Author Archives: Sharon
You say NHL ’12, I say Tomahto
Originally Posted by Sharon On September 4th, 2011 at Undisclosed
Jeremy Roenick wants you to be the next NHL Legend.
So you like NHL games do you? Well if you do then let’s not call the whole thing off because chances are you are excited about the new features and new video for NHL ’12.
According to EA this year marks the first time players will face dynamic goalies in the game. Players can knock the net off and make contact with goalies, knocking them down or out of position, as they crash the crease. Watch as goalies battle through screens to make awe-inspiring saves. Additionally, we’re reigniting the beloved fighting engine that first appeared in NHL 10 with all-new goalie battles. When the action gets heated, send a message by leaving the net, dropping the gloves, and trading punches with rivals during fights.
You can play your way to superstardom in the revamped Be a Pro mode and experience the authentic action and energy of real life hockey with the Full Contact Physics Engine.
In the revamped Be a Pro mode, experience the pursuit of greatness and legendary moments in your playing career, shatter historic records and cement yourself in NHL history. Additionally, the better you play, the more ice time you’ll get where you can simulate to your next shift so you’re always on the ice as you play out your entire career in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
The NHL 12 Full Contact Physics Engine puts you in the rink with everything now live on the ice, from players to the environment – everything is interactive and in play. Experience the skill and aggression of hockey from shattered glass to flying helmets to knocking players over the boards and into the bench; crash the crease too hard and you’ll knock the net off and send the goalie flying. Size and physicality will be emphasized as bigger players will be able to throw their weight around as they screen the goalie and battle in front of the net.
All new gameplay presentation is said to create an authentic, fresh new look and feel throughout NHL 12 with presentation graphics that mimic real life hockey broadcasts. For the first time ever lace up outdoors under the lights in one of the biggest hockey events of the season, the 2011 NHL Winter Classic® at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, within seconds of putting in the disc. Inspired by the NHL GameCenter Ice Tracker, the all-new EA SPORTS Action Tracker simulates action without missing a beat with a shift-by-shift breakdown of stats and key moments leading up to your next shift.
Have a look for NHL ’12 in stores 9.13.2011
Video Courtesy of Gamespot.Physical Warfare = GET!
Originally posted Posted by Sharon On September 4th, 2011 at Undisclosed
Gears of War 3 Will Cost You
Originally Posted by Sharon On September 4th, 2011 at Undisclosed
Filed under ‘Things You Don’t Really Need’ is a new Limited Edition Xbox 360 Controller for Gears of War 3. Your purchase apparently also gets you ‘free’ downloadable content which, in all honesty, kind of irritates me a little. Let’s forget the fact that if content comes as a bonus with any purchase it isn’t exactly ‘free’ and focus on why the trend of extra content has become a standard money grab. Because you know $60 isn’t enough to pay for this type of game. o_o
Now don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy some gears myself. I own and played the first two installments, I enjoyed the Gears of War 3 beta on Xbox Live, and I anticipate the third just like most. I won’t even argue the fact that this licensed controller is really hot because, honestly, it’s awesome BUT it’s also just another way to get at your hard earned money if you really want that extra content. Would you really buy a controller for some extra weapon skins? Perhaps! But that is money that could be going towards your next game purchase. If you have the extra cash and are a fan, great, this is for you but for most hard
working folks being a fan of any well established franchise is starting to become an expensive pass time.
Currently, GamingZap.com is the only place in the UK that you can order the officially licensed Microsoft and EPIC Games controller.
The controller features the famous “bleed-out” symbol of Gears of War, and comes with free downloadable content that allows you to download unique weapon skins on the game, making you really stand out from other players.
Other than having the striking Gears of War design, the controller also possesses a unique transforming D-
pad that makes switching weapons that little bit easier – giving you the edge over your opponent just when you need it, who will most likely be using the standard Xbox 360 controller.
GamingZap are taking pre-orders on it from now, and are expecting the item in stock within the next two weeks. Me? I’m going to pass on this special edition and oh so pretty design in favor of the lowly standard controller, and long for the days when downloadable content extended the life of a game rather than just steal my money for things that should have been included in the first place.
Get Up And Dance: Classic Tunes in the New Craze
Dancing games is one of the biggest fads currently dominating the market, and with good reason. Forcing you up off the couch, getting active social and competitive (and with the inevitably included fitness mode), dancing games are appealing to a demographic beyond the thmbstick warriors. And like so many fads before it, everyone is giving us a full scale interpretation of what makes this trend so… well, trendy.
O-Games has recently thrown their hat into the ring with Get Up And Dance and today revealed the fourth batch of tracks. And these tracks sure are classic!
Get Up And Dance is the ultimate multi-format social dancing game that everyone can play, whether you’re a dance hall diva or have two left feet.
