Games

People who don't have addictions don't understand them.

Me? I am addicted to computer games. It is a sad but true reality. I have been playing them since the days of the ZX-80.

In more recent times I have begun to look at computer games with a more critical eye. I tend to wax lyrical on elements of gameplay, interface design and shortcomings to my friends rather than actually talk about how "cool" a game is.

I guess the reality is that games allow me to step back from the real world. They enable you to let go of the tensions and worries of life and delve into another place where goals are simple, strictly defined and achievable. Finishing a game gives you a sense of success, not often rivaled in reality.

If you want to keep up with the world of PC games I suggest the following tour to check up on the news and new releases:

  1. http://www.ogr.com
    Online gaming review
  2. http://www.gamepen.com
    Check out the therapy sessions here
  3. http://www.gamecenter.com
    c.net good for hints and tips
  4. http://www.gamasutra.com
    Industry news and articles on game design
  5. http://www.ga-strategy.com
    Strategy game watch
  6. http://www.ga-rpg.com
    Roleplaying game watch
  7. http://www.riot.com.au
    A good Australian computer games site
  8. http://www.actcom.com.au
    This is where I buy my games from, they are idiots but I love 'em.

My current favorite five games:

  1. HomeWorld
  2. System Shock 2
  3. Jagged Alliance 2
  4. ChronX
  5. Simcity 2000

Wandering around these sites will give you a quick overview of the industry and keep you up to date with the gossip. If you really need to get answers for a problem I can suggest the following newsgroups.

who?
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg
Roleplaying newsgroup
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.strategic
Strategy game newsgroup
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.action
Action game newsgroup (e.g. Quake)
comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.adventure
Adventure game newsgroup
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