Some people say video games have no value. I disagree.

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The Value Of Video Games

Hello, and welcome to my argument over why video games can have value.  Too many people today believe that video games cannot hold any value.  But especially with recent advances in technology, that is simply not true.  I am going to try to avoid using the "video games improve your reflexes" argument, because even though some can (and do), there are many more benefits offered by many games.

Note:  This is not an argument stating that all games are educational.  Some games are just plain fun.  And some games (like the strangely popular Grand Theft Auto series) should be played only with much caution, as they can promote things that are bad in modern society. 

Basic Information 

Why do video games have educational value?

Video games can have value for several reasons. The thing to keep in mind is that there is not always a simple answer to why a game can have value. Finding games that teach academic knowledge can be easy for younger children, but soon enough, these sorts of games disappear. THIS DOES NOT MEAN that only games built for young children can have value. While it is true that playing "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" won't be teaching you how to factor a trinomial (and how often can you really say you need to do that sort of thing, anyway?), it is still the kind of game that gets a mind to work hard. The brain needs exercise too, you know!

One of the arguments I hear the most is that "people who play video games become lazy, which is unhealthy." While this can be true in some cases, this can be easily prevented. The trick is just not to play too much. If you (or your child) find yourself too addicted to video games, try playing some Nintendo Wii games while standing (more on that later) or getting a dance pad.

The other most common argument (for me) is that "video games all contain too much violence for there to be any educational value at all." While violence does exist, it is often that violence is simply needed to keep things interesting and move stories along. The value tends to come in with HOW THE VIOLENCE IS ACHIEVED. For example, take "Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance" (a recent turn based fighter for the GameCube). There is enough underlying strategy for this game to make it as (if not more) complicated as a Dungeons and Dragons style table game. Could you possibly argue that something like that is not mentally challenging? Such a challenge is great exercise for the brain, and can help with real world problem solving, planning, and, of course, determination.

The new Nintendo Wii system is great too, it has great games using a new sort of controller. this controller is shaped like a remote control, and is motion sensitive. It can easily be used just as easily to aim and shoot as it can be to grab and throw.

The kind of benefit you will get from a game depends on the genre (or game type). For instance, a puzzle game will teach problem solving more than an adventure would, but an adventure can teach reflexes and determination. So it may not teach in the academic sense to play games, but it can build some important values, and it's fun too!

Below are some games for various types. Is there a game I missed worth mentioning? Let me know!

Some Beneficial Puzzle Games 

Problem solving, overall brain exercise, and learning to work quickly

Feel like thinking? This is the kind of genre best suited for those who want a mental challenge.
  • Meteos (Nintendo DS): Find, move, repeat. But it's still a challenge that builds the brain as well as the reflexes. But be careful, the rules cahnge on every level!
  • Pokemon Trozei (Nintendo DS): Four in a row, and you're good to go. Simple, right? Wrong. You move entire rows and columns, and when something goes off the screen, it shows up on the other end. Clear four, and the next in a few seconds can be three, and the next ones after that can be two - but just for a short time. And if you slow down for even a minute on the higher levels, you're dead.
  • Adventure Inlay (PC): A fun game from GameHouse where pieces come down a conveyor belt. The goal is to completely fill in a hole with these pieces. You have to avoid making areas you cant fill, but you also have to move quickly before the belt gets full (also try Magic Inlay and Puzzle Inlay, also of the same series).
    all are downloadable from www.gamehouse.com
  • Fiber Twig 2(PC): A game about twigs? Hardly. Pieces of tubing come down a conveyor belt, and you put them on the screen. You have to connect every piece in the level and have no open ends, while still avoinding the belt getting full. But be careful, these are big levels. Pick it up from www.puzzlelab.com.
  • Rocket Mania (PC): This highly original puzzler from PopCap is easy to learn but difficult to master. Rotate sections of fuses so that you can launch as many rockets as possible with one match. With two game modes, you can either have unlimited matches but limited time, or unlimited time but only a few matches. You can even play a web version for free at www.popcap.com.

Adventure Games 

Determination, carefulness, reflexes, and problem solving

Here's where the controversy starts. The thing that makes an adventure what it is is the threats, which means violence. It is important to avoid imitation of such things in real life.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Nintendo GameCube/Wii): the Legend of Zelda series has long been heralded as one of the greatest ever. And this, the most recent installment, is no exception. It is game of the year in several locations, and a runner up in most others. What makes this game so great is its new motion-sensitive controls (Nintendo Wii version only), very challenging puzzles, amazing graphics, a curse which turns you into a werewolf at some locations (you get control over this later on), amazing graphics, and a long list of other things. This game boasts a world where anything can (and does) happen at any moment, and you will often be solving puzzles to go anywhere, and getting attacked while you try. A true challenge that is bound to teach you determination like nothing else.
  • Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (Nintendo GameCube): Can't handle that much action? Need an adventure you can handle more slowly, without monsters jumping out at you? With enough strategy that you can play the game 10 times and still figure out and learn new ways to improve your strategy, a compelling storyline, and some very unique characters and abilities, this is a game that will keep you coming back for more. Oh, and be careful not to think too hard, or you will get a headache.
  • Pokemon Diamond/Pearl (Nintendo DS): If you have heard of only one video game before this, it was probably Pokemon. Probably one of the most popular series to date, the Pokemon series has sold over 20 million copes. Why? on the surface, it seems simple enough. You go out into the wild to engage in battle, wild pokemon against your own, to weaken it and capture it. Then you go to a Pokecenter to make it healthy, and go take on another trainer in a daringly strategic test of wits. But with over 500 unique Pokemon (each with their own strengths and weaknesses), over 300 different attacks (which can be learned by only some Pokemon), a limit of four moves per Pokemon, and 6 Pokemon with you at a time, the Pokemon series is one of the most strategic games around. It can be easily enjoyed by those who are new to it, but if you want to beat the Pokemon League and the even harder challenges afterward, as well as excel in side goals like Pokemon contests and collecting, it will take some serious skill and knowledge. With so much to do, it may take you over a year to catch them all... do you have what it takes? The pokemon diamond and pearl games will allow for combat and trading across the globe, so while you exercise that brain of yours, you can also play with a friend across the country, or even across the globe. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl release on April 22nd, with a general price of $35, making it cheap, too!