From a recent press release by O-Games’ PR:
Get Up And Dance’s time-travelling track roster is set to include some classic Golden Oldies from the 60s, 70s and 80s, with chart-topping artists like Dusty Springfield, Elton John and Lionel Richie.
‘Hot Stuff’ is the hit single released by American singer Donna Summer in 1973. Up to that point, Summer had mainly been associated with disco songs but this song also showed significant rock influences. Dusty Springfield’s ‘I Only Want Be With You’ was a success in both Britain and the US, and led to the recording of A Girl Called Dusty which was released in 1964.
Rock Song ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)’ was so popular it went on to be covered by some of the worlds best rock acts, including The Who, Queen and Nickelback. The original also appeared as the theme song trailer for 2011 film ‘Gnomeo and Juliet.’ Lionel Richie’s 1986 pop classic, ‘Dancing on The Ceiling ’ comes from the chart topping album of the same name. The official video, that features in Get Up And Dance, originally cost around $400,000 to make, the most expensive short form music productions of that time.
When Get Up And Dance shimmies its way to Wii™ and PlayStation® Move for PlayStation®3 on November 4th, gamers will be able to get their groove on to an expansive track listing, featuring everything from classic funky disco tracks to the following Golden Oldies, including official promo videos from international superstar artists:
- Donna Summer – ‘Hot Stuff’
- Dusty Springfield – ‘I Only Want To Be With You’
- Elton John – ‘Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)’
- Lionel Richie – ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’
Previously announced tracks:
- Apache Indian – ‘Boom Shack-A-Lak’
- Barenaked Ladies – ‘One Week’
- Billy Ray Cyrus – ‘Achy Breaky Heart’
- Black Kids – ‘I Am Not Going To Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance’
- De La Soul – ‘Me Myself and I’
- Example – ‘Kickstarts’
- Gina G – ‘Ooh Ahh… Just A Little Bit’
- Girls Aloud – ‘The Promise’
- Gwen Stefani – ‘What You Waiting For’
- Jessie J – ‘Nobody’s Perfect’
- La Roux – ‘Bulletproof’
- Marina & The Diamonds – ‘Hollywood’
- Nicole Scherzinger – ‘Poison’
- Noisettes – ‘Don’t Upset The Rhythm’
- Pulp – ‘Common People’
- Pussycat Dolls – ‘Don’t Cha’
- Rizzle Kicks – ‘Down With The Trumpets’
- Taio Cruz – ‘Come On Girl’
- Timbaland featuring Katy Perry – ‘If We Ever Meet Again’
- Vato Gonzalez Feat. Foreign Beggars – ‘Badman Riddim (Jump)’
- Wretch 32 Feat. Example – ‘Unorthodox’
Get Up And Dance is the ultimate dancing game for everyone to play, whether you are the star performer or prefer to stay out of the limelight as a backing dancer. Get your friends round and get dancing together or rise to the challenge and have your very own dance off in Get Up And Dance’s Party Mode. Party Mode features party games that you can play with up to eight mates, competing against each others teams with party games including Party Mix, Last Man Standing and Tug of War.
Had enough of competing against each other? Then join together and form your very own dance band with Get Up And Dance’s innovative Group Mode. You and up to three friends can choose to perform as either a lead or backing dancer to group routines specially choreographed for Get Up And Dance.
Group Mode also allows you to dance and have fun in a group or to participate in the talent competition, where you work through ten rounds to see if you can dance your way to the top. Plus, with loads more features like Shape Up Mode, Rehearse Mode and Jukebox, Get Up And Dance really is the Ultimate Dancing Game package for home console owners.
All in all Get Up And Dance sounds like a formidable addition to the dance game genre; one that will encourage you to jump up, shimmy around, and burn those calories away. And for once, these are tracks that I will actually know! Yepp, I probably know most of the words to “Dancin on the Ceiling” or “Saturday Night’s Alright” where as my dance game experiences with “Like a G6″ or “Bulletproof” were something of a noodle scratcher. While they may be classified incorrectly as Golden Oldies *ahem* these tracks are sure to get more people syncing to the grooves.
Get Up And Dance is developed by Gusto Games and is out November 4th, 2011 for Wii™ and PlayStation® Move for PlayStation®3.
Did you love the dancing game genre? Is it a fad or here to stay? Which Dance Game is the best on the Market? Tell me what you think.
Source: http://www.lunchpr.com/Tetris: Axis falls into place on the 3DS
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
If you’ve ever met me in person or online, at a gaming event, on a not so crowded street, or even in an online chat, chances are you have discovered that I love all kinds of things Tetris. Tetris was one of the very first games I fell for on the GameBoy and it remained a staple for me throughout many platforms in the years that followed. Something about the special relationships, the colours, and of course the tunes, just had me hooked. I’ve even gone so far as to create my own Tetris inspired jewelry (which I wear all the time).
Sharon dons her Tetris necklace everywhere!
