The Top 5 Virtual Life Games

Virtual life are the hottest type of games on the internet today because they allow players to play as themselves or play-out a role as if it were real life. Usually, players create their own avatars, dress them up the way they want to look and these avatars represent them in some of the best virtual life games today.

There are plenty to choose from when it comes to the best virtual life games available to all users and the choice actually depends on the players' taste, discretion, and even age and gender.

5 BEST VIRTUAL LIFE GAMES

1. The SIMS 2 - An offshoot of the original SIMS, SIMS 2 has become one of the best virtual life games around the globe since its introduction to the market because of its enhanced zooming and panning features; plus we can still enjoy all the simulated settings we've always enjoyed with the original version.

Here, people can build and design their communities, from homes to their surroundings; and the homes in SIMS 2 allow players to be more elaborate with their designs and interiors. There are several other great features that will surely give players more fun and enjoyment.

2. Desperate Housewives: The Game - Developed by Liquid Entertainment, this is one of the best virtual life games specifically designed for women - although men can play them too. The players can likewise design their own avatars here and Wisteria Lane remains as the backdrop of the game, much like in the actual television series.

The graphics and audio are up to par and the songs played are actually some of the songs we here on the show itself. The dialogues are also quite amusing.

3. Wildlife Park 2 - This game, developed by Deep Silver is one of the best virtual life games for animal lovers. Realistic weather conditions, botanical gardens and zoo animals make this game an interesting play for those who want to try their hand at zoo-keeping. The challenge is to make the animals thrive in their environment and keep visitors entertained at the Wildlife Park.

4. Bratz Rock Angelz - Based on the popular Bratz franchise, this one can be ranked as one of the best virtual life games designed for young girls. They will enjoy playing with their favorite Bratz characters with the goal of putting together a fashion magazine. The girls go on adventures to get the right scoop and pictures; and the mini games are also very entertaining.

This is a relatively easy game for young girls and they will have tons of fun going on adventures and avoiding mishaps.

5. Kaneva - This game lets players hook up with friends from all over the world, design their own avatars, go clubbing, shop, dance and play all sorts of games. All players are given their own apartments to design as well where they can integrate their favorite music and videos; and invite friends over to hang-out!

This one ranks as one of the best virtual life games when it comes to real-time hook-ups with friends no matter where they are in the world.

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Video Game Controllers

Video Game controllers have advanced tremendously over the years to keep up with spectacular abilities of new games on the market. Serious and novice gamers alike know that to fully enjoy all the capabilities of newer games, it takes a controller that can handle all the functions available in a game. In fact, certain types of game controllers are better for certain types of games and often gamers will have more than one controller on hand so that they can experience the best of what a game has to offer.

No doubt playing a computer game with a keyboard is slow and quite frankly, it lacks the thrill of using a game controller. Why? There is a big difference between pounding on keys and holding a controller in your hands pushing buttons. Even the most common styles of multipurpose game controllers that you hold with both hands add a degree of lifelike simulation to playing. Keyboards do not give you that feeling because you are not holding it, you are merely hitting keys.

Many of the two handed multipurpose controllers are shaped like an upside down "U" and you clutch each end with one hand. Holding the controls in this manner produces a feeling of being more in control of your actual game interaction; more as if you are actually navigating your way through a game's scenery. These types of game controllers can be used with nearly any PC game.

Of course with any type of technological equipment there are always "basic" and "pro" versions with a wide range of models in-between. The buttons on the common multipurpose game controller pads will change actions according to what game you are playing--meaning that a button used to release bombs in one game may be used to jump in another. Some of the more elaborate models include extra buttons on the device that allow for user programing of extra functions in some games (provided the game also allows a few "hotkeys" to be input by the user).

Though you can use most basic PC game controllers to play most games, there is good reason to buy the best game pad you can with the money you have to spend. This is one time when skimping on a device is not a good idea. The more functionality you have with a controller, the more likely it is that it will keep up with new games being produced that require and rely on more and more controller ability to completely enjoy all the satisfying features of a game.

Many manufactures are producing more refined game controllers these days. Steering wheels and foot pedal sets that give the feeling of driving a car are excellent for all racing and off-roading types of games. Handlebars that simulate the feel of a motorcycle, the throttle and even sometimes a clutch and brake are great for motocross games. There are flight sets with joy sticks and aviation gauges that emulate real flying. Guitar, drums and other musical style game controls give the feel of playing real musical instruments. The variety of game controllers available is growing at a steady pace with the variety of magnificent games being sold on today's market.

