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Magic the Gathering isn’t what it used to be – The Gamer in me GL-29

How the game has changed

Shortly after Magic the Gathering took the gaming world by storm in the mid 90s.  People who played the game were divided into two groups, casual or competitive.  That was it.  Now granted some people preferred multiplayer over 1 vs 1 but within each format you still had casual or competitive players.  Things are different today.  As the game has grown and aged, more formats have been developed, and the information age has almost eliminated individual deck design.  It isn’t just about whether you are a casual or competitive player anymore.  At the beginning of the new millennium whenever I went to a new card store to play a game. The only question I’d ask my opponent was whether they played casually or competitively?  I always kept a few different decks on me to suit either type of player.  Walk into any gaming store now and listen to the questions being asked.  “Do you want to play Magic?” “Which format – Standard – Modern?”  “I have a Commander deck together if you are ok with playing Commander?”  Then depending on their opponents answers there can be even more questions.  Quite often I’ve seen two people unable to play against each other because they don’t have decks that share a format.

A return to form

It’s happened slowly over time, but there is one format that could  become the way most everyone plays Magic once again.  What was once considered to be a casual escape from playing competitive games of Standard, Modern, or Vintage, is now a fully recognized format that soon anyone can play.  That format is Commander.  The 100 card deck with no more than 1 of any card except basic land is already the format of choice at most gaming stores.  The reason for this is very easy to understand.  Building a Commander deck is relatively inexpensive because you don’t require 4 of every key card like you do in the other formats.  Competitive and Casual players can play against each other because the number of variables in a 100 card deck with only 1 of each card create a situation where luck can play a huge factor.  The element of surprise (something Magic the Gathering hasn’t had for years) is always there because you never know what your opponent might play next.  It doesn’t matter if you have only been playing for a few years or twenty, you can build a fun deck that could win from any of the cards you’ve collected.  Unlike the other formats, you have a reason to peruse some of the older set binders at your local store for interesting cards to include in your deck.  In other words, Commander is actually fun!

It’s here to stay

Over the years there have been many different formats that have come and gone.  I can promise you that Commander is here to stay.  Every previous iteration of interesting format lacked that one key ingredient – fun.  Now what if you are brand new to the game?  Fortunately for you Wizards of the Coast does a far better job of set design, and cohesiveness these days.  In fact they have already recognized the switch to Commander becoming the popular format so a variation of that format for new players has been developed.  If you are unfamiliar with the new Brawl format, it’s similar to Commander except it only uses a 60 card deck comprising of cards from the Standard legal card pool, and you are allowed to select a Planeswalker as your Commander.  This format allows brand new Players the opportunity to play a version of Commander that’s similar enough to get a feel for the game.  It also allows them to eventually expand their Brawl deck into a Commander deck once they’ve collected enough cards.

It’s time to revisit an old favourite

If you had been put off by how the game of Magic the Gathering progressed over the years like I had?  It could be time to crack open the old binders, and find some of those old favourites, and throw together a deck that’s finally fun to play once more.  Imagine the look on another players face when Abyss hits the table, or you drop a second turn Serendib Efreet!  Welcome back to the Golden age of collectible card games!

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Rory McIlroy PGA Tour: Still the best PS4 Golf Game – The Gamer in me GL-28

As great today as it was at release

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That could be taken many different ways depending on your preferences.  If a feature packed game filled with multiple game modes, lots of unlockables, and a simulation feel is what you want.  Well then Rory McIlroy PGA tour won’t impress you much.  Since it’s initial release back in the summer of 2015 EA sports hasn’t added anything new to the mix either.  Now if an impressive looking golf game, that feels quite like the difficult challenge of the real thing appeals to you.  Well then you are probably very happy with Rory McIlroy PGA tour.  What it lacks in features, it gains in actual gameplay.  What i enjoy in a Sports Sim falls a little between the two so Rory McIlroy PGA tour is a little hit and miss for me.  Of course this being Masters week I couldn’t resist revisiting this game.