SO when a recent Nintendo press release came across my desk I was all too excited to share it with you!
I am, of course, talking about Tetris: Axis exclusive to the 3DS. Tetris: Axis combines traditional elements from the original Tetris game with new twists and features that showcase the unique capabilities of the portable Nintendo 3DS. The main goal is to maneuver and arrange falling blocks called Tetriminos to clear lines and boost your score. With two new augmented-reality modes in Tetris: Axis, the iconic puzzle action moves beyond the screen as players use AR Cards (included with the Nintendo 3DS system) to view game play in their own real-world environments. Other new modes include Fever, in which players must clear lines and activate special items in speedy 60-second rounds. Nintendo 3DS owners with wireless broadband Internet access can download new items for Fever mode via the system’s built-in SpotPass™ feature.
“People all over the world have experienced the fun of the Tetris game, but they’ve never seen it quite like this,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “The augmented-reality modes and 3D visuals in Tetris: Axis add some wonderfully immersive twists that are unique to this version of the Tetrisgame.”
Tetris: Axis also offers nine party modes, including three that are new to the Tetris franchise. Local wireless modes allow up to eight players to enjoy Tetris: Axis simultaneously using only one Game Card (each player must have his or her own Nintendo 3DS system). By using Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection to compete with friends over broadband Internet, as many as eight players can dive into the action.
Now I don’t have a 3DS which means I will be missing out on the Tetris: Axis action but you don’t have to!
Tetris: Axis is available for $29.99 and you can order now it OR find out all more about the various modes at the official website.
Review: Toy Soldiers Cold War
Originally posted by MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
Chances are that if you were born sometime after 1987 then your recollections or impressions of the cold war are easily unimpressive if existent at all. The “cold war” refers to a long running political conflict between the communist soviet states and, primarily, the United States from 1946 to the early 1990s. The result of this long running conflict, aside from the obvious civil wars, revolution combat, invasions, and military conflict, was a fascination with related toys that spanned decades. What better setting for Toy Soldiers: Cold War to take place than in the bedroom of a 1980’s child fascinated with military trinkets.
Signal Studios’ sequel to Toy Soldiers, Toy Soldiers: Cold War, is a fun new take on their initial tower defense gameof the same name. The setting, specifically the era, allows for a great amount of movie and toy box nostalgia for those of us in the 30+ demographic, and incorporates all of the fantastic cheesy action that made the 80s so great. The game features 1980s-era military technology, and is like previously eluded to it is based around the idea of military aggression escalating between the United States and the USSR. Toy Soldiers: Cold War features a blend of third-person action and strategy.
The toy box is your tower and there a number of places where you can set up your camps. The exciting part about your camps is that you can jump in and out of them to control them at any time. Often I felt as though I needed to participate in this first person action to ensure success. The ability to control your RC vehicles also comes in handy as you may choose to let your camps battle it out while you fly around in your RC helicopter unloading a wave of missiles so long as your battery is charged. Increasing your score also allows for special barrages and one of the very first barrages I achieved unlocked our good friend Rambo..erm..”commando” who was released spewing a healthy dose of cheesy lines and bazooka blows while you lead him to take out a wave on enemies on the ground. There are all kinds of strikes and bombs to unlock to help you destroy the waves of toy soldiers, in all matter of military aggression, who are coming for your toy box.
As I played through the campaign the more waves I killed the more money I made. This is important because your camps will need repairs and upgrades throughout the game. You will need these upgrades as you prepare for the inevitable boss that comes at the end of the level. It seems like one foul swoop of the boss, or a simple roll over, and all your camps are gone, so it is important to consider your tower defense strategy in the midst of all of the action.
There are numerous multiplayer options available in Toy Soldiers: Cold War and given the campaign and the multiplayer modes this game is a great value for your dollar. Unlike more tower defense games Toy Soldiers: Cold War will keep you interested for a long time. While the game could easily become stagnant and repetitive, it rarely does. The Top Gun and Rambo references, the overt nostalgia, and the variety in game modes, all allow for hours of enjoyment. Becoming a decorated hero means earning achievements for things like using a fighter’s machine gun to destroy a soviet fighter or surviving more than 9 rounds in any survival game. Decorations will help you squeeze even more value for your dollar out of Toy Soldiers: Cold War on Xbox Live Arcade.
Toy Soldiers: Cold War by Signal Studios is available on XBLA and according to their official website we may be in store for some upcoming DLC.
Sources: http://www.signalstudios.net/toy-soldiers-cold-war/cold-war-propaganda/ http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/what%20was%20the%20cold%20war.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_War
Great Games for your Family Library
Originally posted by MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
So you just picked up Gears of War 3, or you’ve been playing through Dead Island, OR you’re waiting patiently to add Saints Row: The Third or Assassin’s Creed Revelations to your library. Why not expand your family gaming library by adding some of the games that you can enjoy with your kids.
