Video games can be a very fun and enjoyable pastime, nevertheless, in order to make the most of them, you need to know a few small rules. Knowing how to play a video game correctly will bring you closer to an experience of pure fun. Read on to find out how to get started.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the game platform that seems interesting to you
Decide based on these criteria:
- The video games available for that particular platform.
- The features offered by the console.
- Your lifestyle (for example, if you like to always be outdoors, prefer a portable system, on the contrary, if you spend a lot of free time at home, opt for a fixed console).
- Other factors such as the cost of the console, individual video games or particular personal factors.
Step 2. Find a game that interests you
Go to a video game store, download your video game from the internet or consult websites and magazines dedicated to the world of video games. There are different types of video games: RPG (role-playing games), FPS (first-person shooters), RTS (real-time strategy) and MMOG (Massively Multiplayer Online Games). Make sure you choose the right game version for your console.
Step 3. Prepare your console by following the instructions in the user manual
Normally a fixed console must simply be connected to a television, or to a monitor, and to the electrical network, using the cables available in the package itself. This is usually a very simple procedure, unless you have an older generation television.
Step 4. Start and set up the game by following the instruction manual
Generally you need to insert the CD / DVD or cartridge into the appropriate reader / slot and turn on the console. In the absence of instructions regarding the insertion of game storage media into the console, recall your past experience or simply refer to the console manual; it should contain all the information you need.
Step 5. Always read the video game user manual and find out what the controls and game dynamics are
To date, video games often have a tutorial that can teach you to play while you are playing.
Step 6. Enjoy playing your favorite video games
Advice
- Before buying a product, do a thorough research. There are several variations of the same gaming platform or a single video game. For example, there are three different Gameboy Advance models (standard, SP and micro) and 5 Nintendo DS models (standard, Lite, DSi, DSi XL and 3DS). In addition, some games are released in 'Limited' or special editions, usually much more expensive than the regular versions. Make sure you know what you are looking for and above all that you know how to recognize what is offered to you.
- If you don't have the right budget, but you have a computer, remember that there are plenty of free video games available on the web. The Internet allows you to purchase numerous video games at a remarkably affordable price. On the web there are numerous shops ready to sell their video games to users with a credit card or PayPal account. Don't worry if your computer is a little 'old', there are tons of games that run on almost any computer.
- If you want to spend little, orient your choice on old video games. Today they are sold for a few euros, alternatively, if you have a computer, you can download an emulation software, and the relative 'roms', and play for free at home.
- Some gaming platforms that are considered 'ancient' are still a lot of fun. The PlayStation 1 and the Game Boy Color are very old, but they can still be a lot of fun. In addition, a used PS1 and related video games are readily available and very cheap. In fact, the old video games are sold at much lower prices than the new ones for Xbox 360, PSP, PS3, which well exceed € 50 each.
- If you don't like the purchased video game, you can return it. If you own a large number of old video games, for example for GameBoy or Game Cube, go to a Gamestop chain store, your used one will be collected and transformed into money to buy new games. (Before selling them, check which store chain offers the highest valuation. The purpose of these companies is to make money, which is why you will always be offered a sum of money that does not correspond to the real value of the product).
- 'Super Mario 64' available for Nintendo 64 is a hugely successful and very entertaining video game. Since this is a very dated console and video game, however, they are both difficult to find. Fortunately, Nintendo has created a new version for the DS, titled 'Super Mario DS', with several very fun additional features. If you have access to the 'Wii Shop Channel' and have 1000 Wii Points credit, the game is also available for the Wii. To buy it, select 'Search by category', then choose 'Search by console' and type in 'Nintendo 64' and 'Super Mario 64' in succession. Downloading the game may take some time, but it will definitely be worth it.
- Before purchasing, try to try the game console or a video game 'for free', by going to a friend's house or to a video game / electronics store where you can test the goodness of the product. This experience will help you make a decision.
- Try to buy only 1-2 games at a time. Buying multiple games allows you to divide up your playing time, reducing the likelihood of considering a video game boring. However, completing a video game may take some time. Looking at the economics of the choice, buying just one video game will benefit your wallet.
- If you are entering the world of video games for the first time, buying an outdated gaming platform, such as the Nintendo or the Super Nintendo, may not be a winning idea. In fact, the most recent video games normally contain a first level called 'tutorial', which allows the player to become familiar with the controls and game dynamics, avoiding the initial confusion. In addition, many modern video games give the user the ability to select a difficulty level appropriate to their abilities, to be able to play without getting frustrated by too high a complexity. The more experienced players, on the other hand, will still be able to experience their own challenges at the highest difficulty levels.
- Before buying a video game, choose to rent it using a chain of stores such as Gamerush (Blockbuster). Normally, however, these large chains quickly run out of copies of the most recent video games, and being able to rent a game that has recently been released could be a real stroke of luck. Be patient and book your rental if possible.
Warnings
- Video games can be profoundly addictive. Try to play only 1-2 hours a day and only after completing your daily activities. If you are playing video games like Modern Warfare 2, Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, 5, or any other first person shooter classified as 'violent', make sure you are able to control your mood. When they are 'killed' or when they lose a game, many gamers who play these video games have trouble controlling their anger.
- When purchasing a video game, look at the ESRB (US and Canada) or PEGI (Europe) rating on the box. This data suggests the most suitable age group to use the product. The classification is based on different aspects of the game, such as violent scenes, bad language, the presence of drugs, sexual material and other sensitive topics.
- If you are using a portable device, remember to take care of it. They are generally very delicate products, so be careful not to drop them and try not to scratch the screen. You can buy a special case and a protective film for the screen, to make your device a little safer.
- Always read the instructions. Many people don't read the instructions before they start playing and are confused not knowing what to do. Don't forget to always keep the manual handy, you may need it in the future.
- Video games are supposed to be fun. If you feel frustrated or angry while playing, stop immediately and take a break. Relax, your gaming platform will be there waiting for you when you return.
- Video games can cause seizures in people suffering from this condition. If you have ever had epilepsy episodes, consult a doctor before using them.
- After a prolonged play session, try some stretching to avoid cramps.
- Video games have the potential to ruin your relationships and can even make you lose your job. Don't play all day, because you won't achieve any of your goals. By playing all day every day, you may end up playing on the street.
- Be very careful, because video games are addictive.
