(NAPSA)—Video games are no longer child’s play. According to one recent study, 60 percent ofall Americans age six and older now play computer and video games. Plus, gaming crosses age groups. It’s possible to find a grandmother playing hearts on America Online or a father playing games on his cell phone while riding the subway. A child in the same family might be regularly playing games online against his far-flung summer campfriends, thanks to online support from his video gameconsole. Today’s games are also being developed to respond to a wide variety of tastes and skill levels. For example, a popular game called Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell— based on the fictional world of best-selling author Tom Clancy— looks to bring a whole new level of stealth and high-tech combat to gameplayingplatforms. Hiding himself in the shadows to remain undetected, lead character secret agent Sam Fisher exhibits amazing athleticism, somersaulting, rappelling, jumping off walls in narrow hallways— even hanging from pipes so that he can silently drop down to surprise an enemy guard. He’s also got a wide array of gadgets, such as electronic devices to hotwire security cameras. The controls are numerous but experts claim that once they’re mastered, this game can provide an immense level of depth andskill. Another title, Chessmaster, is described as the most comprehensive chess game available. Some say it can actually improve a person’s level of play. It’s possible for players to test their chess skills against live opponents online or Sone Today’s electronic games are also being developed to respond to a wide variety of tastes and skill levels. improve their game at chess school. Along with what’s described as the most powerful chess engine available, the game also includes features just for fun. For example, it offers whimsical 3D chess sets, quickstart-play—so opponents can jumpright into a game without a detailed set-up—and a blunder alert feature for receiving easy-tounderstand audio advice. It’s great for chess fans who want to brush up on their gameortest their mettle. For crime solving fans, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a new PC gamebased on the hit CBStelevision show. Featuring the likenesses and voices of the entire CSI cast, players solve a series of crimesutilizing the latest in forensic equipment. In addition to a script by New York Times best-selling author Max Allan Collins, the classic adventure game incorporates the music, visual style and accurately modeled locations featured in the award-winningtelevision show. To learn more about these and other games, visit the Web site at www.ubi.com.
