This video game pathfinder was compiled for teenagers looking for materials on video games. Most of the information provided is in electronic format because there is a limited amount of print material available on this topic. Materials have been selected based on the following criteria: effective cheats and codes, quality of reviews, historical video game information, general information on video games, lack of pop-ups, and overall quality, design, and content of websites. This pathfinder is organized by Reference Resources, Websites with Cheats Codes and Reviews, General Websites, Video Game Magazines, Books, Software, and Audio-Visual material. Many public libraries would find this pathfinder helpful for patrons looking for codes and general information on video games. Recently, I have had to answer two video game reference questions in the past month, so I have discovered a need for this material. The Reference Resource section provides an overview and introduction to video game terminology. If anyone has any comments, questions, or concerns please email me at the link provided at the bottom of this webpage.
General Key Words/Search Strategies: Use terms like "video games," "video game history," "video game codes," and "video game articles." It is possible to search for websites with a search engine like yahoo or google. However, some websites have pop-ups, so be careful when looking at video game websites. There are more search strategies for specific resources below.
Reference Resources
Websites with Cheats, Codes, and Reviews
General Websites
Video Game Magazines
Books
Software
Audio-Visual
Extension Ideas
Farflex. The Free Dictionary. 2005. http://www.thefreedictioanry.com/
When using this resource, use the search term "video game." As a result, the definition of a video game will be displayed. However, there are other sections of this website that are valuable. When looking at the search results, there are tabs across the top of the page, the second to last tab will be the "Free Encyclopedia." Click this option, and an excellent write up of video games will be displayed. It is possible to read about the video game market, best selling games, opposing issues, and video game genres. There are underlined words in blue ink, which are links to additional information. Or use the mouse to rollover these words and definitions will appear. Overall, this website provides a wonderful introduction to the video game market and terminology. Below are some definitions taken from the "Free Dictionary" and "Free Encyclopedia" sections (all terms can be looked up at this website):
Video game - An electronic or computerized game played by manipulating images on a video display or television screen.
Video game console - A dedicated electronic device designed to play video games.
A role-playing game (RPG) - A type of game where player assume the roles of fictional characters via role-playing.
Playstation 2 - Sony's second video game console, after the Playstation.
Game Cube - Nintendo's fourth home video game console.
Xbox - Microsoft's first home video game console.
Echo Software& Hardware, LLC. Cheat Planet. 1997-2005. http://www.cheatplanet.com
This website provides "channels" for each game console. Currently, Cheat Planet provides game channels for Dreamcast, Gameboy Advanced, Game Cube, Nintendo 64, PC Games, Playstation, Playstation 2, and Xbox. The game console channels provide cheats, release dates, and messages boards for each platform. The message boards are one of the best features of this website. They are organized by topics and specific subjects. It is recommended to use the discussion forum at this website because of its design and content. It is also possible to submit cheats and report bad codes, so there is a check system in place for the cheats and codes at this website.
CNET Networks, Inc. GAMEFAQS. 2005. http://www.gamefaqs.com/
GAMEFAQS is affiliated with GAMESPOT. However, GAMEFAQS is an online archive of video and computer game information. It contains frequently asked questions (FAQS), walkthroughs, hints, codes, and a message board. Anyone can post a message or contribute information at this websites. It is completely free, and is helpful for finding more information about a variety of games, especially if a user is stuck on a specific game.
IDG Entertainment. GAMEPRO.COM. 2005. http://www.gamepro.com/
This website is sponsored by the same company that publishes GAMEPRO magazine. It is possible to read archived issues of GAMEPRO. The website provides some great reviews, cheats, screenshots, news, and strategies. GAMEPRO provides cheats that are tested for accuracy, so when "TESTED" appears in red after a cheat, it is reliable. GAMEPRO rates video games on a 5 point scale, which is based on the following categories: graphics, sound, control, and fun factor. These ratings are NOT averaged. Plus, it is possible to join a forum discussion and talk about current issues and topics in the video game world. It is necessary to have a user name and password to take part in these discussions. Also, check out the release calendar for upcoming games.