Beyond having something to hold that feels like the real deal, there are also controllers that react to motions such as body motions swaying back and forth. In fact, there are even some game controller chairs that actually will move with the terrain of the game giving as realistic a playing experience as technology can produce at this time.

If you're wanting to fully enjoy all of your game's high quality graphics and sounds, it's also important to have a good video card and sound system. These items will make all of your computing more enjoyable. Video cards will enhance the graphics in all your programs and the sound systems with greatly improve music and videos you listen to as well as the sound effects of any program you use.

If you don't have a game pad, it's best to start out with a common multipurpose game controller that is as advanced as you can afford. This way you can enjoy all your games with it and know that it will still work well for you as new games come out. It's actually a smart investment to buy a good PC game controller. For one thing it saves wear and tear on your keyboard and for another it will allow you to gain the maximum enjoyment from your games. Thus giving you ultimate pleasure and relaxation which is definitely beneficial to your health.

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Top Gaming Keyboard for Top Gamer

Well-equipped gaming keyboards help players play games in faster and smarter ways. Since keyboards vary vividly in their design and function, it is quite tough to compare them. It requires a good analysis of the characteristics of each of the keyboards to arrive at a solution of listing some of the top gaming keyboards.

Top 5 Keyboards for Gaming

1. Optimux Maximus - Usually exceeding the budget of most gamers, Optimus Maximus 01 is the most innovative and most expensive keyboard in the market. With an option of changing keys to a variety of different setups and fully customizable colored OLED display, it is the wave of the future. It provides the advantage of switching between QWERTY and gaming display.

2. Razer Lycosa Mirror - With a high gloss mirror finish, the Razer Lycosa Mirror is definitely one of the best names in gaming peripherals, tailored for the gamer's needs. A wide array of macro capabilities and fully programmable hyper-response keys ensure reprogramming of keys using advanced software. It serves as the ultimate macro keyboard for gaming.

3. Merc Stealth - An illuminated keyboard with a user-friendly hybrid design it offers blue, red and purple colors for the backlighting. Rubberized keys, 125 pre-defined mapping layouts and other macro features make Merc Stealth an ideal gaming keyboard.

4. Razer Tarantula - Known for having extremely comfortable keys, Razer Tarantula is one of the most elegant keyboards in the market. The keyboard comes with 32KB of onboard memory and includes 10 programmable hotkeys as well as two USB ports. It has a wickedly fast response time.

5. Microsoft Sidewinder X6 - With 30 programmable keys and dual color backlighting, the keyboard provides the most unusual facility to detach and fit the Keypad on either side of the keyboard. It also facilitates mode switching with one button, convenient for transition from a regular keyboard to a gaming keyboard.

Gaming Keyboards with special features help gamers to fight the best battles no matter what game it comes to, thus the search for a perfect gaming keyboard continues.

Paul has been writing on just about everything since the 4th grade. But you can check out his latest reviews of the best gaming keyboard on the market, the Logitech G15 here.

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The Psychology of Multi Media Online Role Playing Games

A character in a MMORPG is a reflection of how players see or intend to see themselves.

Most Massively Multi-Player Online Role Playing Games or MMORPG provide the players with an option on what character to play. This involves choosing their abilities and their looks. The player may want to become a healer that helps other players stay alive while they fight. Other become long range fighter through their bow and arrow or guns. Others find hand to hand combat more exciting.

This is already tells you a part of how they want to see themselves especially if the game they are playing allows them form teams and communities. Leaders will naturally gravitate towards setting the goals of the team, setting a common time so that teams can play together, and even dictate which teams they will fight.

It is also not a strange thing to encounter female players posing as male figures and kids becoming the most powerful character. A game may also be a place where they live out their frustrations. It is empowering for a lot of women to play a male character and "experience" the privileges that come with it. Express their aggression online instead of doing it in the real world.

It is also an license to do what they want without suffering the consequences. In the game, they can kill as many opponents as they want, curse, laugh, love and not have to live with the results of what they did. They can be careless and irresponsible and the only thing that will suffer is their character. There is a way around it, just restart the character. The only thing that is lost is the time they invested in their old character but at least they get a new start. That is something you can't do in real life.

MMORPG, in other words is a chance for players to live life a second time.

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Games Tips = How to Beat the Tower Defense (TD) Games

I assume that you like playing tower defense games, just like me. Have you ever been in this situation: you began playing some time ago, you start the current wave to see all your towers fire away, yet a few of the enemies still make it to your base, with only a little life spared, but just enough to make all your previous efforts useless? Oho, especially if your base did not have enough hit points left and you have to start all over again, I know how that feels!

