What I Like About SWTOR
There a few things that I enjoy about SWTOR. The foremost thing I like is the story driven game play. You have reasoning to go to the different planets and the actions you take have recourses. Is it perfect? No, but for those that enjoy a slower pace and want to be more wrapped up in their character(s), it’s perfect.
The Crew Skills system is a change of pace that I like. I don’t like that basically by the time I can make usable stuff I have out leveled it though. If I were to play at my crafting level I would be leveling like a true snail. I want to go slow, but not that slow. I do like that I can manage a crew to do my bidding.
I like the absence of the so called LFG/LFD/LFR tool that WoW has. It leads to a little more socializing.
I like that fact that you can solo or group play and still get stuff done. I don’t feel like I need to be in game for hours on end to get things done. I can play for an hour or two, put the game down, and feel like I accomplished some thing. I understand that everyone does not have the same opinion.
I give a big thumbs up to Bioware for making the grind quest types bonus optionals. They don’t seem so overwhelming when setup in such a manner.
The ability to be able to keep gear that you like is awesome. I don’t have to be a cookie cutter look-a-like my entire gaming life when I upgrade. Don’t laugh at the guy in the level 20 orange class gear. He’s most likely just as modded out or more than your level 30 orange gear. He just has a look that he enjoys and it fits him like a glove.
Last but not least, I still have not met a Jedi that’s blaster proof. 
Twitter Quote Thursday
Great marriages are the result of two people who go through bad times and find a way to stay together through the process. #marriageadvice—
(@marriagetoday) July 12, 2011
Game on! What games should kids play?
(ARA) – Kids love video games – they’re exciting, fun and engrossing. While games can promote learning and growth, too much video gaming – or playing inappropriate games – can lead to negative consequences. What should parents know to make good game choices for their children?
- Become familiar with the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. These ratings are designed to help potential players understand the game’s content and offer guidance on which games are appropriate for different ages.
- Explore www.familyfriendlyvideogames.com. This site provides a report card on games, with detailed descriptions of game content, technical performance and kid friendliness.
- Understand the types of games on the market: edutainment (educational games focusing on teaching the player), role playing games (that offer deep story and character development), action games (that train and enhance hand-eye coordination), simulation games (building vehicles such as planes or cars) and strategy games.
* Use online reviews, ask other parents, ask the staff at your local store – and play games with your kids.
It’s also important for parents to understand the different game platforms. “Generally Nintendo (Wii and the portable 3DS system as well) is a very kid-friendly platform to purchase for younger children. The Sony PlayStation3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 have kid-friendly games to play as well, though parents need to exercise caution as some of the games released are for adults only,” says Nick Viola, a Game Art & Design faculty member at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. “The Wii and the Xbox 360 Kinect encourage families to play together and get the players off the sofa.”
Whatever the game and whatever the platform, video games for kids – like those for any age – need to be engaging. “The interactivity of these games seems to be the crucial factor that engages kids of all ages. Exciting visuals and action are also key,” says David March, a Media Arts & Animation faculty member at The Art Institute of Virginia Beach, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.
And what children’s video games do these experts like best? “My favorite kids’ games are the Ratchet and Clank series and the Super Mario franchise,” says Gardner. Super Mario Brothers is a favorite of Viola’s as well. “Its bright bold colors, simplistic playing mechanics and iconic sound effects will always draw my attention,” he says. For March, favorites include “the side-scrollers like Prince of Persia – things with lots of lush graphics. And I’m a total sucker for almost any game involving flying an aircraft.”
Bottom line? Video games are here to stay. And when appropriately used, they can provide an opportunity for families to play together as well as for kids to learn and grow.
