Computer Game Reviews
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Best | Computer Games | for | Education |
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Best | Computer Games | for | Adults |
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Best | Computer Games | for | Kids |
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Best | Computer Games | for | All Uses |
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Best | Computer Games | for | Rpg |
More Ways People are Using Computer Games
Wize Buying Guide for Computer Games
Since the dawn of the computer, one thing has united the generations who use it: computer games, from spider solitaire and ski free to Myst, The Sims and World of Warcraft. All computers have some gaming capacity, and most computer games are made for both PC
and Mac. When you're shopping for computer games, all you really have to consider is what it is you want to play, whether it's compatible with your system and how to optimize performance when you game. Pretty simple, but here are some guidelines to get you started.
Compatibility
Unlike video games, which are made for specific systems, many computer games are made in different versions to be compatible with many operating systems. Make sure you're getting the right version for your PC or Mac, and check to see if your computer meets the minimum performance requirements necessary for running the game. Some of the most common requirements:
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Video Card – most computer games today require fast video cards. Recommended video cards include Radeon HD 3870 X2 and nVida GeForce 8800 GTX.
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RAM – depending on the game you're buying, there's a good chance you'll need a lot of RAM: at the very least, you'll need 512 MB, but 1 GB or more is better.
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Computer Speed – 2 GHz or faster is recommended.
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Computer Operating System – for PCs, you'll likely need XP or Vista; for Macs, OS9 or OS10
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Hard Drive – 7200 rpm is recommended
Types of games and ratings
A number of companies make and sell computer games, including Windows, EA, Microsoft,
Atari, Ubisoft, 2K games, ASPYR and Activision. Especially if you're purchasing computer games for kids, consider what type of game you want: does your kid want an action/adventure game like Lord of the Rings, or something that challenges their logic and problem-solving, like Bookworm Deluxe? Are you buying for another adult who wants a first-person shooter game like Tom Clancy Rainbow Six, or do your grown-up friends prefer an interactive fantasy game like World of Warcraft? Here are a few of the most common categories:
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Puzzles
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Children
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Preschool
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Education
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War
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Sports
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Strategy
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Racing
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Simulation
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Classics
- Role playing
Again, if you are buying a computer game for kids, it is important to check the rating system:
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E – Everyone
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E10 – 10 years old plus
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T – Teenagers
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M – Mature
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EC – Early Childhood
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A – Adult
Accessories
For the most enjoyable computer gaming experience possible, you may want to invest in some accessories. A joystick can sometimes be imperative; a wireless joystick is your best bet. For racing and simulation games, steering wheels and foot pedals come in handy. In general, it is helpful to have a wireless keyboard and mouse, a good pair of headphones, speakers and a built-in or auxillary microphone.
Some computer games come with the extra accessories you need; if they don't, though, you'll need to shop around for the tools that will maximize your gaming fun.
Technical specs
A few more important details remain before you make your final computer game purchase and go home to have some fun.
We can't stress enough how important it is to check the format of the computer game and that it is compatible with your system; it is unfortunately all too common that many people end up purchasing unusable games.
You can make your purchase at a computer store, but it might be easier to shop online, especially because many computer games are available for download right off the web; you can start playing immediately and save on shipping or time spent at the store. Otherwise, you'll be loading the game onto your system from a CD-Rom; one positive feature of this option is that you'll have a backup.
Many popular computer games are specifically designed for online play with other users, like World of Warcraft. If you choose an online game, make sure you have a fast, reliable internet connection.
Last, but certainly not least, you will want to check on the game's return policy. Some games can only be resold as used games, even if they have never been loaded; others can be returned for a full refund within a window of time. If you download the game directly from the web, chances are you won't be able to return anything, so make sure you're satisfied before you hit the "buy" button!
Happy gaming!