Well, bellow I'll write some tips to help you manage the situation and win more tower defense games. There are differences from game to game, but the advise you will receive is intended to be general.

1. Put the towers with short range (usually the ones you afford at the beginning or some powerful, but short-ranged, ones) as close as possible to the turning points in the maze. This way they will keep firing for a longer time.
2. Put the long-ranged towers towards the middle of the map. Consider that most of the times their range will increase when upgrading them! This way you will cover much more of the path the enemy walks on.
3. Use towers with slowing effects! It's best to put them before groups of towers which will inflict massive damage.
4. If you know that you'll deal with self healing enemies don't scatter your towers to much. You don't want them to have time to regain their health.
5. If there are poison towers, they belong to the beginning of the maze, and at precalculated intervals (to poison the enemy again when the effect wears off).
6. Upgrades: you have to figure it out while playing which towers are really worth upgrading. I.e. upgrading a slow tower might be more beneficial for your defense (and cheaper) than upgrading the whole group of towers behind it. Anyway, on small maps and towards the end of the game, you will be forced to go for quality over quantity (especially if the enemy has armor!).
7. In some tower defense games, some enemies are more susceptible to damage from certain towers. Find out which, if the case, and use it against them!

A great place to apply these tips and to start winning right now is this: New Tower Defense Games. There are over 100 tower defense games and new ones are added frequently. It's where I play;)

I love playing games very much and therefore started the Fresh Free Online Games initiative.

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Hidden Object = Fun

Do you remember the old "Highlight" magazines from your childhood? I loved those mismatch puzzles, find the difference games, and the hidden objects scenes. Why can't those continue into our adult lives? These games are not only entertaining, but they also have valuable brain stimulating attributes. The puzzles promote problem solving skills as well as visual stimulation. Studies have also shown these type of games slow the onset of Alzheimer. They keep the brain active and force you to think in ways that you may have stopped in an older age.

Well, some good news. These type of games are now online to the likeness of the adult version of "Highlight." These hidden object games are fun to play and test your skills. They are a fun, rewarding challenge. The games are cheap and they come in all varieties. They are also long games that can take days to complete. They are easily worth the seven dollars. The best part is is that you download them onto your computer. You get to replay them and keep them forever.

So what is a "hidden object game?" Most of these games follow the same basic script. You have to collect items and use clues that you find to escape a predicament. There are all sorts of different puzzles that you must solve and hidden object scenes where you find all the tools to progress. But often they correlate together. There is also a strategy to these games. You often get to choose where you go. This can play an important role in how the game progresses. Certain things have to be completed in order for you to advance and continue on.

A lot of these games are made after movies. There is a Shutter Island and an Alice in Wonderland version of these hidden object games. So you get to play through your favorite movies as your favorite character. There are also a lot of games that are set on exotic islands or mysterious desolate towns. You get to meet helpful characters that assist you on your quest. There are all sorts of genres, one to satisfy every customer. Some are dark versions like solving a murder mystery that have eerie music and creepy characters with scary scenes. Others are light like waking from a dreamless sleep and escaping a castle with your faerie friends. The stories can vary, but there is surely a game sure to satisfy any of your desires.

The colors and graphics are often done quite well. Some I'm really impressed by. The cut scenes and little mono-movies are also at times impressive. The graphics can be done really well. Don't get me wrong don't expect graphics that rival a PlayStation 3 game. If that's what you want go elsewhere. But the time consuming fun is still there.

So the next question is "Where can I find and play a hidden object game?" Ruby Games has plenty of hidden object games to full fill your childhood obsession of "Highlight." The best part is you don't have to make an initial purchase. They allow you to play an hour for free to try out the game. If you decide you like it then you can make a purchase. If not, then no money spent.

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Why RTS Game is a Wise Choice for Gamer?

There is no doubt that video games were and still being of attention in these last years. Of course there are people who think they are a waste of time, but they are not. I remember during my child hood when Nintendo came up with NES. However, what really left footprints in the world of video games were computer games.

There was just one kind of video game that really liked me: The Real Time Strategy Game. A RTSG is strategy game as its name says it, is a strategy game. The main objective of this kind of game is to breed and lead an army in order to win a battle against other players.

Since the beginning of computer games, have been several genders for this type of game: From middle age battles to star-field battles. During my youth, I played most game titles regarding to real time strategy available on the market. The difference between game and game is the way to play it as well as the properties from each one; however, to learn to play this kind of games you need to be skilled.

