By
eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You’ll Need:
Research
Step1
Log on to just about any search engine on the Internet, including Google or Yahoo, to name a few.
Step2
Look for the search engine's video games category. A list of sites related to video games will appear. Some sites are geared toward a specific game system, whether it's Nintendo 64, PlayStation 2, or whatever.
Step3
Click on and review the various sites. These sites often give previews of upcoming releases and provide reviews of games that are on the market. Some sites use a rating system of stars or checks when evaluating games.
Step4
Determine which games you are interested in buying.
Choosing the Game at the Store
Step1
Ask to demonstrate the games you are considering purchasing.
Step2
Consider the graphics. Are the images of high quality?
Step3
Consider the process of playing the game. How easy is it to play the game? Can you execute moves in the game easily, or are there difficulties in maneuvering characters? For example, is switching weapons difficult or easy? How long of a delay is there between commanding a character to perform a task and when the character responds to that command? Can others play the game with you and, if so, how many? Can you link two systems together? Is it fun to play?
Step4
Determine how easy it is to set up the game controller. Can you adjust the sound and music volume, and is the screen layout functional?
Step5
Consider the sound effects. The more creative, realistic and distinctive, the better. Does the game incorporate surround sound or stereo?
Step6
Consider the "intelligence" of the "enemy" in the game. How smart are its reactions to your moves?
Step7
Consider how challenging the game is. If you can waltz through a game on "normal difficulty," then it is not too difficult to play. On the other hand, if you are annihilated consistently, the game may be too difficult for you to play.
Step8
Determine an overall feeling about the game. Is it worth the money you will spend on it?
Buy Video Games
Comments
Anonymous said
on 3/23/2006 A good way to browse for the newest games, as well as for knowing which games are good, is to go to a good game-reviewing site and check out its reviews.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you like the commercial for a game and want to get more info on it before you rent or buy it, search on the web and see if the game has a website. Most games do have sites with at least a little information about the game on it. Even if they don't have a site, at least you tried, right?
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Visit the following Web site:
www.videogames.com. There you will find thorough and trustworthy reviews of every game for the current game systems. Games are rated 1 to 10 in five areas, given an overall score, and discussed in detail. Lots of pics, too!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you are unsure as to whether a game is worth purchasing, consider renting it from Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, or a mom-and-pop shop. It's a good way to screen a game you are iffy about.