Have a peek at just some of the titles available starting now and throughout the next few months.
Face Racers: Photo Finish
System:Nintendo 3DS
No. of Players:up to 4 players
Category:Sports, Racing
Publisher:Majesco Entertainment
ESRB: E For Everyone (contains comic mischief)
Available: Now
Start your turbo-charged engines and blast into the outrageous arcade racing game, Face Racers: Photo Finish, with photo customizable 3D racers that put YOU in the game! Available on the Nintendo 3DS, Face Racers delivers unique, in-your-face gameplay, with dangerous obstacles that come to life in 3D right before your eyes! Take photos with your 3DS camera and place them on the face of your custom 3D racer, billboards and power-ups. Take on friends in multiplayer mode for a true photo finish in Face Racers!
Features include
• Use your photo to customize your racer, billboards, and power-ups!
• Challenge up to 3 friends in local and online multiplayer.
• Take control of the wheel with 3DS tilt-steering.
Kirby Mass Attack
System: Nintendo DS
No. of Players: 1 player
Category: Side-Scrolling, Real Time Strategy
ESRB: E for Everyone
Available: Now
The evil Necrodeus uses his magic staff to split the heroic Kirby into 10 copies of himself. Players must help Kirby return to his original form and save planet Popstar from darkness by guiding him on a quest through worlds fraught with enemies and obstacles. Players start with one Kirby and add more Kirbys to their crew by gobbling up fruit. With unique touch-screen controls, players can then use the stylus to flick Kirbys to break through obstacles, tap on enemy attackers to swarm them with Kirbys or gather Kirbys together and draw a line to carefully maneuver them in a mass. If Kirbys are knocked out, players can simply gulp down more fruit to rebuild their numbers.
“With 10 Kirbys to control, players can expect 10 times the fun,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “As consumers start thinking about games for friends and family members to enjoy this holiday season, Kirby Mass Attack is another great experience available only on Nintendo systems.”
Happy Feet Two – The Video Game
System: Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and soon to Nintendo DS
No. of Players: 1 player
Publisher: Warner Bros.
Available: Autumn 2011 for PS3 Wii Xbox
November 2011 for 3DS & DS
“In Happy Feet Two – The Videogame, kids will not only love playing on their own, they will have even more fun playing side-by-side cooperatively with friends and family members, or compete in penguin dance showdowns and belly sliding races,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Production and Development, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The game’s all new, controller-based dance system uses the player’s rhythm to enhance the dancing competitions, and the gameplay lets kids interact with their favourite characters from the film.”
In the game, new dangers are threatening the penguin nation, and it’s going to take everyone working – and dancing – together to save them from extinction. Players use dance moves to recruit penguins with unique abilities that help advance the adventure, stun opponents and enemies, as well as manipulate the environment around them to solve co-operative puzzles.
For the ultimate experience, players can dance their Antarctic adventure in 3D. The game will be available in full 3D for the Nintendo 3DS. In the Xbox 360 and PlayStation versions, the game is made specifically for stereoscopic 3D TV sets with the ability to disable 3D functionality at any time. The Wii and Nintendo DS versions feature traditional 2D.
uDraw SpongeBob’s Surf and Skate Roadtrip
System: Nintendo DS, Xbox 360
Available: 08/11/2011 for the DS and November 8th for the Xbox 360
Publisher: THQ
No. of Players: 1-2 players
ESRB: E for Everyone
Hit the sand and surf with SpongeBob and his best pal, Patrick, for some super boarding escapades! Ride mondo waves and winding waterways, and skate gnarly seaside streets and ramps for hours of challenges that’ll test your awesome boarding skills.
SpongeBob’s Surf & Skate Roadtrip is non-stop action featuring 2 modes of play” Story and Challenge. In Story Mode, SpongeBob and Patrick relive their crazy road trip to the beach through slideshows leading into arcade-style play. Freestyle your way through Challenge Mode as you, SpongeBob and his bodacious Bikini Bottom buddy explore a brand new never-before-seen world.
Key Xbox 360 Kinect Features:
- For the first time ever, you can BE SpongeBob
- Augmented reality—move your hand through the water and watch it splash!
