++% ; pro -HelpfulHolida Hints + *,.* = ipfulHolidayHin Holiday Wish Lists Are Getting Their Game On (NAPSA)—When it comes to holiday wish lists, times have changed. In the past, kids would ask for board games, sporting equipment and CDs. But this year, kids of all ages often ask for the hottest video games to play via their television or computer. Whether you are buying for a grandchild, teenager or adult, Microsoft gaming experts have teamed up with Jinny Gudmundsen, editor of Choosing Children’s Software magazine (www.choosing childrenssoftware.com) and syndicated columnist for Gannett News Service and USA Today.com,to help guide your holiday game buying. Said Gudmundsen, “The key is to do your homework and get educated before you buy.” Before going shopping: Readall aboutit. Daily newspapers feature video gamereviews, just like a movie or bookreview, in the technology orlifestyle section. Additional gaming information can be found at www.commonsense media.org, www.esrb.com, www. Xbox.com and www.microsoft.com/ windowsxp/games. Ask questions. In order to determine what type of game the person on your list prefers, ask whether they play on Windowsor on a console? Consoles include Xbox”, Play Station, GameCube, and Gameboy Advance. It’s important to know which consoles your gift recipient owns because games are not compatible across all systems. Also determine what type of games they play. For example, do they prefer sports or racing games, such as: NFL Fever 2004, Amped 2 or Project Gotham Racing” 2 (Xbox). Know how to read a game box. In addition to a game description and sample screens of gameplay, the game box features two important descriptors. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) game rating is located on NLY ON! . brce), if (7 VAS lel aeseT CTI = As with movies, video games are assigned a rating to help consumers make a purchasethat’s age appropriate. the lower right or the lower left cornerof the front of the box and the content descriptors which are located on the lower left or right corner of the back of the box. As with movies, video games are assigned a rating by the ESRB to help consumers to make a purchase that’s age appropriate. For example, E-rated titles are appropriate for everyone, such as oo Tycoon™: Complete Collection for Windows or Grabbed by the Ghoulies™ for Xbox. Keep kids safe. Much of today’s current technology includes safety nets. Xbox is the only video game console that includes parental control functions to help parents or guardians ensure that their children are playing age appropriate games as defined by the ESRB. Find your local gamestore. Retailers such as Best Buy, Target, Toys R Us and Wal-Mart carry a wide selection of video games, including kid-friendly and familyoriented games. Game organization. When shopping, it is important to note that video games arefirst organized by platform (Windows or console), then by alphabetical order. Hot titles, new releases and best sellers are often featured at the end of aisles or in separate displays. Game previews. Retailers often have game kiosks set up for must-have games, enabling shoppers to test the product before purchasing. * Games for the entire family. Check for multiplayer capability, meaning more than one person can play at a time. Or, if you want to play a game against a friend across the country, make sure the game has online capabilities, such as Xbox Live”, (www.xbox.com/live), which allows you to talk with friends while you play together over the Internet. Video gameconsoles can offer a variety of entertainment experiences. For example, the Xbox console is equipped to allow you to watch DVD movies or play music CDs complete with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Additionally, Xbox Music Mixer makesit possible to play music, make and view personalized photo slide shows andsing karaoke. At the store expect to spend about $50 for newer games and as low as $20 for classic and all-time best sellers. For example, Platinum Hits are “best sellers” for Xbox available at a reduced price. Additionally, many companies fea- ture special holiday offers on video gamesoftware and hardware. This holiday, for less than $180, Xboxis offering an Xbox console, a two-month trial subscription to the highly acclaimed Xbox Live service, the blockbuster game Star Wars: The Clone Wars” from LucasArts and THQ Inc.’s Tetris Worlds™ Live, an enhanced version of the perennial favorite optimized for online play.