Career Mode

This is generally the mode I’m most interested in when playing Sports Sims.   Designing your golfer is a little disappointing.  Character customization is extremely limited so don’t expect to create a digital version of yourself unless you are the most generic looking person ever.  Instead of working your way up through the ranks on the amateur circuit.  You begin the game by playing in the amateur championship.  Finish high enough and voila!  You’ve earned your tour card.  Obviously you won’t become to attached to your avatar early on.  Fortunately every hole of golf you play earns you experience.  After a few Rounds you will be able to begin to shape your Golfer into the type of Player that you would like to be.   As your career advances you will unlock Player boosts that can dramatically alter your characters skills.  I found this to be one of the most interesting aspects of the game.  Would you like to bomb it like Dustin Johnson, putt like Jordan Spieth, or hit your Irons like Rickie Fowler?  Well select the right combination of boosts and you can mimic the play style of your favourite professional Golfer.  Just don’t expect to break into the Top 10 overnight.  It takes a lot of Rounds to develop into a top contender.  Although playing the tour is a blast.  Quite a few of the most famous courses are missing, and EA wasn’t able to secure the rights to the Masters so that’s left off the schedule as well.  Still I didn’t miss it nearly as much as I thought that I might.

The thrill of the game

What Rory McIlroy PGA tour does best is re-create the excitement of making the cut on Friday, and fighting for the win on Sunday.  Realizing that you are in contention gets your heart pumping.  Every shot becomes your path to victory, or reason for defeat.  You pay extra close attention to the leaderboard.  Recognizable names like Scott, Rose, and Kuchar are right there challenging you for the victory.  You suddenly realize that your two stroke lead might not be enough, and then just as quickly you remember that it’s only a game.  It’s at that moment that I realized that despite it’s shortcomings, Rory McIlroy PGA tour is a fantastic game.  It does the one thing that Sports Sims and all games are meant to do.  Allow you for the short time you spend playing it to feel like the character, not the person controlling it.

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End the isolation with A Way Out – The Gamer in me GL-27

The return of Couch Co-op

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I remember a time when the most popular video games were all shared screen, or split screen.  Whether competitive or co-operative they all shared one thing in common.  They were enjoyed as a group.  Everyone found a spot on the couch, or floor and prepared themselves for hours of video game domination.  I’ll never forget the ridiculous four port splitters required to play four player dungeon crawlers.  There were wires absolutely everywhere.  The graphics weren’t great, and the more players that played increased the likelihood of frame rate issues.  Games would freeze, or totally crash two hours in when the game consoles got too hot.  To prevent it from happening I purchased one of those external fans that clipped to the back of the game system.  Even with all those issues we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  What made it special was the shared experience.

Developed by Hazelight, and produced by Electronic Arts – A Way Out is banking on the appeal of those classic Co-operative games.  They believe that the shared experience is what makes a game special.  Even if it has a few flaws.

Buy 1 get 1 free

Something that’s totally unique about how A Way Out is being sold.  A Way Out cannot be played solo.  It requires a second player.  Now you might have assumed that it was a crafty sales trick to get somebody who purchases the game to talk their friends into buying it as well.  Well that’s not the case.  When you purchase a copy it includes a fully playable download that you can give to your gaming partner.  It allows them to play the game as the other character online with you.  Of course you can always play couch co-op split screen.  I haven’t played the entire game, but ivI’ heard that it takes roughly 8 hours to complete.  So playing online might be the best way for many to complete the game easily.  Providing the additional download wasn’t necessary.  Electronic Arts could have just forced everyone to buy a copy.  I see this as a very smart marketing move though.  As a video game enthusiast and blogger I keep up on what’s new.  When I mentioned the upcoming release of A Way Out to some of my friends.  Not all of them were aware of it.  Those that were aware, were split between those that were buying it, and those that weren’t.  By providing the free playable download, Electronic Arts will effectively double the number of Players.  If the game is even moderately successful.  The next co-operative game they release will have a larger audience.  They have turned their customers into salespeople.  And who’s more passionate about the games they create than the people that play them?

Attractive Pricing

As a Canadian I’m getting accustomed to paying upwards of $80 for a single video game.  Feels like highway robbery to me.  I’m sure many of you feel the same way.  It takes a lot of hype, great reviews, and an interesting type of game to encourage me to buy it on Day one.  Well at only $40 for A Way Out the choice to purchase it was far easier.  Especially when it includes a partner copy.  Even if it ends up being a bit of a flop.  It becomes a little easier to stomach when it’s only half the price of most new releases.  Lets be honest, there haven’t been many marquee releases yet this year.  While you are waiting for something like the sequel to your favourite franchise to come out.  Why not give A Way Out a try.  It isn’t an exceptionally long game, and one of your friends will owe you one to boot.

