Damn you, Nintendo

[ShockQueen]

I would check Wal-Mart every once in a while to see if they had them, and usually they didn't - then one day we went into our usual one, and the truck had just been there like 2 hours ago, and they had FIVE in stock - NAB!

Have not regretted it since!

Admittedly, I am HOOKED on "Wii Sports" - especially the golf (managed a -8....could never do that in real life). Legend of Zelda and Super Paper Mario are MUST HAVES IMHO!

[Killer Bees]

I just don't understand the whole game console thing.

And I certainly don't understand why people would scream and curse and such about not getting one. Are they really that lame and sad?

I can think of far better ways to spend time entertaining myself.

[Gurndigarn]

I just don't understand the whole game console thing.

It's chewing gum for the brain. A bit more interaction than television, and no commercials, so you have to pony up the cost youself. It can also give a bit more satisfaction knowing that you're actually improving yourself at something.

The problem with most people who are addicted to it is that they forget that what they're improving themselves at is, essentially, chewing gum for the brain.

(Keep in mind that I do this for a living. I've seen people enjoy games in a nice, positive way... and I've seen others who I have a healthy disdain for.)

And I certainly don't understand why people would scream and curse and such about not getting one.

Those are the people who bought into Big Corps Commercialism. Many of them specializing in the suckiness branch.

Are they really that lame and sad?

Some of them. Most of them, honestly, are just wrapped up in themselves to the point where they forget that the world doesn't revolve around them. And they get so caught up in their short-term goals (must... find... [game system]... now...! ...Brains...) that they forget what their long-term objectives are (have a fun, enjoyable life).

[Andara Bledin]

I just don't understand the whole game console thing.

And I certainly don't understand why people would scream and curse and such about not getting one. Are they really that lame and sad?

I can think of far better ways to spend time entertaining myself.

I'm not sure what you mean by the "game console thing" but I will assume that it's the whole insanity some people go through to get one.

Basically it all boils down to testosterone overdose. 99% of all the people who do this sort of thing are in it for bragging rights, whether the items are for themselves or their kids. (and yes, I've known people who will get their kids expensive things just so they can brag about how much their kid's toys have cost)

It's chewing gum for the brain. A bit more interaction than television, and no commercials, so you have to pony up the cost youself. It can also give a bit more satisfaction knowing that you're actually improving yourself at something.

The problem with most people who are addicted to it is that they forget that what they're improving themselves at is, essentially, chewing gum for the brain.

[snippage]

Some of them. Most of them, honestly, are just wrapped up in themselves to the point where they forget that the world doesn't revolve around them. And they get so caught up in their short-term goals (must... find... [game system]... now...! ...Brains...) that they forget what their long-term objectives are (have a fun, enjoyable life).

Well, that's a bit too much simplification there. While I do admit that most games are really just mind-candy, games can be much, much more than just that.

Currently, with the Wii, there are people entering into new exercise regimens. Also, doctors are looking further into the uses of the Wii and games in general for treatment options (both physical and psychological).

[Wall Street Journal article about Wii exercise]
[Time article about Wii therapy]
[CNet article about video games for therapy]

^-.-^

[Bloodsoul]

I've heard rumours that surgeons can achieve better hand-eye coordination because of video games. I bet Milton Bradley's going to have a hard time selling Operation, now...

[NightRain]

Reminds me of the Christmas the PS2 came out.
You had to put your name down to get one, and what store you wanted it shipped to, even with the small games stores. Each store only had so many, if any, of these sheets.
And then they might get a few extra, but if your name was down, you where guaranteed one.

Funnily enough, all the staff in my little indpendant store where gamers. We all got our names registered.
Management decided we'd get ours "later" as they could make a killing by having more in stock to sell of the not pre ordered ones.

Go figure.

[Jester]

Are they really that lame and sad?

Yes. Yes they are.

It's chewing gum for the brain.

Video games in general also help improve hand-eye coordination, without question. I myself don't have a console or anything, but have played a lot of arcade games in my time. And frankly, I do not believe I would have a lot of the skills I have as a magician were it not for all that time spent on video games. Again, hand-eye coordination. 'Nuff said.

[F**kYouForCalling]

Ok... I don't own a Wii, but I have played other peoples and I have to admit, I think they're awesome... and if I had one I'd probably be on it all the time... but I will NEVER understand why people whine about it if they can't get one... or if they have to wait a little bit longer.... you've lived your life thus far without one, I'm sure you can manage another month or so!!

and I will never understand why, when a store is out of something, people automatically assume that they are "lying" or "keeping it for themselves"... Thats so stupid!

[Gurndigarn]

Video games in general also help improve hand-eye coordination, without question. I myself don't have a console or anything, but have played a lot of arcade games in my time. And frankly, I do not believe I would have a lot of the skills I have as a magician were it not for all that time spent on video games. Again, hand-eye coordination. 'Nuff said.

OK. They help hand-eye coordination. And even help you develop an intuitive grasp of algrithmetic reponses. And a few will help keep you fit, although that was what made Prop Cycle a commercial flop* **. That being said, they're still chewing gum for the brain.***



* "Play that? Huh-uh. It looks too much like excercise." I'm glad the Wii managed to avoid that problem. Probably because it doesn't look like an excercise machine.

** The real excercise Prop Cycle gave me was trying to get the brand new-in-box 2/3 ton game off a semi without either a lift gate or a real loading dock.

*** Not that I think that's a bad thing. People need brainless recreation at times. I made a career out of video games, and I actually feel that I'm generally contributing to society by it.

[AFpheonix]

I've heard rumours that surgeons can achieve better hand-eye coordination because of video games. I bet Milton Bradley's going to have a hard time selling Operation, now...

There was an article in the Oregonian a year or so back about neurosurgeons who would play a quick game on PS2 just to get their trigger fingers ready before going in to surgery.
A lot of laproscopy and other microsurgeries these days can be very comparable to video game controls, as you are seeing what you're doing via a small camera broadcasting on a tv screen.

That, and games are just flat out fun, especially the silly ones like the LEGO Star Wars series. It's good when a game makes me laugh out loud. I also think that games are good for helping your problem solving skills, and to help you think outside the box a bit. I don't know about you guys, but any practice I can get coming up with creative solutions is valuable for real life, too.

[Andara Bledin]

There are all sorts of articles that come out fairly regularly about this or that research.

Among what you can improve by judicious use of video game time: reflexes, reading comprehension, fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, creativity, problem-solving skills, leadership skills, teamwork skills, communication skills, morale, etc.

^-.-^

[wj_737_700]

It's good when a game makes me laugh out loud.

AFpheonix, if you ever get a chance, play Rayman's Raving Rabbids for the Wii. I can guarantee many laugh out loud moments.