Mad Catz, Inc. GameShark.com. 2004. http://www.gameshark.com/
Since the mid 1990s, this website has provided users with codes, cheats, short-cuts, reviews, previews, and video games news. This website is updated almost daily, which keeps the information current. The reviews at GameShark are well written and thorough, plus the games are also rated by the GameShark Rating (5 point scale). It is recommended to use this website for the latest news, preview, and review information.
CNET. GAMESPOT. 2005. http://www.gamespot.com
Users can join this website either for free or a membership fee. If joining for a fee it costs $6.95 per month or $29.95 for a year. Users MUST be 13 year old or older to join this website. If paying to join, there are more benefits, but it is possible to obtain some good information with the free membership. When looking for reviews and information about specific games, this website provides some great information. GAMESPOT provides press releases about games, Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) information, written reviews, and other video games website reviews, which allows for comparing reviews. GAMESPOT rates video game on a ten point scale. The average of scores is taken from the following categories: gameplay, graphics, sound, value, and tilt. Trailers and game footage movies can be streamed for free online. It is recommended to watch some of these movies because they are visually appealing. The cheat codes at GAMESPOT are quite extensive, and are broken down into the following sections: cheat codes, unlockables, easter eggs, glitches, secrets, FAQs & walk-throughs. It is highly recommended to look at the cheat code section, plus it is not necessary to sign up to use this section.
Al Amaloo. GameWinners. 2005. http://www.gamewinners.com/
GameWinners provides an extensive archive of cheat codes from a wide range of game, even some of the classic game consoles. This website is easy to navigate, plus there are many other features such as news, reviews, and a discussion forum. It is recommended to use this website for finding codes quickly and using the forum. The reviews and news sections are not as comprehensive as other video game websites.
Yantis Enterprises, Inc. PRG Expert. 2005. http://www.rpgexpert.com/
It is possible to find information on popular RPG games such as Final Fantasy XI, Guild Wars, and Lineage II. Granted, most of these games are online, but many video gamers also enjoy these types of games. This can be a great website for finding hints and strategies for all online Role Playing Games.
A PRIMEDIA Company. About.com. 2005. http://www.about.com
Since 1997, About.com has been providing online guides for users on a variety of topics. At the top of the screen there is a search tool bar, which is used to navigate this website. Use the following search terms to find information on video games: "video game," and "video games." If using the search term "video game," it will result in many strategy and cheat codes. If using the search term "video games," it will result in articles about video game violence, ratings, and other issues involving video games. It is suggested to read some of the articles that deal with video game issues. They are informative, interesting, and generally a quick read.
AEC One Stop Group. 2004. http://www.allgame.com/
All Game Guide allows users to search for information based on the following limiters: games, characters, company, person, and platform. This website provides some great reviews along with recommendation for other similar games. Users can also search by company, which is a plus, especially if someone is looking for products made by specific developers, manufactures, or producers.
The Computing Project. 2005. http://www.thocp.net/
This website originally started as a one person website, and since then The Computing Project Website has developed into a very structured and well run website. There is a team of editors, contributors, and board of directors. The topics covered at this website include video games and biographies of computer inventors. Click the green pentagon on the homepage of this website, which will result in a page entitled, "Chronology of the History of Video Games." From there the website breaks down the history of video games by different eras such as: early years, golden age, modern age, and next generation. The years are listed from 1952 to 2004. There is a timeline of events, which is very detailed. Check this website out for a wide range of video game information and history.
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). 2005. http://www.esrb.org
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is an independent organization that rates both computer and video games. There are rating symbols, which are given to video and computer games: EC - Early Childhood, E - Everyone, T - Teen, M - Mature, AO - Adults Only, and RP - Rating Pending. ESRB also has content descriptors that are put on video game cases. Some of the content descriptions include: blood, violence, strong lyrics, and suggestive themes. The rating symbols are displayed on the front and back of the video game case. However, the content descriptors are usually listed on the back of the video game case.
