Games for the Mind

Hello,

When many people today think "video games" they think of overweight teenagers sitting on couches, mindlessly mashing control panels, with the only communication between them being "Mm." (translated as 'Nice shot.' ) or "MM." (Translated - 'Crap. I just got shot in the gut.' ) or even the very popular "Mm Mm." ("Could you please pause the game? I have inhaled five Red Bulls in the past hour, and I really need to visit the Little Gamer's room to do some target practice". )

While this is the case for many gamers and games, it is certainly not the case for all people and PlayStationlikethings. There are two reasons why I believe that these things are the case for many people:

1. The game. If the game is not suited for communication, as many games are not, people are not as likely to communicate or use brain function. On the other hand, if the game requires massive strategy (As I believe most, if not all, games should) , massive communication is almost a must.

2. The people. If the people are playing just for the sake of playing, they won't talk. If, on the other hand, they are good friends, and wish to have fun, they will usually exchange comments on the game, and eagerly exchange strategy. Or, if they are playing against each other, they can yell trash to each other. Only in good fun, of course.

Now, I can't fix the people who are playing, but I can offer a suggestion for the game: Age of Empires 3. Or any game in the Age of Empires series. Each player starts with a single building and several people. They must use these starting units to gather resources from the map, and use these resources to make buildings, create units, and in the end, destroy their opponents.

While the game is simple to learn and play, it is impossible to master, as it's gaming community creates radical new strategies all the time.

Multi-player adds a new dimension- having to deal with two opponents with an ally at your side creates a dramatic change in your game plans, as you must protect your buddy as well as yourself.

While this is just one game out of hundreds that necessitates a good dose of brain usage, it is arguably the best. The game is incredibly well balanced, and Ensemble Studios (the creators) are constantly play-testing the game for the purpose of releasing balance patches.

Age of Empires 3, and all other Age of Empires games are PC based.

For more information:
Official Site:.....................................www.ageofempires3.com
Semi-Official Community..............www.agecommunity.com
Popular and Active Community...www.aoe3.heavengames.com

Foy Lyndström