Press ‘START': Going at it alone?
In the last decade or so, with a
growing dependence on (or perhaps
a reluctance to be without) being
connected, most consoles — even
handhelds — are making use of
either local or Internet connectivity.
However, is it always better to be
playing online?
There are games in which Internet connectivity is not simply accepted; it is expected. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation is one of those titles in which there is only an online game. There is nothing you can do by yourself, or with friends at home. Rock Band is a great game that allows you to play online, as well as offline. Burnout: Paradise isn't just a hybrid, but actually plays the same online or offline. In fact, the transition between offline and online is completely seamless, save the trash talking you suddenly hear in your headset, or on the TV. There are titles that offer completely different gameplay, such as the series of Splinter Cell games. There are games like the newly released Super Mario World: Wii which allows a roomful of people to participate in a repackaged classic platformer.
I have been asked often, “Is it better to play online than offline?” The question is too subjective to simply shake or nod one's head in response. On one hand, you have single-player games that you can play anytime without having to organize anything, such as some first- and third-person shooters and many role-playing games. On the other hand, when going online you can play with a few other people, or with some of the new games out there like MAG, hundreds of other people.
This does not, however, preclude you from getting online and jumping into games that are “open,” with little organization or preparation (or skill). It also does not mean you are unable to play single-player games with a friend or two and pass the controller around. In fact, most games for new-generation consoles are as entertaining to watch as they are to play.
Some games are often better when played online, such as shooters and racing games, especially if you have a league or group of people you game with. These groups are referred to as “clans.” Most clanners have “game nights” as others might have a bowling or darts night, or some other league event. There are some very serious clans out there, too. Of note, there is a “PMS” clan (www.pmsclan.com) that is a positive influence for “girl gamers.”
Some clans are created to be quite competitive, others simply to have fun.
Online, cyberthugs — those ignorant nasty people that hide behind the Internet's anonymity shield and talk like idiots — are as common as the people who throw garbage in the bus shelters, key cars in parking lots, and stick gum under desks. The global village is no different than the one you grew up in. The easiest way to get rid of a cyberthug is to ignore them. The majority of people playing online games are just like the majority of people around you right now. Some are loud, some are quiet, some wary of strangers, and others will be quite welcoming. In fact, if you look around right now, there are probably quite a few gamers that you can see from where you are. Young or old, male or female, there's a huge diversity among gamers.
I personally have made lasting friendships with people as close as here in London, Ontario and from places ranging from coast to coast in Canada; all parts of the U.S.A., including Alaska; Japan, South America and the United Kingdom.
Offline, of course, I have spent a lot of time with my family playing games like Nintendo's Mario and Zelda franchises, Guitar Hero on the Playstation and Little Big Planet on the Playstation 3. I have also spent countless hours playing games like Dragon Quest and BioShock alone and in the dark, for hours at a time.
My lovely wife has mentioned buying a Wii a number of times recently. I am positive this is due to the new Super Mario game. She always did love platformers (which is one reason she liked Little Big Planet — the ultimate platformer) and Mario was her favourite. I guess she knows what she's getting for Christmas.
I hope she doesn't read this.
There are games in which Internet connectivity is not simply accepted; it is expected. SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation is one of those titles in which there is only an online game. There is nothing you can do by yourself, or with friends at home. Rock Band is a great game that allows you to play online, as well as offline. Burnout: Paradise isn't just a hybrid, but actually plays the same online or offline. In fact, the transition between offline and online is completely seamless, save the trash talking you suddenly hear in your headset, or on the TV. There are titles that offer completely different gameplay, such as the series of Splinter Cell games. There are games like the newly released Super Mario World: Wii which allows a roomful of people to participate in a repackaged classic platformer.
I have been asked often, “Is it better to play online than offline?” The question is too subjective to simply shake or nod one's head in response. On one hand, you have single-player games that you can play anytime without having to organize anything, such as some first- and third-person shooters and many role-playing games. On the other hand, when going online you can play with a few other people, or with some of the new games out there like MAG, hundreds of other people.
This does not, however, preclude you from getting online and jumping into games that are “open,” with little organization or preparation (or skill). It also does not mean you are unable to play single-player games with a friend or two and pass the controller around. In fact, most games for new-generation consoles are as entertaining to watch as they are to play.
Some games are often better when played online, such as shooters and racing games, especially if you have a league or group of people you game with. These groups are referred to as “clans.” Most clanners have “game nights” as others might have a bowling or darts night, or some other league event. There are some very serious clans out there, too. Of note, there is a “PMS” clan (www.pmsclan.com) that is a positive influence for “girl gamers.”
Some clans are created to be quite competitive, others simply to have fun.
Online, cyberthugs — those ignorant nasty people that hide behind the Internet's anonymity shield and talk like idiots — are as common as the people who throw garbage in the bus shelters, key cars in parking lots, and stick gum under desks. The global village is no different than the one you grew up in. The easiest way to get rid of a cyberthug is to ignore them. The majority of people playing online games are just like the majority of people around you right now. Some are loud, some are quiet, some wary of strangers, and others will be quite welcoming. In fact, if you look around right now, there are probably quite a few gamers that you can see from where you are. Young or old, male or female, there's a huge diversity among gamers.
I personally have made lasting friendships with people as close as here in London, Ontario and from places ranging from coast to coast in Canada; all parts of the U.S.A., including Alaska; Japan, South America and the United Kingdom.
Offline, of course, I have spent a lot of time with my family playing games like Nintendo's Mario and Zelda franchises, Guitar Hero on the Playstation and Little Big Planet on the Playstation 3. I have also spent countless hours playing games like Dragon Quest and BioShock alone and in the dark, for hours at a time.
My lovely wife has mentioned buying a Wii a number of times recently. I am positive this is due to the new Super Mario game. She always did love platformers (which is one reason she liked Little Big Planet — the ultimate platformer) and Mario was her favourite. I guess she knows what she's getting for Christmas.
I hope she doesn't read this.