- Compete and play with friends – show off your awesome tricks and mind-blowing stunts in head-to-head play (2-player split-screen)
- 12 awe-inspiring environments – 6 for each sport—and unlimited ways to perfect your board skills
- 7 different challenges including Flag, Timed, Score Runs
- Express yourself with a variety of righteous boards – earn even more awesome boards, the better you ride
- Strike a pose: use your camera to show off gnarly moves and tricks
Key DS Features: [call out BONUS LEVEL for DS]
- Surf and Skate across more than 24 maps
- 2-player multi-play with Single and Multi-card gaming
- Grab some air in 5 different victory conditions – Score, Collectible, Combo Mayhem, Win the Race, Untouchable
- More than 150 ways to play for unlimited hours of boarding action
- Customize your boards with colors, stamps, wheels, fins and decks
- Bonus Sport: Full Snowboarding level with 10 maps unlocked upon game completion
Super Mario 3D Land
System:Nintendo 3DS
Release Date:Nov 13, 2011
No. of Players:1 player
Category:Action, Platformer
Publisher:Nintendo
ESRB: E for Everyone
Get Ready for a New Spin on a Familiar Tail
Super Mario 3D Land reinvents everything fans love about Mario™ gaming with the first platforming environment in true 3D, without the need for special glasses Players will experience an exhilarating new sense of depth, distance and speed while running, jumping and stomping on enemies throughout the levels.
- Tanooki Mario returns! The fan-favorite Tanooki suit makes its first appearance on the Nintendo 3DS. Use the Tanooki suit’s tail to attack enemies or float gently down from great heights. These abilities help players move through the 3D environments with more confidence.
- 3D visuals make it easier for players to judge the depths and distances in their environments. Players can more accurately judge the jump to the next platform or how far Mario is from a question block.
- New and familiar abilities add unique game-play strategies to the adventure. Mario can perform a rolling somersault attack or run fast with a dash move.
- The Circle Pad gives players complete control to confidently move Mario through fun and challenging environments.
- New enemies include Goombas with tails, tall stacks of Goombas and a Piranha Plant that spits ink to obscure a player’s view.
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7
System: 3DS, DS, PC, PS3, PSP, Wii, X360, PSV
Available: 18/11/2011 for 3DS, DS, PC, PS3, PSP. Wii, 360 and during Q4 for the PSV
Publisher:Warner Bros.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 builds upon the magical gameplay, lessons and potion-making skills learned in LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 to equip gamers with the tools necessary to challenge a host of new foes and some familiar ones (including He Who Must Not Be Named). The upcoming title is action-packed from start to finish, including loads of new lessons, spells, and bonus content for hours of family friendly gaming.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 takes players through Harry Potter’s heroic adventures in the Muggle and wizarding worlds. From Privet Drive in Little Whinging to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts – plus new locations including Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, and Godric’s Hollow – players will encounter new faces, new challenges and new magic, preparing them for the ultimate face-off against Lord Voldemort™.
“In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7, we are giving gamers a truly epic conclusion to the most successful movie franchise in history with delightful gameplay for fans of all ages,” said Tom Stone, Managing Director, TT Games. “We have built upon the first game and are giving fans even more magical abilities, puzzle solving and exploration, in addition to our distinctive brand of hilarious LEGO humour and charm.”
“LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 offers Harry Potter and LEGO fans an immersive experience that is fun and accessible for players of all ages,” said Samantha Ryan, Senior Vice President, Development and Production, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “With this game, TT Games captures everything fans love about the Harry Potter universe – and adds a distinct LEGO twist.”
“This game is a game of magic! LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 distils the drama and action of Harry Potter‘s magical world, and then gives players the chance to immerse themselves in their favourite characters and environments, where they can discover new adventures and have great fun,” said Lisbeth Valther Pallesen, Executive Vice President, LEGO CED. “TT Games has successfully combined a deep appreciation of the Harry Potter story with signature LEGO humour and superior production capabilities in another fantastic LEGO video game.”
The Penguins of Madagascar Dr. Blowhole Returns Again!
System: Nintendo DS, Wii uDraw Xbox 360 Playstation 3
Available: Now!
Publisher: THQ
ESRB: E for Everyone
Dr. Blowhole is out to take over the world and only Team Penguin can foil his diabolical plans. Jump into an all-new adventure with 3 unique game episodes and over 12 exciting levels. Lead Skipper, Kowlaski, Rico and Private as you commence super-secret missions in, under and outside of the zoo, culminating in the grand finale in Dr. Blowhole’s Lair.
Features
- Brand New, Original Story
- Dr. Blowhole, the diabolical dolphin, is back with his lobster minions and a new plan for world domination and it’s up to Team Penguin to stop him from his wave of destruction.
- Solve perilous puzzles, build crazy contraptions, nimbly navigate hazards and rescue Marlene, Mort, and the rest of the zoo crew in your mission to save the world.
- Penguin Power!
- Utilize each penguin’s unique abilities to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. Use Skipper to assemble the team, Rico to regurgitate explosives, Kowalski to build devices and Private to squeeze through tight spaces – the possibilities are endless!
- Mini-games
- Play through a multitude of wacky mini-games, including Ninja Knock-Down, Mort Bowling and even a dance-off with everyone’s favorite lemur, King Julien.
Have a great title in your family library that everyone in your family loves? We’d love to share it with our GamerFitNation. Be sure to leave us a comment about the family friendly titles that get extra attention in your house.
