Boy Scouts to Offer Loops and Pins for Video Gaming

The times they are a-changin'.  The days of yore when Boy Scouts would help and old woman across the street or build a camp fire are soon passing us by and making way for a new generation when an astute knowledge of video games warrants a belt loop or academic pin.

What a beautiful age we live in.

The Boy Scouts of America have announced that Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts can earn a belt loop or academic pin for knowledge comparing video game consoles, how to teach others to play video games and pricing for video games, as well as how to manage video game usage along side homework, chores and other activities you "should" do.

Boys are also repeatedly encouraged to play video games that are age appropriate.

My personal favorite requirements are listed below:

Play a video game with family members in a family tournament. The new family game night.

Play an appropriate video game with a friend for one hour. Like that one is hard.

Play a video game that will help you practice your math, spelling, or another skill that helps you in your schoolwork. Good luck finding one of those. Although "The Oregon Trail" should count, but that might be a little dated for today's hooligans.

Compare two game systems (for example, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo Wii, and so on). Explain some of the differences between the two. List good reasons to purchase or use a game system. Birth of a fanboy.

Get all the details on the official requirements page.

A Case for Video Games as Art, or Roger Ebert is an Idiot

If you're a fan of video games you have no doubt run across some media site, blog or irritated tweet referencing a recent blog entry by noted film critic Roger Ebert who wrote that "Video games can never be art."

Even Ebert admits that "never" is a bit of a weighted word, but I am absolutely shocked that a film critic would feel this way about an emerging medium and be completely wrong in the process.

He spends most of his time refuting a presentation made at USC by Kelle Santiago, a video game producer and designer, who catalogues various (perhaps not the best) examples of video games as art.

She lists downloadable games Braid, Flower and another I'm not familiar with - Waco Resurrection. I'm not sure how she goes about her argument suggesting each as art, but Ebert is quick to to consider Santiago's three examples as "pathetic."

Ebert is also quick to forget the struggles the film industry faced during it's infancy. The 15-second long reels in Edison's Kinetoscope were viewed as nothing more than minor amusements and were certainly not considered art-worthy by any means. It wasn't until the first Academy Awards in 1929 until motion pictures were considered an art form - nearly 40 years after Edison introduced his little gimmick.

Ebert also spends considerable time toying with the definition of art, but forgets the division between unfairly classified "high" and "low" art - film is still considered the latter.

I would bet that a commonly held interpretation of art could be explained as a piece of creative word that stimulates not only thought, but challenges either the limitations within its medium or society to some degree.

Video games are the only interactive medium allowing the player a choice in his or her actions. Yes, it's a game with a motivation and goal, but video games are becoming much closer to film than Mr. Ebert would ever dare to consider.

Take the Metal Gear Solid or Final Fantasy franchises for example. They both feature less gameplay than cinematics a majority of the time. The interactive nature of a video game in this case create a closer emotional connection to the story that transcends film. After all, to reject video games as art is to reject film as art.

As for the inability to compare any video game or game creator with great art or artists, you have to examine what each had done for the industry. When you look at how video games and video game artists have stimulated the medium, names such as Shigeru Miyamoto, Hideo Kojima and Will Wright come to mind as do Super Mario Bros., Metal Gear Solid and The Sims.

I'm Sorry Roger Ebert, but you're wrong and I'm sick of the image of video games as a mindless medium for teenage boys.

Video games are art.

Five things video games can learn from movies

As the convergence of media continues and more film and video game franchises combine by crossing into each medium, why not look at what each does well and implement those techniques into the other?

In other words, what can video games learn from the film industry and what can the film industry learn from video games?

Below is part one of a two-part series looking at what each industry could learn from one another.

So what can video games learn from movies?

Great Story

There are clear examples of amazing storylines, plot development and characterization in video game, but many console bouts boil down to "go kill the bad guy." If the industry is ever to be legitimized and taken seriously the epic tales players meet should be something players can engage in. It is the only interactive medium after all.

