bored at home or bored at the office, games using basic Flash technology can be played right online, no need to download. So after telling your favorite business how you feel on KISS Insights, get playing with these games.

DOOM

Yes, one of the most popular — and bloody — computer games ever made is available online for free. Have a blast from the past while blasting some monsters.

Magic Pen

This addictive puzzle game lets you draw each level, all in hopes of getting a poorly drawn ball to the prized flag. While the goal and graphics are simple, it takes a lot of intelligence to win.

Tetris

Another classic from the arcades and early video game consoles. It’s a game you won’t have trouble figuring out, since you’ve probably played it a million times in your life already.

Puzzle Bobble

Rivaling Tetris in classic puzzle games online is Puzzle Bobble. Simply shoot bubbles upward to match colors and watch them burst.

Kill the Popups

Every users nightmare, attacking popup ads coming at you by the hundreds. In this Flash game, you must destroy them before they destroy you.

Pengiun Jumping

The high dive in the Olmpics would be much more exciting if penguins were allowed to compete. Now, because of this Internet video game you can see just how exciting. Take your pengiun off the diving board, and spin him until the splash.

Filed Under: Computers, Gaming, Internet Tagged With: Browser game, Puzzle video game, Video game

Cleaning Tips for Your Playstation 3 Game Consoles

No matter how advanced they get, and how much they cost, video game consoles are not impervious to the effects of dirt. If you were to give feedback to Sony through KISS Insights, you would probably ask for a self-cleaning button on the Playstation 4. Unfortunately, the Playstation 3, like all other electronics, can be damaged by dust and other particulates, which is why it should be periodically cleaned. Here’s how.

Dust the Exterior

What accumulates on the outside is what’s going to make its way inside, so use a lightly damp cloth or paper towel to dust off the exterior of the machine. If some spots are a little stubborn, ammonia-free cleaning products are safe to use.

Clean the Vents

Like any computer, the Playstation 3 has vents to keep itself cool, and like any computer those vents are good at sucking up dust. A vacuum hose works well in extracting clumps of dirt and dust, but pipe cleaners or cotton swabs are better for getting deep into the vents.

Get Inside

If you’re experience a high rate of glitches or lag, your laser mirror my need cleaning too. But to get to it you must unscrew and remove the shell of the console. Once inside, lightly wipe the mirror without scratching it.

Clean the Controllers

The controllers just my be the dirtiest part of your Playstation; touched by dirty hands for hours. Damp a cloth with alcohol and wipe down all areas, from the joystick to the handles to the buttons.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Software Tagged With: Playstation 3, Sony, Video game console

Career Choices That Appeal to Your Love of Gaming

Who says that growing up and getting a job means you have to give up all your hobbies and interests? What if you were able to combine your love of MMORPGs and computer games with a college degree that could lead to a wonderful, exciting career?

The above situation is exactly what some colleges offer you by giving you the chance to pursue an online degree in a number of technological areas. Here’s a look at some educational paths you can pursue that will allow you to combine your video game love with a career that will help you pay the bills.

Graphic Design

Becoming a graphic designer isn’t all about designing flashy ads and banners for websites, it can also be about developing computer and video games. Many game developers hire graphic designers to create and bring to life the world and characters for a video game. Everything surrounding the visuals of a video game come from graphic designers.

Website and Game Developers

Just like websites, video and computer games require extensive coding in order to work. There are various degrees that will help you learn the complex coding and programming language you need to design and create a video game that works the way that you want.

3-D Animation

Very similar to graphic design is a degree in 3-D animation. While a designer might create and design a character or world, a 3-D animator will bring those characters to life and make them interactive for game players.

Pursuing some of these career fields will allow you to combine your love of computer and video games with the ability to earn a living.

Filed Under: Computers, Gaming, Internet Tagged With: Games, Graphic design, Video game

Be Wary of Playing Games

Everyone loves a good internet game but that doesn’t mean that a quality internet game is for everyone. Truthfully, there are a number of people who are better off staying away from role playng games and casino games online as there are plenty of addictions problems.

The obvious response is to question how it can be an addiction if the role playing game isn’t costing more than a monthly subscription fee, but the truth is that addiction doesn’t’ have to be injected. It simply has to be enjoyed in a way that is destructive to your normal pattern of life. So what does this mean for the people who are interested in role playing games? This means you have to be careful because without limits there are going to be problems for sure.

If you are not the kind of person that is easily addicted to things, or you aren’t the type of person who needs a routine or gets obsessive about things than playing a game like that may not be such a bad thing. If you are the kind of person who does those things than playing a game could be one of the worst things that you can do and it’s a reason to lay off doing it at all. You have to know your limits as a gamer, but more importantly, as a person.

Games online can be some of the most fun you have, but if you take it too far it could hurt you in the end. Stay away from the online games and use it for better things, like searching for online bachelor’s programs. You’ll be glad you did.

Filed Under: Computers, Gaming, Internet Tagged With: addicted, Games, internet

Prepare for a Career in Video Game Development

If you spend hours playing video games online, then you might dream of starting a career that allows you to use your own imagination to create fun characters and challenging environments for gamers. To reach this career goal, though, you will probably have to take some programming classes that prepare you for the challenges of this competitive industry.

Online Game Programming Courses

Depending on where you live, you might have a college or university near you that offers classes in video game programming. Few colleges, however, offer a concentration in computer game design. That means you should explore other options.

Instead of wasting time trying to convince your local college to create a major for your interests, you can find online college courses that will help you prepare for a career in game programming.

The Advantages of Online Courses in Game Programming

Online courses in game programming offer several advantages that can help you reach your goals. Many of the online programs

Have instructors and guest lecturers with professional experience in game development
Offer a variety of classes in the program languages that apply most to making video games
Have flexible schedules that allow you to work and have a social life while you go to school
Offer concentrations in subjects that you need to enter the gaming industry as an experienced professional

An online program in video game development could offer the advantages that you need to pursue your dream career. Which subjects would you like to tackle first?

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Software Tagged With: Game design, Online game, Video game

Technology for the Gadget User

Image via Wikipedia

You can’t help it; you’re a gadget user. Your computer is a fantasy land and you’re always searching for the next best thing. Not that you use everything you see, but often you find yourself replacing last year’s gadget with the latest and greatest new tool whether it be the latest watch or head-gear or viewing something extraordinary outside yourself such as a digital art show.

Here are a few gadgets to consider:

Reveal your emotions through the wisdom of your cat ears. No kidding. Wear headband Necomimi ears and watch the expressions of others when you feel relaxed or excited.

Animated holograms use digital arts and movement for a stunning fashion show. See one at creativereview.co.uk.

Get some wireless outdoor speakers for your next party. Make set up easy without having to deal with wires and tape.

Cricket Wireless has a plan for the gadget user who wants everything; a camera phone, a music player, Bluetooth capabilities, 3G, Tri-band and more.

A mini notebook computer is great for those needing to carry their computer with them throughout the day. You will need a long-lasting battery and will need to find out how much data storage you need and the screen size to best suit your needs. There are also various keyboard styles to choose from.

The reviews on Gadget Soup are endless. Can’t find anything above? Try this site for multiple reviews on your favorite products, from an iPad to GoogleNexusOne, you will more than likely find the next new gadget of your dreams.

Filed Under: Computers, Gaming Tagged With: Bluetooth, Cricket Wireless, Gadget