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Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – The Gamer in me GL-26

Act fast 

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This is the final day for PS Plus members to download Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.  Every month that passes with uninspiring releases has me looking to see what’s available for free through my PS Plus membership.  For February of 2018 the marquee title for download was Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.  If you are like me, and very selective about the games you purchase.  Then there’s a very good chance that you took a pass on Deus Ex: Mankind Divided when it first released in 2016.  Unless of course you were a dedicated fan of the Deus Ex franchise.  I played the original Deus Ex on PC many many years ago, and loved it.  Unfortunately the first Deus Ex release on Consoles flopped.  Poor reviews due to frame rate issues, confusing controls, and average graphic capabilities had me decide against giving it a try.  A few follow up releases came out over the years, and by the time Mankind Divided dropped in 2016 the reviews were glowing.  Everyone seemed impressed by Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.  Still I wasn’t invested in the franchise, and there were titles releasing around the same time that really had my interest.

Time to take a second look

Thanks to my PS Plus membership I’ve finally taken the opportunity to give Deus Ex: Mankind Divided a chance.  I’m so happy i did.  Keep in mind that I have played only about three hours of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.  In those three hours I’ve realized that for a story driven game designed to lead you from mission to mission.  Deus Ex: Mankind Divided doesn’t feel linear at all.  The freedom you are given to decide how you intend to reach each objective.  The number of side missions that aren’t just mild distractions, and can actually effect your chances of success in story missions.  How each cybernetic upgrade can lead to an increase in what’s possible with the surrounding environment.  You can’t help but feel like you are always in total control of your fate.  Something that’s sorely lacking in most mission based “open world” games.

Prague never looked so cool

The version of Prague that’s been successfully created by Square Enix can best be described as a Cyberpunk Gothic supercity.  It looks fantastic on a big screen TV.  It would be a great injustice to play Deus Ex: Mankind Divided on a small monitor.  Special attention has obviously been placed on surround sound quality as well.  I felt truly immersed in everything happening around me because of the attention to detail.  Although it could become a little overwhelming to the more obsessively compulsive gamers.  The Prague that Square Enix has created has an endless number of places that can be explored.  Every sewer grate that can be lifted. Every window that can be unlocked.  Every pole or drainage pipe that can be climbed.  Moving from street, to balconies, to rooftops where additional areas can be found to explore.  If you are the type of Gamer that needs to find absolutely everything?  Well it’s going to be a long tedious process.  Play Resident Evil if that’s your thing.  A game that actually rewards you for doing it all.  Deus Ex: Mankind Divided doesn’t care what you do, or how you do it.  All of those aforementioned options are there to provide you with choices for how you would like to accomplish a particular objective.  See them as such, and you will enjoy the game that much more.

Quiet Chaos

One of the primary reasons that I am enjoying Deus Ex: Mankind Divided so much is of course the gameplay.  I’ve never been the type of Gamer that enjoys high intensity shooters.  Running from cover to cover while strafing, and performing super jumps is definitely not my thing.  Tom Clancy’s The Division with small unit coordinated attacks? YES. Halo in jumpsuits in close quarters maps? NO.  Deus Ex: Mankind Divided where stealth and misdirection are as important as the occasional gunfight?  HELL YEAH!  Now I’m not saying that you can’t succeed by shooting first, and asking questions later.  You can do that, if that’s your thing, and that’s the beauty of it.  Deus Ex: Mankind Divided allows you to play the game however you like to play it.  I wish more games were designed the same way.

Do yourself a favour and take the opportunity to download this game.  Trust me you won’t be disappointed!

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What’s next? The Gamer in me GL-25

Been there, done that.

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I’ve been a Gamer for what feels like forever now.  Video Games have managed to take up a significant amount of my free time.  From the first generation of home game systems to PS4 and Xbox One, I’ve played them all.  From a competitive stand point Sony leads the way outselling Microsoft by akmoal 2 to 1.  Nintendo has put themselves back on the map with the Nintendo Switch.  The fastest selling handheld game system ever.  Although it’s the newest system on the market there’s nothing particularly ground breaking about the technology that’s in it.  Actually none of the big three manufacturers have really pushed the limits with their current systems.  Probably the most advanced of the three is the addition of PlaystaPlay VR to the PS4.  Of course you can now play virtual reality games on some cellphones.  It’s not as though the Game systems are lagging behind current technology.  They are actually taking full advantage of what’s available.