Something called editing

A truly great film can not exist without great editing and video games desperately need to follow suit. Sometimes it's due to graphical missteps in a game's cinematic sequences and sometimes its a lack of attention or background in editing, but video games often miss the mark when choosing when to cut away from a shot or scene or even in repetition of gameplay (there is editing some editing work there too). Editing is a powerful tool and can alter a viewer's perception of what's happening on the screen - The Kuleshov Effect.

Music is important

Once again, too few video game developers understand the importance and impact of a good musical score. Instead, we find billowy and repetitive themes that add little to the experience aside from additional noise. Just as how music can cue a specific emotional response to what's happening on the screen in a film, unique and distinctive musical pieces can diversify the experience in a video game with each environment creating it's own personality by not only its artistic palette, but music as well.

Try some metaphor, symbolism, and motifs

The difference between a "movie" and a "film" is contingent on its artistic merit. As in great literature, one of the most expressive ways content in any medium reaches the realm of art is through creative and expressive techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, and motifs. Video games have never attempted to reach the next dimension of expression with these techniques in a visual and interactive medium where it is easy to tie-in a visual motif in association with a character or gameplay element.

Sometimes less is more

Flashy visual effects, massive boss battles and an innovative physics engine is the recipe of the day for many video game titles. Although there is nothing wrong with this formula, it's sometimes better to go back to the basics. Games like Pac-Man, Tetris and Frogger are not just classics because of their popularity during the dawn of the medium, but because they are simple, timeless entertainment. "Casablanca" never had any explosions, car chases, scantily-clad woman or 3D CGI (cough, Avatar, cough) to warrant it a film masterpiece, it was the mastery of its writing and brilliance of its acting that made it a classic despite its technical inferiority. Video games can make a conscious effort to focus on the core of a great game, such as its gameplay and story, the fanfare should come second.

Video Game Statistics at a Glance

Source: Online Education

VGF does not confirm or deny the accuracy of this information. Enjoy!

VGF 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Happy Thanksgiving everyone and like I was told by a source earlier in the week "Gobble Gobble."

Hopefully you're awake from your turkey nap and ready to get back to bed from some of tomorrow's "Black Friday" doorbuster deals.

That being said, make sure you are prepared with the knowledge of this year's hottest video game for the gamer in your life. To lend you a helping hand, below is a list of biggest games this holiday season by console and genre:

Wii Exclusive
New Super Mario Bros. Wii










Poor Wii owners haven't really had much to celebrate this year, but leave it to Nintendo to release at least one must-have Nintendo title per year. "New Super Mario Bros. Wii" is not only that title this year, it is one of the hottest games across all consoles this holiday season. Young gamers and older Mario fans will have an amazing nostalgic trip playing Mario in his original 2D glory in an all new game.


Xbox 360 Exclusive
Halo 3: ODST










Sure it's not Master Chief, but it is Halo. Halo 3: ODST focuses on an "Orbital Drop Shock Troope" unit as you traverse an open world first-person shooter environment. Although it did not receive as high marks as other games in the "Halo" series, "ODST" is sure to please any Xbox 360 and "Halo" fan - and there are a lot out there.


Playstation 3 Exclusive
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves









This sequel to the 2007 PS3 action-adventure title is also one of the year's most critically acclaimed games. "Uncharted 2: Among Thieves" does everything a sequel should by being bigger, longer and more beautiful. Couple that with a thematic style fully integrated with gameplay and you have the biggest Playstation 3 exclusive holiday release of 2009.


Nintendo DS Exclusive
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks







Although this title is not available until Dec. 7, "The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks" is certain to be a game DS owners will love this coming holiday season. This time series hero Link is a train conductor traveling across Hyrule. The game is sure to utilize many of the same gameplay mechanics of the DS the same way it's predecessor "Phantom Hourglass" did in 2007.


Playstation Portable Exclusive
Little Big Planet









If you're not a PS3 owner, but have a PSP you need to get your hands on "Little Big Planet" for the PSP. It's PS3 brother own numerous awards last year including "Game of the Year" from the Interactive Achievement Awards and this year's PSP version of the 2D side-scroller is certain to light up your PSP very soon.