10 Reasons Dating a Gamer Rocks!
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
So it’s 2011 and suddenly being a geek became the ‘cool’ thing to do. Mainstream acceptance of comic book, sci-fi, and tech loving folk has not only made so-called geeks feel more comfortable with their place in society, but now a days it is hard not to find a person who won’t profess their nerdish tendencies about something in particular (and yes regular video game players somehow seem to fall into this category). Like all social sways this has opened up a whole new look on the dating world and the people in it.
In as far back as 2005 Craigslist user published this post (here) about the reasons she thought nerdy boys made for better boyfriends. In a more recent post, on well trafficked site Gizmodo, (here) a female contributor published a post about her dating experience with an avid player of Magic the Gathering and did so in a way that would suggest that dating a gamer is a bad thing. Whether you are akin to the current geek trend, confused or bewildered by it, or simply don’t give a rat’s behind, here are what I consider to be
10 Reasons Dating a Gamer Rocks.
*Please note that my list is not based on scientific studies, surveys, or even unofficial polls but rather a lifetime of long term, long distance, and, in some cases,online dating. The following are vast generalizations about the benefits of dating male or female gamers based on my experiences and each person is an individual who may or may not share in these personality traits regardless of their interests in video, table top, and card games.
#1. Gamers are Young at Heart. Being able to see the value in entertainment, playing with friends, and allowing for an appropriate amount of time for escapism can really aid in coping with the everyday stresses of life. No matter what your age being young at heart suggests that you don’t let the problems of the world over-whelm the ability to enjoy life. For the most part gamers have this one in the bag.
#2. Gamers are Smart. Many gamers spend a lot of time learning about the games they play. Whether it is an intricate battle system, a challenging environment, a detailed plot, a cast of characters, or just about any other system required to play a good game well, gamers are learners. Often times problem solving skills, ability to troubleshoot tech devices, and a broad knowledge of history and the world can be associated with folks who revel in some interactive entertainment on a regular basis. I’m not getting scientific or anything here but trying to have an intelligent conversation with a gamer is almost never disappointing.
#3. Gamers are Social. YES, it’s true. Despite the popular belief that gamers are antisocial awkward human beings who never interact with ‘the outside world’, this is a very damaging misconception. The truth of the matter is that gamers ARE social and also tech savvy. Gamers will chat in game, online, and over the internet. Gamers gather and role dice together, LAN together, and even party together. Don’t believe me? Take a visit to your next nearest con or just watch some of the footage from big name events like PAX, Comicon, or FanExpo and you’ll see that gamers are social and always ready for fun.
#4. Gamers are Romantic. There are so many out of game proposals that gamers have created with the utmost thought, romance, and sincerity but for the sake of this argument I turn your attention to in-game exhibit A and B Exhibit A.
-
- Exhibit B
The truth of the matter is that gamers just get it. They understand that conventional romance is not the only kind of romance and know that in order to obtain your affections, long term, they need to tap into the things that make youswoon (even if it’s not gaming related). My heart swells every time I see that CT in game proposal or think about all the effort it took to create the Portal 2 proposal. 
#5. Gamers are accepting. Gamers are people who, prior to the ‘geek is chic’ craze, found themselves standing just on the cusp of social acceptance. Because of this, gamers will not only accept you for all the things that make you who you are but they will love you for it. Passionate about gardening? A gamer is not a likely candidate to criticize your overt ‘nerding-out’ about the latest perennials. Like to relax on the weekends in just jeans and tee? Gamers are (in my opinion) less likely to see that you aren’t in your top threads but rather see you for who you are as a beautiful person ‘on the inside’ and junk!
#6. Gamers are creative. Due to the fantastical escapism that games often afford it is difficult to find a gamer that is completely devoid of all creativity. Many people who enjoy, and are passionate about, video games like to share that passion through creative means. Writing, cosplay, fanart, creating music, videos, even game mods and game creation, are all examples of the creativity of gamers.
#7. Gamers aren’t shallow. While you still want to date someone you are physically attracted to and who takes good care of themselves to (and vice versa), gamers are often not completely obsessed with the things we associate with a shallow or high maintenance partner. While gamers do like to try and play the newest title of their favorite franchise first, they are often ready to go purchase it themselves and they are even less likely to demand that you buy it for them to sustain the relationship. Gamers like you for who you are and appreciate the fact that you either share their interest or at least tolerate it.
#8. Gamers share. A gamer will share with you in an instant. Sharing favorite games, knowledge, information, or passions are not uncommon for gamers. This is why there is an overabundance of gaming blogs, good and bad, gameplay videos, and clans/guilds on the net. Gamers like to share. It’s not likely that you will enter a relationship with a gamer, express an interest in what they are playing, and have them dissuade you from picking up the controller, cards, or dice yourself. Just like sports, cooking, collecting, or whatever your passions may be, sharing those passions with someone you love can be a very sexy thing.
