Hidden Gaming Gems

You know the ones. The games that we stumble across by accident that actually turn out to be some of the best experiences we have in gaming. A hidden gaming gem that we will play completely to the end several times (maybe on different platforms) just for the fun of it. Or maybe perhaps we find the multiplayer aspect of a game too good to put down? Whether it be from years ago or maybe more recently, there are games out there that grab us and don't let us go. Some that come to mind are:

- Burnout Revenge: The multiplayer in this game as truly immense and it was the first ever game I went online to play multiplayer. It's a real shame this game is nearly impossible to play now due to how log ago it was released. Bring it back! Burnout Paradise was nothing in comparison to this arcade racer.

- Broken Sword: A childhood memory for me and one that will likely stay with me for the rest of my life. I've re-played this game on the DS, the IPhone, Ipad and PC (originally on the PS). A truly all time classic point and click adventure.

- Call of Duty: I agree with some that this franchise is becoming nothing more than a money grabbing  tyrant where they justify a full retail price for the next reincarnation which may not be so different to the latter. This said, they certainly do get the last laugh as the multiplayer is compellingly addictive and buying the next in the series feels a lot like getting the next Apple product.

- Discworld: I'm not sure how popular this game was, but along similar lines as Broken Sword, this point and click adventure is just as addictive. The difference? This game lends more humour but also in a much more fictitious environment and plot. Worth a download!

This is just a small selection of the games that come to mind first but there are many more. I remember the days of playing 'Zelda: The Ocarina Of Time', 'Super Mario All Stars' and to perhaps a lesser extend 'GTA: San Andreas'. What are yours?

Saints Row vs Grand Theft Auto

Which one is for you if you could only pick one? Both games, in essence, are the same type of game. An open world environment where you are free to live it and cause havoc, to the best of your ability (whether this be getting a six star wanted level or perhaps getting involved into the gritty plot lines).

I know, I know. Although these games are 'similar', they could also not be further apart in the direction they take when creating the gameplay. Grand Theft Auto is serious (mostly) with realistic graphics, gritty backdrops and fulfilling plot lines. Saints Row however is somewhat different and takes a more laid back approach to the whole affair, making fun almost at the differing aspects of the genre, but it is definately invested in raw fun, rather than complex realism and to this end, is onto a winning formula. At the end of the day, we play games to have fun.

Which one would you want if you could only have one? I've lost count of the amount of times I have become bored with GTA and so would purposely create a four star wanted level and recreate a chase like you want see on TV. If not that, but with the use of cheats, you could fly high above the cities, invincible, with unlimited ammo and guns. A careless fun element adding fun which you find more in Saints Row. So I guess, if you couldn't input cheat codes, would it be Saints Row or GTA?

Personally, GTA will always be my choice. From playing the best in series, San Andreas, I have been a fan ever since, and await anxiously the release of GTA V.

Should Grand Theft Auto 5 Be Banned?

It appears Grand Theft Auto is in the news again with concern to whether it should be banned. This tends to happen every time a game is due to be released which is a bit too controversial that it fails to slip under the radar.

The very question seems ridiculous, as ofcourse, games are not real and are only virtual representations (whether this be realistic or not). The concern in modern society is that games like this invoke harmful emotion in people who may be easily suspectible (especially in the younger generation). This may be true but surely it is no more true of this game, than it is of a controversial poster, advert or song. Games also are not fully accessible like other forms of media, as they come with age ratings. Age ratings are ignored by parents all the time, but upon any drastic mood change or action from their child, the game is blamed. This screams ignorance.

I'm aware the issue is bigger than what it first seems and so, this must be assessed on a case by case basis as different aspects may be apparent in each.

A controversial subject, but one that shouldn't really have to be debated for too long. There are rules in place to minimise adverse effects to such media, its a shame this topic has to come into mainstream media every so often (such as with Saints Row and Hitman).