Therein lies the problem

With sales of current generation Gaming Systems apparently flatlining.  The question that’s being asked more and more often is when the next generation of Games Systems will be released?  In the past when next generation systems were being proposed people got excited.  I remember the feeling of anticipation well because I have been an early adopter of new Systems for quite some time.  The thing is that people had good reason to be excited because the current systems used to be far behind the capabilities of the current technology.  The problem Game system manufacturers face now is that there’s nothing new to offer.  Best possible picture quality available today is 4K/HDR.  Can a current game system reproduce that?  The answer is yes.  Virtual Reality gaming? Check.  Local multiplayer and online multiplayer capabilities? Yep got that too.  Massive storage space to make your game library portable?  Absolutely no problem.  About the only thing a Game system manufacturer could offer the consumer to entice them to buy a new system is access to the newest games.  Limit New releases to being available for the newest system only.  Thus forcing the consumer to having to buy the newest system.  Even though the capabilities of the newer system aren’t actually superior to the previous generation.  That’s a scary thought.  To pull it off they would have to offer marquee titles exclusively through their own development house, or get the independent software developers on board.  Not an easy thing to accomplish, but not impossible.

On the horizon

So what should we really expect to happen?  Well what you should expect is that as newer Audio/Video technology becomes available.  Game System manufacturers will look to release their latest system along with it.  As someone who has worked in the Audio/Video field for many years i can confidently inform you that there isn’t any breakthrough technology on the way.  As far as Video resolution is concerned, 4K is about as good as it gets.  I don’t doubt that 6K, and possibly even 8K screens are on the way.  The problem with that is our eyesight can’t reasonably discern the difference between 4K and 8K.  The pixel density is already so high at 4K that anything more looks the same.  Actually the greatest step forward in Video quality occurred when HDR was introduced.  The thing about HDR is that it really only requires a high quality screen that can reproduce the Contrast and Colours.  As long as the source (digital download or Blu-ray) contains an HDR game.  All the Game system requires is the necessary software, and processing power.  Current generation systems either already have it, or could easily add it through a software update.

Need not Greed

The best we as consumers can hope for is that the Game systems manufacturers continue to invest in their current hardware.  Offering add-ons like Playstation VR, or high quality gaming controllers to increase their revenue.  Maybe even offering major software upgrades as an option for a cost.  The only thing I don’t want is a PS5, or Xbox Two that does exactly what my PS4, or Xbox One does now.

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Tom Clancy’s The Division revisited – The Gamer in me GL-24

A blessing to be bored

I keep waiting for a new PS4 game to grab my attention and really wow me. For the last few months nothing really has. So today I found myself reaching into the Blu-ray cabinet for an old favourite, Tom Clancy’s The Division. Tell you what, I am damn glad I did. If you haven’t read some of my earlier posts. You might be unaware of the primary reason I waited in line one very early morning to purchase my PS4 on release day. I pre-ordered my PS4 from Futureshop, and although I was practically guaranteed my console provided I arrived before noon. The two games I would get to take home with me weren’t guaranteed. Each game was subject to availability, and the sole reason I wanted a PS4 on day one was to play Tom Clancy’s The Division. Well what I would soon find out is that without any prior warning a number of the day one releases had been delayed. Sony was worried that the significant number of games that had been promised on day one were reduced enough to scare people away from making a purchase. If you ask me they were probably right. I for one wouldn’t have pre-ordered a PS4 if I knew that my first two games would be Need for Speed Rivals and Injustice Gods among us. A couple of truly shitty games in my opinion. I spent the next three months after playing my favourite PS3 games. What made matters worse was the game I truly wanted got delayed multiple times over a couple years.

Would my wish be answered?

When I finally got to play Tom Clancy’s The Division my initial interest and expectations were thankfully met. It remains to this day one of the best designed games I’ve ever played. Even the Dark zone which has had it’s fair share of issues, and balance problems couldn’t ruin it for me because the primary campaign is totally playable and fantastic without it. It has the perfect balance of Story, realism, and arcade elements to make it feel challenging, but remain fun. Graphically it’s stunning. Many open world campaign shooters tend to feel monochromatic. Although the colours are subtle in The Division, they are still very present. The game rewards Players of a high arcade style skill level, but is equally playable by Players that take a more realistic tactical approach. Generally I’m not a big fan of first person or third person shooters. I find them too unrealistic, or chaotic in most cases. Successful franchises like Halo, or Battlefield are probably why so many game designers have chosen to go that way. Tom Clancy’s The Division has moments of intense action which can feel a little chaotic at times, but in doing so never feels unrealistic. The intense, and occasionally over the top sequences fit the story, and serve as a reminder that not all in this world is totally familiar.