What is the best strategy for this kind of games?

First off, we must know each and every one of the elements of the game. Once learned these elements, we must know about the weakness and strengths of each of the units or characters of the game. For example, Blizzard's Starcraft game. The combat is carried out on a remote galaxy where three different civilizations are engaged in battle for survival and supremacy. Each unit for each civilization has a property that gives a certain advantage to its race.

Once knowing the game details, the following step is to master it. A good practice on this kind of games is to learn their HOTKEYS. Hotkeys are short direct access to commands of the game. These commands can be performed with the mouse as well. The next step is to practice. Personally, I prefer practicing with the AI of the computer before going against humans. Human players are hard to beat, especially when they are experienced players.

Is playing useful?

Many people believe playing is a waste of time. It may be a waste of time on games such as Grand theft auto. But, in my opinion, real time strategy games are helpful on developing mental skills such as fast thinking, take of decisions among others. However, as on any activity, we must keep a balance.

Daniel Rios is a successful engineer leader of a recognized enterprise on quality systems. He is currently working on the development of quality socks and mens running socks. You may visit his personal blog at nikomaster.com

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Top 10 PC Games

There are many top PC game countdowns out there, but they often find themselves to be skewed to the more recent releases. This list looks at not only the technical feats of the game, but also it's popularity, its longevity and its playability to create a list of the top PC games (and series) of all times - games that have endured and become household names, and games that each of us have and will hold dear memories of. In no particular order they are:

Half Life 1 & 2 - Half Life and its spin offs all rely on a physiques engine that borders on perfect, inspired level design, fantastic action set pieces and solid story line that makes this series a popular number one on all PC count downs. This is one of the few games to truly make you feel as though you are playing a movie and effortlessly bends genres and raises the medium to a higher level of art.

Command & Conquer - The strategy genre has to be one that belongs to the PC, and Command & Conquer is the series that is perhaps most associated with those games. This essentially created the genre in fact, and has since seen countless incarnations.

Halo - So Halo didn't start on PC technically (though Xbox is arguably the closest console to a PC), but nevertheless it is one of the most enjoyable gaming experiences to be found on one mixing a solid first person shooter with great sweeping set pieces, vehicles and excellent physics.

Duke Nukem - If the PC were to have a mascot in the vein of Sonic the Hedgehog or Mario, you could well make an argument for that mascot being Duke Nukem. While being instantly identifiable and highly popular, the series also has some very solid entries and a range of mediocre spin-offs (a hallmark of any mascot). Few people realise that Duke Nukem actually started life as a 2D side-scrolling platformer from Apogee software which a lot of the people at the time owned as shareware. It's the brilliantly funny and subversively risque Duke Nukem 3D though that most people associate with the character and which still survives today as a seminal example of a 1st person shooter. Sadly, since Duke Nuke forever was cancelled (after years in the making) the future of the franchise seems uncertain.

Jazz Jack Rabbit - Jazz Jack Rabbit is now old enough that many people will never have heard of him, but back in the days of 2D platformers he was one of the most identifiable gaming characters around. A fact helped by a sequel that outdid its predecessor and had one of the catchiest soundtracks in video game history. Rumours about a return for the rabbit are rife in internet chat rooms.

Medal of Honour - Despite strong competition from games like Crysis, Medal of Honour must be the most loved first person shooter of the last few years with incredibly atmospheric levels that make you feel like you're really in a war zone and one of the most successful multiplayer modes ever.

The Quake Series - It was quake that pretty much designed the 'deathmatch' style 1st person shooter and dominated online games for years. While it has since lost its way a little, the first three instalments were all highly popular and continually improved on their predecessors.

Worms - Worms represents that type of 'gaming gold' that can genuinely appeal to all demographics. A turn based game that's actually fun it was perfect fodder for parties and some versions have also featured popular online modes. Unfortunately it has recently struggled with an ill-advised transition to 3D.

Unreal - Unreal was the only series to really pose much of a threat to Quake, and the first game also boasted one of the first times a game would let you move seamlessly from the outdoors to the indoors. The Unreal engine would fuel many future games around this time, including a few others on this list.

Doom - Of course Doom needs to make the list of any top PC games countdown. As one of the first successful 1st person shooters (right behind Frankenstein) and also one of the scariest games of its time, this has a place in the hearts of many older gamers (and the recent Doom 3 wasn't too bad either).

Top 10 PC Games and many other interesting top ten lists are available on author's site.

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