The xenophobia ironed a pancake

The xenophobia ironed a pancake

Your Own Virtual World

Play God - Be God (Even If It's Only Electronically)

Part of the appeal of game console is the visual eye-candy that splashes across the television screen. But even the addictive imagery is only half of the equation. The remaining half is the magic bestowed upon our eyes when this imagery comes to life. Animation that's controlled by a gamer is all it takes to escape into a different time and place - a time and place brought to you by virtual reality.

As you can imagine, virtual reality is a hypothetical three-dimensional visual world created by a computer. Players can enter and move about in this world and interact with objects as if inside it.1 Some of the games that are already on the market give a pretty good idea of what virtual reality is and can do. game console like Zelda, Halo, or Harry Potter allow players to enter into an environment and interact with objects, but they don't allow the player to create an environment and that's what virtual worlds are all about.

Without a single ounce of programming experience, anyone can create a virtual world and have loads of fun doing so. All one needs is an idea.

To begin, you'll want to construct a plan that maps your idea of the perfect world, the craziest world, or the oddest world that you can imagine. Some virtual world software will give you a template of sorts (a "starter" world) that lets you make additions and ultimately build a world that you've always dreamed of. A good example of template use is inside Maxis' SimCity or SimTown games. Both games provide pre-designed environments that provide plenty of space and opportunity to shape them into one that you prefer.

Of course, you could always start from scratch. The only problem with starting with scratch is that it takes more time and knowledge to add some of the features that virtual worlds provide. Either way (from scratch or from a template), most users build a world by adding objects and scenarios - even deleting some until they've reached the perfect balance.

A good place to find examples of what you could build in virtual world gaming is online. Every virtual world program available offers sample environments that players can download and install into their own system. Some manufacturers of these games even hold contests and award winners with free upgrades. Other suitable places to find ideas are from fiction books: -historical, -fantasy, -futuristic, you name it. Science fiction movies are a good resource for ideas as well.

Just understand that virtual gaming takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will your virtual world. There's no rush and this is a relaxing hobby. Take your time and have fun. Don't fret over not knowing how to build an object or lay down a map - you can learn how to do these kinds of things in due time. Your goal is to create a world of enjoyment and it won't help if you find yourself frustrated all the time.

When ready, you can add characters with their own unique histories, habits, strengths and weaknesses. You can even give them goals or small tasks to perform throughout the game. Giving your characters goals and tasks will help you give the game a plot.

To get started, look for RAD (Rapid Application Development) Tools. RAD tools will help you bang a virtual reality game together in no time and with little difficulty.

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What's Up With Wii?

A Guide of What's Available for Nintendo's Wii System

If you haven't heard of Nintendo's Wii system, we have just one question for you. Where have you been?! This hot new gaming system made its debut right at the time when Microsoft's new Xbox hit the market. But what makes this system so popular is that it's the first system that incorporates virtual reality in the living room. That, in addition to Nintendo's dedication to producing gaming material for that entire family as opposed to the complex games that we have on the market (for other systems) today.

This article describes some of the accessories and games available that everyone can enjoy.

The Wii System. Welcome back to family fun with this console. For only $249, the entire family can enjoy time's treasured games and physically interact with them using Nintendo's unique wrist-strapped controller. Anyone at any skill level can get in on the fun with this new machine and it comes with a free Wii Sports game cartridge.

Wii Accessories. If you're still "old school" and you prefer to use the classic Nintendo style controller, no need to fret. They're still available and they cost no more than $19.99. But if you can't wait to try out the Wii Remote, get one or two or three at only $40 each. The Wii Nunchuck Controller will run you about $19.99, however both the Nunchuck and Remote controller will give you hours of fun as you swing your way through your favorite games.

Of course, all that gaming could warrant the purchase of the Wii Air cooler ($14.99) or the Wii Charge Station ($29.99). And you certainly don't want to quit a game without saving your place! You can buy a 1GB SD Memory card ($39.99) or 2 GB SD memory card ($59.99) made by SanDisk, and pick up the fun where you left off at a later time.

To make sure your Wii console fits snuggly into the back of your television, you can buy a pack of Wii Component cables for $29.99.

Wii Games. Looking for games? We've separated this part of our guide into two sections: one for children and one for adults. Use caution when purchasing Wii games for players under 18 years of age.