If it isn’t obviously apparent to you by now, I’ll just say that I was hooked. I played it as much as I could for a couple months and completed the campaign. Then like most games I’ve truly enjoyed it found it’s way into my Blu-ray cabinet. Expansions were released, but I was already on to something else. Quite a few of my online friends I played The Division with, had already moved on to playing Destiny. Although a marquee game in it’s own right. Destiny was a game that I made a conscious decision to avoid because it seemed to require too much of a time commitment. I prefer solitary games or games that I can enjoy online with 1-3 friends for a few hours every now and then. Destiny just doesn’t fit what I’m looking for out of a game. Although the Division does require groups to complete some of the missions. The majority of the game can be played by yourself, and with a couple friends or strangers online when need be.

HOW IT FEELS TO REVISIT THE GAME.

There have been a number of updates since the game was originally released.  They have managed to improve an already excellent game.  Additional gameplay modes, new equipment to be found, and additional areas to explore.  Honestly they didn’t have to change a thing for me, but the additions are totally welcome.  I had already started a second campaign months ago so I started out a little buffed already.  What I wasn’t ready for was how realistic the recoil system was, and how engaging and smart the AI can be.  In other words I was rusty and ready to have my ass handed to me.  Oh and I definitely did.  Should have changed my name to respawn.  A few deaths later, and I was back to kicking gang banger ass.  It feels good to be back.

If you haven’t played Tom Clancy’s The Division, well now is a great time to give it a try.  If you own it like me but haven’t tried it since the most recent updates.  I suggest you load it up, and give it a go.  I promise you that you won’t be disappointed.

 

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Cellphone Gaming – The Gamer in me GL-23

It might surprise you to know…

… that some of the most popular games people play are on their cellphones.  That’s right, move over Microsoft, sorry about your luck Sony, and not so fast Nintendo.  The masses are downloading the newest game on Android or iOS right now.  Convenience over quality is where the market seems to be going.  Instead of playing photorealistic games like Gran Turismo, or The Division.  People are getting hooked on simplistic games like Candy Crush, or Stack Jump.

What’s fueling the change?

I’m sure there are a number of factors, but what I believe has the greatest influence on the switch to cellular games are the devices themselves.  Sure they’ve improved, but its not like their processing power rivals a PS4, or Xbox one.  It’s our increasing reliance upon being constantly connected to each and every person we know that’s pushed the consoles to the wayside.  While playing a game on your cellphone you can still receive all the relevant notifications of each and every application you’ve downloaded.  Most games can be easily paused, or automatically pause for you when a call, text, Facebook message, or recent Post alert comes in.  It’s our need to know right now that prevents us from choosing to do anything that takes our attention away from our cellphones for any considerable length of time.  Most video games require a significant time investment.  Some even require you wear a headset to stay in contact with other players during multiplayer gameplay.  I wonder how many Destiny raids were ruined because something started trending on Twitter, or somebody just got tagged in something on Instagram.  Before anyone chooses to sit down on the couch and start up their game system.  They have to consciously decide to close themselves off from their cellular world to do so.  I’m willing to bet if you banned the average gamer from using their cellphone for a weekend.  They would play their console game system at least twice as much that weekend.  Honestly they would probably be happier for it.  Cellphone Games can be fun, but are they nearly as satisfying as Console Games?

Hell to the no!

Lets not kid ourselves here.  For almost any Gamer, defeating a high level boss, taking your virtual franchise to the Championship, or beating all of your friends in a classic fight sim is far more satisfying than crushing some candy.

Do yourself a favour and disconnect from your cellular world every now and then.  Fire up that overpowered console, and load up your favourite game.  Keep playing until your thumbs are raw from it.  Trust me when I tell you that you will be grinning from ear to ear when you are done.

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The Dos & Don’ts of Family Gaming – The Gamer in me GL-21

YOU’VE BEEN WARNED

Many of us will be spending a lot of time with our families over the holidays. The more time you spend with them the greater the chance that you will end up playing a few games.  Family Gaming can be absolutely great. Beware of making the classic mistakes that can turn a fun night into a warzone.