First-Person Shooter
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Xbox 360, PS3, PC










Breaking the world record for the biggest entertainment release with over $550 million in sale the first week "Modern Warfare 2" is on the top of every first-person shooter's wish list. Blending a solid story with a deep multiplayer experience and new co-operative modes and you have a golden release already enjoyed by millions across the globe. Remember to click here for VGF's preview-review of "Modern Warfare 2."


Action-Adventure
Assassin's Creed 2
Xbox 360, PS3, PC










Early reviews are showing that this year's sequel to the 2007 action-adventure title builds on the city-scaping thriller. Italian assassin Ezio Auditore di Firenze (like you need to be told he is Italian) races across rooftops, streets, and waterways to seize his pray in this open world, time traveling title. Like "Uncharted 2" this sequel is bigger and better than its brilliant predecessor.


Rhythm Game
The Beatles: Rock Band
Wii, Xbox 360, PS3










Sure it's a band-exclusive game, but it's "The Beatles." Showcasing one of the world's greatest musical groups in a game that is well polished and meets gamers with a non-abrasive difficulty, "The Beatles: Rock Band" is sure to please. Add two full album track packs - and another in December - and you have a game that will continue giving beyond 2009.

Strange Video Game World Records

As if he haven't heard enough of how great Eidos' new "Batman" video game is, there's now official proof.

"Batman: Arkham Asylum" now holds the Guinness World record for "Most Critically Acclaimed Superhero Game Ever" with an average score of 91.67 - sorry "Superman 64."

Now that the world has received perhaps its finest superhero video game, what about other world worthy records in the video game world?

After taking a look at the "Guinness World Record: Gamer's Edition" there are a few video game records that range from the unordinary to the bizarre that you might not know about.

FIRST GAMING CLAN TO LEGALLY BIND THEIR PLAYERS












That's right "Counter Strike" clan "Team NoA" bought our team member "Ola 'elemeNt' Moum" from clan "SK Gaming" for an undisclosed amount of money in 2004. Maybe there is hope for professional gamers to become as wealthy as professional athletes.


LONGEST PRISON SENTENCE FOR PLAYING A VIDEO GAME








In September of 2002, UK native Faiz Chopdat was incarcerated for four months for playing "Tetris" on his mobile phone while on an airplane. I at least hope he accomplished a Tetris for his troubles.


FIRST VIDEO GAME SERIES TO INSPIRE A BALLET







That's right a ballet. "Dragon Quest" holds the honors here. I would have guessed one of the "Final Fantasy" games as well.


FIRST CONSOLE IN A NUCLEAR WEAPONS CONSPIRACY









In 2000, Iraq i dictator Saddam Hussein was investigated for possibly avoiding UN sanctions when a shipment of 4,000 Playstation 2 consoles were sent to Iraq. The UN sanction prohibited the sale of computer hardware to Iraq and it was feared that the Playstation 2 consoles were to be used for a guidance system for long-range missiles. Just think of the damage that could be done with a few Playstation 3's since 8 of them now make a supercomputer.


LARGEST SIMULTANEOUS VIDEO GAME EXERCISE ROUTINE








The EA Burnaby, CAN campus sports field held 605 people who simultaneously "danced," "boxed," and "curled" to "EA Sports Active" for the Nintendo Wii on May 22, 2009. That must have been one sweaty field.

Six Health Care Solutions in Video Games

With the nation’s focus turned to proposed health care reform it is vital to examine the issue from differing perspectives to adequately and responsibly resolve the highly debated issue.

Perhaps the many health care solutions from the world of video games could be considered in development of a new system for America.

Below is an examination of how many popular video game titles approach the vital issue of good health.


Proportional Medial Costs

Russian immigrant Niko Bellic from Rockstar’s “Grand Theft Auto IV” is certainly one of the 50 million Americans living without health insurance. His illegal organized crime and drug smuggling profession is not only highly hazards to his health, but also lacks heath benefits. However, when Niko’s health is in serious jeopardy he is never turned away from the many hospitals in Liberty City due to his lack of coverage.

