Showing posts with label video games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video games. Show all posts

Monday, December 31, 2007

There's Value In Purchasing Used Video Games by Andre Garcia

In general, there is one thing that separates the video game industry from all other entertainment industries. Based on the title of this article, take a guess on what that might be? Right, the cost! Let's face it, video games are expensive. Look no further than the release of the Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii as an indication of this. Not only that, but sales prices have actually increased over the cost of video game consoles the previous generation.

The Nintendo Wii may have the benefit of the doubt here, but there's no denying the increase of prices for both the Microsoft and Sony consoles. We're talking about investments here. Typically, people that want to be entertained are not looking forward to taking out a bank loan just to do so. Unfortunately, these high price tags aren't limited to console hardware. In fact, even the software that's available for each console can cost upwards of sixty dollars or more. Pretty crazy, I know! This is where the true value of purchasing used games come in.

The great thing about used games is that it's not difficult to find them for very cheap prices. Over the last 5 years, the library of used games has increased quite a bit. Taking note of this increase, it should not be difficult to find a game in particular that you may be looking for. From personal experience, I've found games of virtually every genre. You may remember a game that you really wanted to play, but simply didn't have the budget or whatever the case may be, to purchase that title. Head on over to your local game store, and see if you can find it in the used section. Chances are, you'll also find it for heck of a lot cheaper.

There are a lot of places that sell used video games. Some of these places include retailers like Blockbuster, Micro Play, EB Games, etc. - Virtually every game related retailer carries them. You may find deals along the lines of purchasing two titles for the price of one. In my case, I purchased two games I never got the chance to play, for ten bucks - Yes, ten dollars! There may be other deals along the lines of buying two titles, and getting the second one half-price. Again, it all depends on where you shop. Generally speaking though, it's not hard at all to find games for cheap, and in some cases (I've personally had many cases like this), really cheap.

It's a great feeling. You walk into your local Blockbuster, and "boom", your hit with this intense view of all these games you've always wanted to play, and for really low prices. Games you forgot that you wanted to play, and now you can. In the video game world, you may sometimes hear this word, "hidden gems." Essentially games that have been given great reviews, but somehow didn't catch the attention of the general public. Now here's another reason to go back and look for those titles.

Some people may wonder about the quality of the games. In my case, I'm usually given a thirty-day money back guarantee. Basically, if within those thirty days something is wrong with my game, I have the option of returning it. I've purchased a ton of used titles, and had only one incident where I had to return it. So I would suspect, based on personal experience, that the titles you end up purchasing should be working fine. With the rise of increased game sales, which includes prices for both hardware and software, there has never been a better time to take a look at the used-games section at your local video game retailer. You may just find the game you've always wanted to play. Good luck!



Andre Garcia loves video games and has been involved with the game industry for many years. People that enjoy playing video games can learn if it's actually possible to get a job as a video game tester and be paid for it. For all your latest video game news and more, visit: Your Gaming Source


Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com

Friday, November 23, 2007

Sonic the hedgehog is still going strong! by Roberto Bell

In recent years the gaming industry has exploded into mainstream culture and has intertwined itself into the fabric of everyday life. The success of gaming can be traced back to the classic systems of the 90's, the glorious days of Nintendo and Sega. Yet we all know that the weight of a consoles success always depends on that one defining game. When picturing this perfect synergy of a console and that one game most people will point to Xbox and Halo. Yet everyone who grew up in the 90's knows that this synergy started way back, when Sega and Sonic the Hedgehog meshed together so perfectly.

Sonic the Hedgehog, known as that speedy blue ball of fury, was first birthed by Sega as its "mascot" of sorts. Sega eventually saw the potential of the blue hedgehog as a hit game series and released the first installment in 1991. Sega rode on the coattails of their prodigy as Sonic soared through loops and jumps on TV screens across America and sub sequentially turning Sega into a leading video game company.

From 1991 to 1994 Sega churned out three hit titles starring Sonic and a fourth with Sonic sharing the spotlight with his pal, Knuckles. Sonic barrel rolled out of his 2d home and set foot into a lush 3D environment, in Sonic Adventures for Dreamcast, and never looked back.

Sonic's creator, Sega, decided to drop out of the hardware market in 2001 and allowed Sonic to step into the consoles of its former competitor, Nintendo. After seeing major success on the Nintendo platform, Sega decided to also allow Playstation and Xbox the privilege of selling the Sonic series. In 2006, Sonic the Hedgehog found his series in the form of a star, a part of the honorable "Walk of Game". Almost two decades and 7 console generations after its initial debut, Sonic the Hedgehog is still going strong, with a new hit game on next-gen consoles, Xbox 360 and PS3.



Kristen has been a sonic the hedgehog fan since 1991. Find more information on sonic the hedgehog and sonic games at http://www.sonicgame.info.

Article Source: http://articlefree4all.com