FOR CHILDREN:

Excite Truck.................................................$49.99 Wario Ware: Smooth Moves........................$49.99 Super Paper Mario.......................................$19.99 Bionicle........................................................$49.99 Sonic and the Secret Rings.........................$49.99 Cooking Mama: Cook Off............................$49.99 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 07.......................... $49.99

NOTE: Bionicle may not look children friendly at first, but it really is a fun and innocent game that battles and controls a line of toy action figures. It's based on Lego's Bionicle universe. Cooking Mama is rather new to the Nintendo game suite and it challenges young players to prepare more than 300 real recipes from 10 different countries.

FOR ADULTS:

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess......$49.99 Medal of Honor Vangaurd...........................$49.99 The Godfather: Blackhand Edition..............$49.99

COMING SOON: Mario Party 8 Legend of the Dragon Mortal Combat Armageddon Scarface: The World is Yours

NOTE: Legend of the Dragon and Zelda is rated T for Teen. The Godfather, Scarface, and Mortal Combat is rated M for Mature. Both The Godfather and Scarface emulate scenes from their movies and the violence follows with them.. Mortal Combat was designed to appeal to an audience that's, "eager for violence."

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What's Up With Playstation 2 and 3?

A Guide of What's Available for SCEA's Playstation 2, Playstation 3, and the PSP System

The Playstation Systems. As number three in a line of Playstation products, Playstation 3 ($599.99) boasts new parallel processing that enables broadband multiplayer action. It's built in Blu-Ray disc drive promises high definition gaming, tons of media storage, streaming videos, music and an online service leaving you little to desire.

It's predecessor, system number two, sells for only $19.99 and networks as well (just not as fast as system number three). With over 1,400 games to choose from, it's hard to argue against this bargain.

PSP is hot again ($169.99) and integrates 3D gaming on widescreen with high fidelity stereo music, full motion video, communication and wireless networking.

Playstation 2 Accessories. If you're still "old schooling" your Playstation, then you'll enjoy Playstation's Dual Shock 2 Analog Controller ($24.99), Wireless NERF controller ($29.99), or it's 8MB memory card ($24.99). But the music doesn't stop there. It plays on with the SingStar Pop game and accessory pack ($49.99) or the Guitar Hero II ($79.99).

Playstation 3 Accessories. What's required? The Playstation 3 system sports two different kinds of controllers: a standard Chillstream controller ($39.99) and a Sixaxis Wireless controller ($49.99). Combined with the Blu-ray remote control ($24.99), you can have complete domination over your system in no time.

PSP Accessories. Never interrupt your game play again with a 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo ($69.99) or 4Gb Memory Stick Pro Duo ($109.99). Carry your handheld in a Platinum Pack ($19.99) or Traveler Case ($19.99). And don't forget a carry all for your media ($14.99). PSP's Media Manager ($24.99) will keep you organized as well.

Playstation Games. Looking for games? We've separated this part of our guide into two sections: one for children and one for adults. Use caution when purchasing Playstation games for players under 18 years of age.

Playstation 2 Games FOR CHILDREN:

MLB 07: The Show $59.99 ATV 4: Off Road Fury $39.99 Meet the Robinsons $29.99 Dance Dance Revolution: supernova $39.99 Durnout: Dominator $39.99 NBS Street Homecourt $59.99

FOR ADULTS: Shadow of the Colossus $19.99 God of War $19.99 Gran Turismo 4 $19.99 Socum U.S. Navy Seals Combines Assault $39.99 Rogue Galaxy $39.99 God of War II $49.99 Destroy All Humans! 2 $39.99 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories $19.99 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas $19.99 Medal of Honor: Vanguard $39.99 Dawn of Mana $39.99 Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion $59.99 Resistance: Fall of Man $59.99 MotorStorm $59.99

Playstation 3 Games FOR CHILDREN:

MLB 07: The Show $59.99 NBS Street Homecourt $59.99

FOR ADULTS:

Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion $59.99 Resistance: Fall of Man $59.99 MotorStorm $59.99

NOTE: Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion is works with all Playstations and is a game

COMING SOON: Lair Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2

PSP Games FOR CHILDREN:

Ultimate Board Game Collection $39.99 Street Horizon $39.99 MLB 07: The Show $39.99 Rachet & Clank: Size Matters $39.99 Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition 19.99 Full Auto 2: Battlelines: $39.99

NOTE: Street Horizon brings both turn-based and real-time strategy game play.

FOR ADULTS:

300: March to Glory: $29.99 Socum U.S. Navy Seals Combines Assault $39.99 After Burner Black Falcon $39.99 Dragonball Z Shin Budokai Another Road $39.99 The Warriors $19.99 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories $29.99 Prince of Persia: Rival Swords $39.99 Rocky Balboa $39.99

COMING SOON: Dungeons & Dragons: Tactics Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2

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