A lot of money is changing hands these days for characters and items that exist only in the virtual worlds of massively multiplayer online games. Remarkably, some people have turned this activity into big business, creating auctions and stores that cater specifically to the needs of online adventurers. Here's a closer look at this new economic phenomenon.
04/10/04 - Battlefield Vietnam Review
As fond as gamers are of WWII simulations, nothing seems to generate quite as much interest as a virtual tour of duty in Vietnam. Battlefield Vietnam takes the vehicular combat we love from Battlefield 1942 into the trap-ridden jungle, complete with helicopters, 60s tunes, and punji sticks.
03/14/04 - On MMOGs and Skill
Try to tell a gamer that their game of choice requires no skill and you'll likely find yourself in a heated debate. MMORPGs are frequently criticized on these grounds, but is it really fair to say that there is no skill involved? Here's my take on the MMOG skill factor.
02/18/04 - Shadowbane Review
Shadowbane is one of those MMORPGs people tend to either love or hate. Part of the reason for this is that, unlike most games of this kind, ruthless battles with other players over territory are what Shadowbane is all about. Here's my review of this unforgiving game.
02/03/04 - Pro Gaming Events
Computer and video gaming is a long way from becoming a major league sport, but every year there are more high-profile game competitions and tournaments with hefty cash prizes. Whether you're up to the challenge or you just want to spectate, here is quick summary of the big upcoming events.
01/22/04 - Chrome Review
Chrome is another contender in the crowded world of multiplayer FPS games. It looks terrific and sports most of the bells and whistles we've come to expect in this kind of game, including player controlled vehicles, but it certainly runs the risk of being buried in the hype surrounding big upcoming titles like Half-Life 2 and Doom 3.
01/14/04 - Gaming for Money
A lot of people dream of turning their gaming habit into a full-time job. While that remains highly unlikely for most of us, there are a growing number of ways to put your elite game skills to the test for a small wager online, whether you're into chess, cards, or 3D action games like Counter-Strike.
01/04/04 - Internet Game Roundup 2003
It was a busy year for online games, and it had its fair share of successes and failures. This is a look back at some of the major news events and big game releases of 2003, as well as a quick examination of "Game of the Year" awards and who I think should have won.
12/15/03 - Top Video Game Accessories
If science has taught us anything, it's that you can never have too many high-tech peripherals enhancing your game experience. The latest toys for video games include egonomic input devices, 3D glasses, and air cooled controllers.
12/05/03 - Halo: Combat Evolved Review
If you've ever taken a warthog into a nasty group of Covenant soldiers with your guns blazing, you've probably dreamt of the day when you could play Halo online against human opponents. The long-awaited PC version of the game finally makes this possible, and the developers have put considerable energy into making Halo for the PC a good multiplayer experience. Will Halo be the next Counter-Strike? Find out in this review.
11/17/03 - Life After Steam
Although Half-Life had been around for years, along with its mods it remains a dominant force among online games, and it recently underwent a major transition with the introduction of Steam, Valve's new game content delivery software. Many users have now made the switch to Steam, but they're certainly not all liking it. Here are my impressions of the Steam system.