Santa Clara University, School of Engineering. http://cseserv.engr.scu.edu/StudentWebPages/MChwang/mchwang_researchpaper.htm
This website provides users with an overview of the history of the video game. There are many issues discussed briefly in this paper, it is a quick read. Plus, there is a link to GAMESPOT.com that provides an even further in-depth analysis of video game history. It is highly recommended to check out this GAMESPOT.com link.
Video Game Times. 2005. http://www.videogametimes.com/
Do you want to design video games? Do you want to know the top 10 schools for Game Designers? If yes, then check this website out. Find out information on the entire video game industry. Also, read about different careers in the video game industry such as game programmers, game designers, and game animators.
Electronic Gaming Monthly. Illinois: Ziff Davis Media Inc., 2005.
This monthly magazine has information on the following game consoles: PlayStation 2, Gamecube, Xbox, and Gameboy Advance. The website is organized by cover stories, press starts (news), previews, reviews, tricks of the trade, and a game over section. Reviews are done by three people on a 10 point scale. These reviews are shorter and less objective than many other video game reviews. It is recommended to read the press starts section in Electronic Gaming Monthly.
Game Informer Magazine. Minneapolis, MN: Sunrise Publications, 2005.
This monthly magazine covers all types of electronic games such as video, PC, internet, and handheld games. Plus there are many cheat codes, reviews, and strategies available. The magazine is organized by cover stories, features, interviews, calendar of events, previews, reviews, charts with sales information, and secret access (codes and strategies). There are some great reviews of the latest video games. Game Informer also has a rating system out of 10 points based on the following criteria: concept, graphics, sound, playability, entertainment, and replay Value. There is also a second opinion for every review written, which is good for finding out if more than one reviewer liked a certain video game. There is a section about classic games for game consoles such as the original Nintendo and Sega.
Kent, Steve L. The Ultimate History of Video Games : from Pong to Pokemon and beyond : the story behind the craze that touched our lives and changed the world. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 2001.
This book takes an in-depth look at the history of video games. The subjects covered include the video game industry, different game consoles, and social issues. This book is 608 pages long, it is not a light read! However, there is some interesting information provided in this book.
Espejo, Roman, ed. Video Games. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2003.
This book contains articles about the issues surrounding video games. This book, Video Games, is part of the popular Opposing Viewpoint Series. Some of the articles include, "Playing Video Games Benefit Children," "Violence in Video Games May Harm Children," and "Video Games Are an Emerging Art." Many "gamers" may find this print resource very appealing, and it would be an excellent tool for writing a paper about the issues surrounding video games.
Tommo Inc. 2003. RPG Maker II for PlayStation 2.
With this interactive game, users can create their one of a kind role playing game with their own backgrounds, characters, weapons, and other important aspects of a game. There is a 60 page instructional book that users need for learning how to create their own game. Users can write their own stories, create maps, and animate characters. This is all about being creative and having fun! It can also be educational...it could be used for writing skills and creative learning activities. It is necessary for students to use their imaginations, and this is a great interactive resource.
RPGamers Network. RPGamer. 2005. http://www.rpgamers.net/
CAUTION: Use this direct link to RPGamer to avoid some pop-up. RPGamers
This webpage has downloadable clips from video games, and were directly taken from the actual games. The clips are usually played on a Real One player. It is not possible to stream these movies online, instead it is necessary to download the movies, either to keep or store temporary in a file. Pay attention to the size of the files because they can be large sometimes. Also, use the direct link to the Video Game FMV Movies because this website has pop-ups, and this way some can be avoided. However, this webpage is worth the look for these visually appealing movies.
The majority of the resources under the sections, Website with Cheats, Codes, and Reviews, Video Game Magazines, and Audio Visual, are intended for the use of having fun. Also, this information provides some sort of entertainment value. The Books, Software, Reference Resources, and General Websites are intended for the use of school or informative information. It is possible to read about the issues involved with video games, the history of video games, and game rating information.
A good promotional idea would be to link this pathfinder to a teen website at a public library. Also, putting a sign near the gaming magazines about the video game pathfinder would be a promotional tool. It would also be beneficial to add a frequently asked question section to this pathfinder. A teen librarian could also start a video game blog for the teenagers at a public library, it could link off the video game pathfinder.
