Games and Gaming # 38

Well, I have to say attempting to play Pacman with the arrow keys is not very productive. Using the keys is very limiting. I thought my prior experience in playing the game would give me an advantage over players who have never played before, but I was wrong. I prefer using joysticks in order to have any speed and dexterity while playing the game.

Since acquiring the Wii unit, more of the younger patrons seem to come to the library. Wii is apparently outselling Xbox and PS3, according to internet sales figures. It seems to be the best choice for a library setting not only based on sells, but based on the way it draws the kids into the library.

I do think the younger patrons come to the library just for the games, but in the process, are drawn to other offerings the library has for them. I think we have to look past any initial prejudice we have about gaming and realize this is a way for kids to socialize while playing Wii. It has been said that Wii increases mental agility, relieves stress and gives you a dose of healthy exercise.

One article said even a huge number of baby boomers are turning to video games to help the body and the minds. An occupational therapist said playing with Wii could help build body strength, balance, endurance and coordination.

Maybe we should have Senior Citizen Wii day at the library. I know at our branch, some of the staff would like to have a Staff Wii day.

Game and Gaming #37

I can remember going to my school library in the summer for “game days”; not the same games we are referring to here but it was the same concept. Kids from all over the neighborhood came out once a week to play games, to socialize, to get out of the house and out of the heat. It was always a special time because they had games many of us did not have at home. Then while we were there, we could check out a book to take home to read. There were occasionally other programs available if we were interested in more than just the games.

Game day brought kids out to socialize. It was a time when we could be more relaxed and just enjoy the day. Nobody had expectations of us except to behave appropriately. It created a positive atmosphere us because it was a less structured time.

We have Crafts for the younger children, Sit and Stitch for adults so why not gaming for the older kids. Just because we never imagined having an activity in the library does not mean we should not have it. Many people never imagined having self-check machines and DVD players in the library, but we do.

Just think how much the dance scene was altered years ago by disco dance flooring. Everyone loved the bright lights, the flashing colors, and the loud music. Attendance soared wherever disco was available. I think the library will continue to evolve into an even greater happening place as the years go by.

Regarding the game “Within Range”, the instructions tell the player to hover over the books that are to be moved, but did not say to double click to actually move the books. I guess I was just supposed to know that since double clicking is a commonly used method. The instructions are not very clear. Once I figured out how to move the books, I made a high score and even progressed to the higher levels.

Game and Gaming #36

This game was way out of my comfort zone.

I thought the manual was a great teaching tool to use before starting the game. The rules were clearly stated. However, 15 minutes was not long enough to absorb all the rules. It would take multiple sittings for me to understand how to manipulate my character and perform all the tasks. There is a search engine at the top right hand corner of the screen that I feel is more useful for learning specific action during the game.

My character has a Princess Leia hairstyle, wears a light green top with a bare midriff and dark green pants. She wears boots and has muscular arms.

Gaming is a great way to challenge my mind. Hey, I remember how folks laughed at the way I played Frogger. At least I can play Runescape in private.

Games and Gaming #35

I am a hands-on person; I often find myself thinking let’s do it not just talk about doing it (but that’s just my little secret, so don’t tell anybody). That’s what makes gaming so perfect for me. It lets me delve right in.

I think gaming helps to develop a person’s reasoning abilities and to increase their ability toward logical thought. Having analytical abilities is a positive attribute that is expected in many professions.

That being said, why does learning have to be boring; why can’t it be fun. If the old flashcard technique worked well, why can’t the new gaming techniques work equally as well to teach us facts and data.

I like what Marc Prensky says (http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/games/): There is no reason that a generation that can memorize over 100 Pokémon characters with all their characteristics, history and evolution can't learn the names, populations, capitals and relationships of all the 101 nations in the world.

So let's do it through gaming. There's nothing wrong with the idea.

As to our own assignment, I tried FreeRice and WordSplay. Either of these is very non-violent. FreeRice is a great vocabulary builder and quite a challenge even to someone who considers themselves to be good at guessing word meanings. I thought the rules were very simple.

WordSplay helps a person to become more mentally alert. It is a great way to compete in a positive and unpressured environment. The rules were easy to follow. However, I found WordSplay to be so addictive. It was not easy for me to walk away after 15 to 20 minutes. I WANT MORE!!!!!