Intel the slang term for knowledge derived from the word inteligence. that is what a dictionary would say and it is correct. Before a parent guardian can lay down any policy concerning gaming he must get intel. The first piece of intel he should know is the child in question. Ask yourself how old is the child or children? Are they mature enough to properly take care of the system? IF the answer to both of these questions is yes then we can continue with information concerning the Video Game Systems. First off youmust know to who each system is geared toward. In this case there are three main systesm out now each one gears toward a different segment of the gaming population.
Nintendo Wii-Nintendo has always geared toward the first time and young gamer and the wii is no exception. The wii has more kid friendly games on it that any of the other systems out there. Yes some of the games on the wii are graphic but the wii has more options for the parent wanting to wait before letting their kid see blood on tv.
Xbox 360-The xbox 360 from microsoft is geared to the more advanced and mature gamer. There are not many games geared toward kids on the 360, besided the madden and other sports games.
PS3-The playstation 3 by sony is also geared to the mature gamer but it is also the new kid on the block so only time will tell but by the way the future games look it appears that PS3 is for the mature gamer looking for the best looks not for the kids looking for clean fun.
Now then we know about the systems now we must know about the rating system. Since the early 1990's games like moves have been rated by a committee of people this committee is known as the ESRB and the rating system is as follows. Their are two ratings on each game the main rating and a description rating below the main rating. The main ratings are as follows
EC-Early Childhood for ages 3 or younger
E-Everyone for ages 6 and older
E10 Everyone from ages 10 and up
T-Teen for people 13 or older
AO-Adults only 18 older
RP Rating Pending no rating yet
However when choosing a game make sure you not only look at the main rating but also the game describers which can be found below the main rating on the back of the Video Game box at the bottom. These desribers give you more info than the main rating on what the game contains. The Game describers are as follows:
Alcohol Reference - Reference to and/or images of alcoholic beverages
Animated Blood - Discolored and/or unrealistic depictions of blood
Blood - Depictions of blood
Blood and Gore - Depictions of blood or the mutilation of body parts
Cartoon Violence - Violent actions involving cartoon-like situations and characters. May include violence where a character is unharmed after the action has been inflicted
Comic Mischief - Depictions or dialogue involving slapstick or suggestive humor
Crude Humor - Depictions or dialogue involving vulgar antics, including “bathroom” humor
Drug Reference - Reference to and/or images of illegal drugs
Fantasy Violence - Violent actions of a fantasy nature, involving human or non-human characters in situations easily distinguishable from real life
Intense Violence - Graphic and realistic-looking depictions of physical conflict. May involve extreme and/or realistic blood, gore, weapons and depictions of human injury and death
Language - Mild to moderate use of profanity
Lyrics - Mild references to profanity, sexuality, violence, alcohol or drug use in music
Mature Humor - Depictions or dialogue involving "adult" humor, including sexual references
Nudity - Graphic or prolonged depictions of nudity
Partial Nudity - Brief and/or mild depictions of nudity
Real Gambling - Player can gamble, including betting or wagering real cash or currency
Sexual Content - Non-explicit depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including partial nudity
Sexual Themes - References to sex or sexuality
Sexual Violence - Depictions of rape or other violent sexual acts
Simulated Gambling - Player can gamble without betting or wagering real cash or currency
Strong Language - Explicit and/or frequent use of profanity
Strong Lyrics - Explicit and/or frequent references to profanity, sex, violence, alcohol or drug use in music
Strong Sexual Content - Explicit and/or frequent depictions of sexual behavior, possibly including nudity
Suggestive Themes - Mild provocative references or materials
Tobacco Reference - Reference to and/or images of tobacco products
Use of Drugs - The consumption or use of illegal drugs
Use of Alcohol - The consumption of alcoholic beverages
Use of Tobacco - The consumption of tobacco products
Violence - Scenes involving aggressive conflict. May contain bloodless dismemberment
Violent References - References to violent acts
With this new information at your disposal you can now make an informed decision on what kind of games to buy your children.
Part two called groundwork will be coming soon and any suggestions you have please leave me a message.
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