PROPER GAME SELECTION

Picking the right game to play with your family is key to having a successful day. There are an endless amount of choices so choosing the right game might not be as easy as you think. You can’t just open a pack of cards, and be done with it. Or can you? Card Games are a classic favourite with many families. A single deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment. So many different games can be played requiring minimal set up, and a rereading of the rules generally isn’t necessary. Everyone remembers how to play, and quite a few of the games require a fair amount of luck to win. The luck factor is very important. It means that one family member is unlikely to win every game. Well there you have it then. Cards are the perfect family game. Well hold on for a second. Not every card game is appropriate for a family get together.

Card Game Dos & Don’ts

As popular as Poker has become over the last decade. Suggesting that the family play Poker together over the holidays is a seriously bad idea. Everyone has a different amount of expendable income. Some people can afford to play Poker and lose. There are those that winning is really the only option. By suggesting a game of Poker you are essentially saying that you have money to burn, or you are arrogantly confident in winning. You also effectively exclude anyone who is feeling the holiday pinch in the wallet. Christmas is an expensive time for many. Don’t be a tool, and ask your family to gamble. If your family is familiar with four handed Euchre I would suggest that as maybe the perfect substitute. Four handed Euchre is played as two teams of two so you win or lose together. That also allows you to occasionally switch up the teams so stronger players can be paired up with weaker players creating balance. There is a bit of bluffing in Euchre. If you play to ten points like most people then you can put something trivial as a prize on the outcome. Winner gets a larger slice of pie, or the losers have to give a candy cane to the winners for each point they lost by. Whatever you decide Euchre provides the right combination of competition and friendly fun.

Board Game Dos & Don’ts

If your family prefers to play Board games. Choosing the right Board game is absolutely critical. Unlike Card games which are easy to pack up, or simply switch to another game if the current game your playing isn’t enjoyable. Board Games can require a lot of set up, a fair amount of time to play, and in some cases additional time to relearn the rules. I’m sure that most of you have started at least one game of Monopoly that never got finished. The same can probably be said about Risk. A quick note about Risk, don’t ever play Risk with an odd number of people. Doing so practically guarantees that an alliance will be created at some point in order to crush the individual that got off to a good start. This usually results in a lot of swearing, and in extreme cases a trip to the medicine cabinet. Keep a fair amount of Advil, and possibly some Band-Aids if you intend to play Risk. I’ve finished a few games of Monopoly in my lifetime, and I consider that to be one hell of an achievement. It takes an incredible amount of dedication, and patience from all involved to actually finish a game of Monopoly. Instead of Board games that require a lot of patience, strategy, and who knows how long to play. Choose games that are much shorter, and contain a random element like Snakes and Ladders, or Sorry. If you are from a family full of dedicated gamers then I would suggest bringing a cooperative Board game to play. That way you can all win or lose as a team. It also allows the most serious gamers to take on a greater role, and the occasional gamers to feel involved. Basically everybody wins. If you are unfamiliar with cooperative games I would suggest that you read my https://cobelife.com/competitive-or-cooperative-the-gamer-in-me-gl-20/

Video Game Dos & Don’ts

For many gamers it’s all about technology now. It doesn’t matter if you are a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo fan. There are great games on all the different platforms that can be enjoyed by many. A favourite of mine that’s perfect for family occasions is the PlayStation Playlink game That’s You! Up to six people can play at once, and instead of using traditional game controllers each player uses an application on their cellphone. The game itself is very simple. The Players are presented with an example and each Player votes for which Player the example is most like. If you vote with the majority you earn points. For a more detailed review of That’s You check out my  https://cobelife.com/the-gamer-in-me-gl-8-thats-you/  Now on the flipside there are many games you should avoid. Honestly there’s too many to list, but the majority fall in to two categories; First Person Shooters, or Competitive Fighting Games. Seriously avoid the Call of Duty, Mortal Kombat, and Halos of the video gaming worlds. Unless you want your family get together to be filled with trash talk, and a potential fight. Certain Sports games like Madden or FIFA fall under the Don’ts column as well. Do yourself a favour and take turns playing classic side scrollers, or racing simulators. Those games can be as much fun to watch as they are to play.

VIRTUAL REALITY IS HERE!