In fact, the costs of hospital visits in Liberty City are proportional to Niko’s net worth. Not matter if he is shot, drowned, or faces a catastrophic explosion; the hospitals of Liberty City only require payment that is 10 percent of his net worth which is capped at $10,000 if he owns more than $100,000 – all without health insurance.

Estimates from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) suggest the average cost of a hospital visit was $19,400 for uninsured Americans in 2006. Perhaps this virtual New York City may have a possible solution for America’s uninsured.



Preventative Care

Perhaps Americans could improve their overall health through more preventative care.

Take Sega’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” for example. Sonic insures his own health through the preventative care of golden rings. Although Sonic does not expect to find himself in poor health, he gathers golden rings so that if he finds himself landing in hot lava or perhaps atop sharp spikes, he knows his golden rings will save him from certain death. Of course the drawback is that no matter if he has one or a hundred handy, he loses them all at once.

Nevertheless, countless video game characters use some form of shield or body armor to protect their individual wellbeing. These precautions are in preparation for unexpected complications in the future.



Health Regeneration

Combating an onslaught of enemy fire is never as dangerous as it seems for hardened first-person shooter veterans like Master Chief in Bungie’s “Halo” franchise due to health regeneration. Many FPS have shown that hospital visits and health packs are no longer necessary to sustain perfect health. After absorbing countless bullets, laser projectiles, and explosives an individual blessed with regenerative health simply experiences a slowed heart rate and tunnel vision until health eventually regenerates within a few seconds.

Best of all is that this technology has allegedly existed since World War II. American and Russian infantrymen have benefited from regenerated health as early as the 1940s thanks to Activision’s “Call of Duty” franchise. Perhaps simple regeneration from undesired health could be a solution to the health care dilemma.



Health Recovery Zones

The solution to end suffering from poor health may just come from the invention of practical health recovery zones. These chambers, crystals, and machines are abundant in video games and immediately resolve any and all health concerns.

How does Samus Aran recover health in Nintendo’s “Metroid Prime” series? She finds one of the several conveniently placed “save rooms” where she can not only save her progress, but restore her health as well. Likewise, Square-Enix’s “Final Fantasy” series features several titles where a crystal is used to save data and restore not only health, but cure various aliments ranging from poisoning to petrifaction.

Even Nintendo’s “Pokemon” series allows Pokeman trainers to visit a “Pokemon Center.” At these centers, trainers can have their beloved Pokeman healed through a special machine which uses a conveyor belt system to turn “fainted” Pokemon to healthy and active creatures.



Items, Potions, and Magic

Any Role-Playing Game fan will tell you that no quest is surmountable without a healthy supply of potions, items and a working knowledge of white magic to heal ones self and companions.

Link from Nintendo’s “Legend of Zelda” series usually maintains an arsenal of red and blue potions, Lon Lon Milk, or – on special occasions – magic fairies which can recover health instantly and even cheat death. Perhaps some investment in research could be made to discover how to create these cure-all potions or discover a great fairy fountain or two.

The “Final Fantasy” series offers a wide array of solutions to health care issues. A trained white mage can cure degrading health, remedy life-threatening conditions, and even revive the dead. If you are not fortunate enough to possess these skills and know of no one who does, there is a plethora of items that will perform the same function from Hi-potions to Remedy’s to the infamous Phoenix Down.



Dropped and Discovered Health

Perhaps the most common and oldest forms of health care in the video game world are dropped health items or those that can be discovered throughout the world. From “Mega Man” to “Super Mario Bros.” health items are only a few steps away at any time. Capcom’s “Mega Man” needs only to annihilate his robotic foes to acquire health spheres. The most common of all health remedies in video games.

Likewise, Nintendo’s “Super Mario” features another common form of video game health care – discovered items. Just smash a few blocks and there is your mushroom power-up or perhaps break a few crates in Capcom’s “Resident Evil” series to find precious herbs and first-aid sprays.

Nevertheless, Mario’s most recent adventures highlight the painful reality of the American health care system. In his recent three-dimensional endeavors, Mario has found solace in collecting coins to regenerate his health. Even the Japanese-created, Italian plumber understands the harsh fact that in America - and under any plan - the only insurance of good health is some serious coin.