#9. Gamers are loyal. If your gaming partner is anything like most, they would rather spend the effort it takes to raid the dungeon, fight the demon, collect the mana, or increase the KDR than be out in some bar trying to pick up. After all he or she has you, and aside from a great group of friends with common interests, some snacks, and a few consecutive hours do get the job done, a gamer doesn’t typically ask for a whole lot more.
#10. Gamers are no different than anyone else. Let’s face it, you should not date someone who is a gamer just because they are (male OR female) nor should you dismiss them because of it. People are people are people. Some gamers are jerks as much as some non-gamers are jerks but the things that make each of us special and unique will always go far beyond what a person’s hobbies might be. Gaming might be a part of who someone is, but it isn’t ALL someone is.
The dating scene can be fun and exciting and so can it be tiresome and daunting but when it comes right down to it, finding someone special to share your favorite parts of life can be worth all the effort you put in. According tothis website
“As long as you get real with yourself, stop making excuses, know what your really want, stick to it and make it clear to the people that you date, then you will be safe from too many mixed messages, misunderstandings and frustrations. When you treat your goal of meeting the right person seriously and important, then you will stay motivated to find him or her, and when you do- you will finally be able to begin the kind of relationship that you have always longed for, needed and deserve.”
The Game you can’t Lose! Sharon challenges GamerFitNation
Originally posted BY MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation.com
I love gaming and I love getting fit. The geniuses at Fitocracy made a site just for me* and people like me. Combining game elements like level ups and quest achievements for fitness workouts is exactly the kind of motivation a gamer like me needs to track my fitness goals and push me to go further and work harder. And with the help of Fitocracy’s Richard Talens I have something special to offer the GamerFItNation Community so keep reading!
What is Fitocracy? (from Fitocracy.com)
Fitocracy is the game you play to improve your fitness. Play it to track your progress, compete against your friends, and get real results in your physical fitness.
To play, just enter your fitness activities on the Play page every day. As you enter your activities into Fitocracy, you’ll earn points. Over time, you’ll earn enough points to get to the next level. Leveling up means you’ve been keeping up with your fitness. But watch out, every so often leveling up unlocks a special challenge. Beating the challenges and leveling up means you’re making progress.
Who is Fitocracy?
The Team
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Brian Wang Cofounder | CEO |
Richard Talens Cofounder | CTO |
Daniel Roesler Senior Engineer
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As fitness geeks, Brian and Richard often talked about their experiences helping friends improve their fitness. They would often provide advice and guidance only to see their friends give up for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’d be because they didn’t see progress quickly enough. Other times it’d be because they didn’t have others to work out with them. And many times it’d be because working out was just… well, work.
So in August 2010, Richard got the idea: what if fitness could be turned into a game? After all, both he and Brian understood how addictive it could be trying to get to that next level, beating that next boss, and completing that next quest (not that they spent their childhoods doing that or anything…) They also realized that the addiction games create was the exact same addiction that drives their fitness weights every day.
And so Fitocracy was born. Fitocracy’s mission is to make fitness a more fun, more addictive experience. Play Fitocracy to beat challenges, push your boundaries, and show your friends who’s boss. Get addicted to your fitness. –Fitfocracy.com
Why I LOVE Fitocracy:
It works, plain and simple. I will openly admit that my biggest obstacle when it comes to fitness is motivation. When I was going to the gym it was easy. I would schedule my workout times like I would a doctor’s appointment. I would make plans to meet a workout buddy at the gym to keep me accountable and the workouts came easily. Over the past year I have left the gym and been working out from home, using the outdoors, home gym equipment, and videos to keep me sharp. We all know that one of the great things about working out from the comfort of your own home IS the comfort of your own home.
When I joined Fitocracy a short time ago I immediately joined a ‘group’ of fellow gamers and logged what I considered to be my lackluster workout for that day. I instantly gained a level and an achievement (complete with badge) upon tracking my workout. This was cool! Then what started happening is that other people in my group were giving me ‘props’ for my workout (the equivalent to a facebook ‘like’ or google ‘+’). The next thing I knew I was not only giving props to others but I was also waiting for the props of my online workout buddies. I was able to talk about what routines I was practicing, even discuss nutrition, and people started sharing tips and advice with each other in a really positive way. But it’s not all pats on the back! The group and public leaderboards also make it competitive. It doesn’t matter what fitness regime you use, as you are awarded points based on your tracking. So for example while I am heading into week two of P90X, many of my fellow users are running, weight training, and/or practicing yoga. We can compete together across a broad spectrum of fitness programs.
And before I tell you about our GREAT GamerFitNation news I will tell you a little bit more about how this works.
from the Fitocracy FAQs
What do the points mean?
You earn points for every action you log in Fitocracy. Some actions are worth more than others depending on how difficult they are. As you earn points, you’ll see your progress bar fill up. Points are a way of keeping score of how much weight you’re putting into your fitness!
