Print |
E-mail to a friend
ENTERTAINMENT
Gamer's Corner: Video games for people who don't like video games
I can't really explain it, but some people just don't like video games. I don't know why, and frankly, it depresses me to think about it too much. But, non-gamers are also subscribers to this newspaper and, as such, I guess it's my duty to give them some game recommendations too.
"HARRY POTTER INTERACTIVE DVD GAME" (DVD PLAYERS): So, just how "non-game" is this new Harry Potter title? Here's some indication: You don't even need a video game console to play it. Basically you'll just be using your DVD remote to tool around Hogwarts, learning wand movement and mixing up potions. You can break your family and friends up into teams and compete for the Hogwarts House Cup.
It's fun and really beautifully produced and narrated, though instructions (especially for the Quidditch match) can often be frustratingly limited. That said, the game doesn't really rely on a knowledge of Harry Potter trivia, so it could be fun for most groups.
"ROCK BAND" (XBOX 360, PS3): Yeah, I know I just talked about it last week, but I couldn't really not put it on the list. If you're looking for a way to incorporate non-gamers, there's really no better way than giving them the mic and letting them sing their way through "Rock Band" hits while their more gaming-inclined relatives handle drum and guitar duties.
"SCENE IT?" -- (XBOX 360): This is fairly similar to the board game of the same name, though there's a lot less set up and a lot higher production value. It's movie trivia, with plenty of real clips and images from favorite films. There's 1,800 questions on the disc too (with the possibility that more could be added through Xbox Live) so it's bound to stay fresh for a while.
What's best for non-gamers is that the play is handled through large, colorful buzzer controllers, so there's no fiddling with sticks or buttons, which is sure to be a relief to game-a-phobes.
"MY WORD COACH" (DS): I've been enjoying this game/learning application recently, which lets you build your vocabulary through games, and have been pleased with the results. To be fair, I'm not exactly trotting out the nickel words all the time, but when people use them, I don't get left in the dust quite as often.
With a really easy interface, it could be the perfect way for a crossword puzzler to bridge the gap into electronic gaming.
Justin McElroy is a freelance writer living in Huntington. His writing appears on video game sites like Gamezebo.com and Joystiq.com.
WVSO presents "A Night on Broadway"
Arenacross
WVSO presents "Rumpelstiltzkin: Straw into Gold"
Huntington Symphony Orchestra: "Dreams of America"
Mountain Stage with Larry Groce
MEN'S BASKETBALL: Marshall vs. Tulsa
Harry Connick Jr. "Your Songs" Tour
Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic
"Le Grand Cirque"