I’ll tell you where it isn’t though. At your family get together. If you were hoping to see your sister trip over her gift basket then play VR. If you would prefer to pretend that you aren’t with your family at all then play VR. If you were were hoping to see someone get disoriented and vomit well then set up the Virtual Reality. I’m sure you see what I’m getting at. Virtual Reality with the family is a huge Don’t! Maybe in a few years as the technology improves things will change, but for right now just no.

Hopefully my warnings, and suggestions will help make your family occasion that much better. All the best!

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Competitive or Cooperative? – The Gamer in me GL-20

How things have changed

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All of us grew up playing games.  Some of us played Sports.  Many of us played Board games.  A few of us were early adopters of Video games.  Practically everyone played Card games.  I could go on and on but one thing is for sure.  I played them all.  I didn’t just play them though.  I played to win!  You see the one thing that was similar about all of the games I played was that they included an opponent.  Another person, a few other individuals, or another team that I had to beat.  This was one of the main things about games that made them appealing to me.  You had a quantifiable way to determine if you were better than someone else.  I was naturally competitive so I tended to win more often than I lost.  Which made playing games one of my favourite things to do.  But what if you were somebody that lost most of the time?  Well fortunately for them Video games increased in popularity, and quality as a direct result.  Home Video game consoles turned gaming into a solitary affair.  Eventually though people began to miss the connection with others they used to have playing games.  But how could they get past the inherent competitiveness of it?  Along came the current generation of cooperative games.  Games that allow a group of people to play together to achieve a common goal.  You either win as a team, or all of you lose collectively.  It creates a sense of equality that wasn’t present in the games we played as kids.

Congratulations for coming out

It’s commonplace for children’s sports leagues to give every player a trophy at the end of the season.  The reason for this is to prevent anyone from feeling less accomplished than anyone else.  Some leagues no longer keep score during games.  That way there is no winner or loser.  Everyone is considered an equal success for having played.  Do agree with this new way of thinking?  No I don’t, not at all.  That’s a whole nother article though, and I won’t go into it now.  I’ll just summarize it by saying it’s wrong to make someone feel inept, but it’s equally wrong to marginalize someone else’s talent.  I’ll leave it at that.  Cooperative games make this new way of thinking unnecessary.  The best games require multiple disciplines, and innovative thinking to succeed.  In this way they can appeal to many different people.  Probably one of the best examples of this is Escape Rooms.  I’ve played Escape Rooms that required athleticism, manual dexterity, trivia knowledge, and of course puzzle solving.  Just imagine the group of people that would be required to work together as a team to be victorious in that particular Room.  Schools should be working towards incorporating extra curricular activities similar to Escape Rooms if they are concerned about all participants feeling valuable.

Kitchen table battleground

Cooperative Board games, and Card games have turned what used to be the family Kitchen table battleground into a friendly cooperative affair.   My family played cards when I was a kid, and I could probably give lessons on how to play competitive Crazy 8s, Hearts, or Euchre.  A particularly brutal night of cards could lead to me receiving a couple of days of the silent treatment.  It also meant that the next family game night wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.  What if we were playing a cooperative game instead?  If I won it meant we all won.  No more jealousy or resentment, just celebration.  Games like Escape, Curse of the Temple or if you are feeling really adventurous and have a few hours Gloomhaven are great games to play that require real teamwork to win.  The best part is losing only makes the group more determined to win next time, and winning becomes addictive because of the group celebration.  You won’t have to wait long no matter what the result was before you get together to play again.  I’ve become a real fan of cooperative games because I can approach playing them in a far more relaxed manner.  My competitive instincts are still there, but the anxiety that usually goes along with it is gone.  I still want to win, but I don’t need to.  If you have played anything at a competitive level you’ll know what I mean.  The other major bonus that comes with playing cooperative games is finding others to join you is much much easier.  Trust me, there was a time that finding someone to play me head to head at Magic the Gathering required a tournament entry.  Cooperative games are here to stay, and I am really glad that they are.  If you haven’t played one yet.  I suggest that you give one a try.