What are levels?
Levels are a way to see how far along you are in your personal fitness. Getting to the next level means that you’ve made progress.
How do I level up?
You level up once you’ve earned a certain number of points. As you progress, the number of points you need for higher levels increases. Sometimes there will even be a challenge for you to complete once you’ve earned all your points before you can move onto the next level.
What are achievements?
Achievements are recognitions for when you do something extra special. They’re designed to be showed off so when you get one, display it loud and proud
What are quests?
Quests are optional goals you can try to beat in order to win huge bonus points. You don’t have to attempt them to progress in Fitocracy but doing so is a great way to push yourself further.
What’s the leaderboard?
The leaderboard displays the top X number of players in a few different ways. You can view top achievers of all time, by month, or by week. It can also show you how you stack up against people in your area, people of your age/gender, etc.
The Surprise
Are you ready to join? Well guess what Fitocracy is currently only in beta. “Oh no!” you might be thinking, but don’t fret, I got your back. GamerFitNation has an exclusive group invite just for the community here at GamerFitNation. By signing up with this code you will automatically be connected to the GamerFitNation Group where, upon reaching 100 members, I will be posting our first (in a line of many) fitness challenge. Here we will be able to compete with each other as well as encourage one another to stay on top of our own personal and collective fitness goals.
The Challenge
Our group challenges will reflect our users and the workouts we are logging. We will aspire to gain the most points during a given time, see if we can raise our group’s average level, or see who can get some of the rarest achievements. Here’s the catch though, we won’t start posting challenges until our GamerFitNation group is 100 people strong. Then it’s “Watch out World! Here comes the Gamer Fit Nation!”
Lexington Fit Club
To join me in the first GamerFitNation Fitocracy Fitness Challenge simply sign up at http://ftcy.co/ruSWTu and use our special invite code: GAMERFIT . Start connecting with other members in the group and track your workouts to see those wonderful achievements start showing up on your profile.
Edited to add: If the site is still down for maintenance (a rarity) keep your invite code handy and check back to sign up and join me. I’ll be logging my Plyometrix workout today as soon as it is open again too! =)A BIG GamerFitNation “Thank You” to Richard Talens, Brian Wang, and Daniel Roesler for the special group invite and for sharing our manifesto of bringing gaming and fitness together. Great job!
*They did not make the site just for me but it sure feels like they did. 😉
Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 at X’11 Canada
Originally posted by MYASHARONA at GamerFitNation
Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 is the new sequel to Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, the #1 fitness game on Kinect. At a recent Xbox event, in Toronto Ontario, I had the opportunity to meet with game designer Nicola Godin and try out the new title. Not only was this my first time with Your Shape but also only a handful of times I had ever tried the kinect. I had a TON of fun and can’t wait to try it further!
Sharon and Nicola pose in front of Your Shape FE 2012.Exercise your way with a customizable, social and fun experience that delivers serious results. As one of the most extensive fitness offerings on the market, Your Shape includes over 90 hours of activities. Your Shape provides an even wider array of activities to suit your tastes and fitness goals, including zen classes, latin dance and boot camp. The state-of-the-art motion tracking has been pushed to the next level with brand-new floor movements and an enhanced feedback system that guides you on how to improve your technique and results.
FEATURES
- WHERE FITNESS AND MAGIC MEET – Your Shape will take players into a stimulating world showcasing an array of captivating visual effects and an environment that will transform as their workouts evolve in the game. The improved player projection will allow players to see themselves in the Your Shape universe and keep a close eye on their workouts.
- FITNESS YOUR WAY – You choose how you want to play! Do you want a personal trainer to help meet your set fitness goals? Or do you want to focus on a specific muscle group? You can also build a program around the time you have to work out.
- A WORLD OF FITNESS IN YOUR LIVING ROOM – Your Shape contains activities for everyone and anyone. Players will be able to try new workout routines such as Latin, Hip-hop, Pop, African and Bollywood. There’s a broad selection of classes and games available, including Zen, Kick Boxing, Boot Camp and Jump Rope. A new and unique feature called Run the World will enable players to run virtually through the streets of New York, Paris or London and enjoy the environment.
- BEST-IN-CLASS TRACKING NOW WITH NEW FLOOR MOVES – With an enhanced feedback system, players can now get feedback on how to improve their technique and results. With this recent technology, Your Shape now tracks floor movements, allowing new activities such as push-ups and sit-ups.
- MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS AND CHALLENGE YOUR FRIENDS – Using Your Shape Center, players can monitor their progress, challenge their friends and see how they rank against players from across the world. They can also share their achievements on Facebook or keep in shape using Your Shape mobile applications. With hundreds of millions of calories already burned, our goal is for the community to burn 1billion calories collectively by the end of 2012.
MyaSharona.com 