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GAMING Uncategorized

Arcades: Then and Now – The Gamer in me GL-19

Flashback childhood

(Cobe Life has recently switched to a new Subscription service.  I strongly advise current Subscribers to resubmit their follow request)

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It hasn’t been happening in every city, but I happen to live in one of the most progressive cities in North America.  In 2017 three new modern Arcades have opened in Toronto.  Two of them are owned and operated by Cineplex.  The Rec Room across from the Rogers centre, and the new Arcade plus VR experience in Scotiabank theatre.  The third modern Arcade recently opened at Nations Fresh Foods flagship store in the Stockyards.  That’s right, a grocery store is attached to a modern Arcade.  If you are familiar with the Dave and Buster’s entertainment centres, then you will have a good idea of what these Arcades are like.  These aren’t the dark, cramped, concrete floored teenage Hangouts from when we were kids.  These are spacious, clean, carpeted gaming dens.  Appealing to kids, and adults of all ages.  You can find everything from Skee ball to Virtual Reality games.

Satisfying but not the same

To say that I miss the camaraderie, and competition that was present every time I used to visit the local Arcade as a kid would be an understatement.  Showcasing your gaming skills to both friends, and total strangers was immensely gratifying.  It was an amazing feeling of accomplishment that today’s video games can’t recreate.  Even though today’s technology is leaps and bounds beyond what we grew up playing.  The same technology has made it possible to spend hours mastering a game in the comfort of our own home.  The games you can play at these modern Arcades are in Full HD, with cutting edge graphics.  They have elaborate housings with theatre quality sound, and modern control mechanisms.  Some of them are even in Virtual Reality.  Strolling into one of today’s modern Arcades, and dominating at your game of choice would really be something.  It would be something if you couldn’t essentially do the exact same thing at home.  We all have Full HD televisions.  Computer or Console Game systems are capable of running the most advanced games.  Joysticks, steering wheels, Flight simulator controllers, and gaming chairs can make you feel like you are in total control of the action.  You can even buy Virtual Reality headsets.  So when you see someone dominating at your favourite game in a modern Arcade.  It’s probably safe to assume that they’ve played something almost identical at home.  Is it enjoyable to dominate at a particular game? Sure it is.  Is it impressive to watch someone else dominate a video game?  It is as well.  The one thing that’s missing is the satisfaction, and respect that goes along with the understanding of what it took to get that good at playing that game.

Time and Money

What made mastering a game at the Arcade when we were kids so special?  It was the understanding from everyone present that you had to make numerous trips to the Arcade, and spend a shit load of quarters to become that good.  You made a decision to not only play that particular game.  You decided to keep playing it until you weren’t just good at it.  You were on a quest to be the best.  If it took you having to go to the Arcade every day after school, and all of your allowance to beat that game.  Then that’s what you were going to do.  We were so respectful of what it required to master a game.  When somebody would defeat me at a game like Mortal Kombat, or beat my high score on Elevator Action.  I wouldn’t be upset.  I’d be in awe, and congratulate them.

 ESports and Competitive Video Gaming

The emergence of ESports, and Competitive Video Gaming has tried to recreate the feeling of Video Game dominance we had as kids.  I believe that this has led to the sudden increase of modern Arcades popping up.  Try as they might.  Modern Competitive Video Gaming will never have the same satisfaction as slaying the Dragon and saving Princess Daphne in front of about 20 onlookers at your local Arcade.  It doesn’t matter how much money goes to the Champion, or if the event is live on Cable television.  Just knowing that all it took the eventual winner to be as skilled at the game as they are.  Was hours upon hours of game play.  Sitting alone in their bedroom or basement.  Closed off from the rest of the world.  Well physically closed off.  They probably have more “friends” online then you had students in your High school.  Does that really sound like victory to you?  If that person defeated you at your favourite Video game.  Would you be in awe, and congratulate them?  Maybe it’s just me.  Maybe I’m just too old school.  I wouldn’t congratulate them.  Truth be told, I probably wouldn’t care.

Fun with a capital F

Now here’s the thing.  It’s probably sounding like I’ve got a pretty serious hate on for the Modern Arcade.  Quite the opposite in fact.  I thoroughly enjoy them.  I see them for what they are.  Another option in a city full of options, of something to do when you’ve got a little free time.  You can spend as little, or as long as you’d like at an Arcade.  Unlike the movies or dinner where you are committed to a certain length of time.  How much you choose to spend is entirely up to you as well.  There’s no entry fee, or cover charge.  Just do whatever your budget allows.  Can’t find a babysitter for the kids?  No worries.  They’ll enjoy the Arcade even more than you do.  It’s quite literally a win-win situation.  So if you haven’t done it yet.  The next time you are trying to decide what to do on the weekend.  Give one of the Modern Arcades a try.  It won’t be what you remember, but you won’t be disappointed.