Action Games 

reflexes, fast thinking, speed and exercise (especcially with a wii)

Ah, action. The kind of game that makes your body and mind rush at great speeds. Take caution, playing too logn can result in twitching hands and eyes, or other body parts.
Doctors recommend limiting gaming time to 1 hour periods.
  • Starfox Command (Nintendo DS): This game is mainly played in phases. Strategize first, attack second. In the first phase, you wil move your pilots (up to four at a time, several pilots with their own attributes) a limited distance in an attempt to reach bases and enemy units. When you do, phase 2 begins. The pilot(s) involved will enter battle, either to attack an enemy base or to simply clear out all the foes, you will be faced with a tough challenge. The controls are simple. Fly. Aim. Shoot. And the storyline (after you play it once) is under your control. You get to choose your own actions, and there are 21 (or something like that) endings. Strategize and then attack, and then make hard decisions. You will gain reflexes, speed, thinking about what to do with limited resources, and a little practice for those tough life decisions.
  • Sonic and the Secret Rings (Nintendo Wii): Talk about action! In sonic and the secret rings, your character is in constant motion (you can make him stop, but it takes a minute) and you have to get through point A to point B while performing a certain goal each time. For instance, on some, you have to kill 50 enemies on the way there. On some, you have to avoid attacking ANYTHING AT ALL. The challenge here is that you are constantly moving, and you have only a few actions you can do to keep yourself going. But as you play, you gain new abilities. These abilities have to be switched on or off at the beginning of a level, but you only have so much space for them, so you need to think about what to use. Reflexes, strategy, problem solving, and observation (to find those secret passageways at 75 MPH, you will need it).

Multiplayer Games 

Just about anything can come from these!

Mainly just for fun, a good way to relax with friends and get some more skills. Many games already on this list have a multiplayer mode, and I urge you to try them out!
  • Mario Party 7 (Nintendo GameCube, playable on Nintendo Wii): This is simple, each player hits a diceblock, moves the number of spaces, and then the next player goes. but there are also items to be used. a LOT of them, and there are special items for each map. Six maps, and six game modes. There are also mini games, the main point of mario party. Depending on the mode, a random game will be played in which the players compete to win. There are over 80 games, and so its a blast to play with friends. Mario Party is the kind of game that can have more benefits than i can list, depending on exactly what you do while playing.
  • Starfox: Assault (Nintendo GameCube, Playable on Nintendo Wii): This is a game that, to me, seemed like it was built more for multiplayer than single player. You can use your character on foot, in a tank, or in an arwing (their word for the spaceships they use) in order to do battle with your friends. No matter which level you play, there is much strategy to be had all around. Each pilot has its own attributes, and if you find that one player is too good for it to be a fair match, you can give someone a handicap to make things easier for the others. While vehicles will make you much stronger than just about anything on foot, the foot-only levels are loaded with more weapons and power-ups then you can shake a stick at. Again, the educational value here is not as high, but it's a great way to spend an afternoon. Determination, reflexes, and definetely a good aim, are all things that can be improved here.

Reader Feedback 

Did i miss something you think is worth mentioning? Let me know!

Please dont be insulting or rude to anyone here for any reason, even if they were rude first. Thank you (oh, and feel free to say you disagree with things here, point out typos, debate, etc. as long as you are nice about it).

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  • Reply
    Christopher_Hake Christopher_Hake Jun 5, 2009 @ 12:10 am | in reply to GrowUp
    you do realize that the very point of games is to escape, right? the point of this is that video games can be a better way to dos o than one might think. Of course people have real problems, but people have free time, too. And you do realize that taking the sort of risks you see in games would quite often kill you, right?
  • Reply
    GrowUp GrowUp Jun 4, 2009 @ 11:44 pm
    I disagree, computer games are time suckers and the only educational value they have is that they teach you about that particular game world and its controls. Any problem solving is rudimentary at most, and no matter how "complex" the world is where "anything" can happen the options are always *very* limited by rules, this include D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) including the pencil and paper edition. Actually getting out in the world and taking *real* risks is much more educational, satisfying and far less cowardly. I'm not saying I've never played games and enjoyed them, what I'm saying is I've realised that most of the hours I've played them has been a waste of my life where I could have been learning much more beneficial things like face-to-face people skills, empathy and compassion. You can keep escaping to an imaginary realm, but in the end you have to face the *real* problems in your own life and discover the "powers" that you actually have. Pretending is what kids do! Grow up!
  • Reply
    ice ice Nov 19, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
    i find that computer games may be educational help your reflexes good way too waste time and are good for all ages

    im a big game player myself and mature online rpgs are good way too set social standards ( wow) and the computer is one of the grandest inventions people can make its right up there next too the atom bomb
  • Reply
    kalanui kalanui Aug 3, 2007 @ 12:00 am
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  • Reply
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    Kevin Kevin Apr 14, 2007 @ 11:32 am
    Great Site! Zuma (from PopCap) is another great puzzle game!
Show All

Games From Amazon 

Buy one of these games from this page and part of the sale will go to the Modest Needs foundation!

This panel is for puzzle games mentioned here.
Meteos

Meteos

meteos, the line them up puzzler mentioned above, is great for those who like action and mental challenge that changes every time. make sure you have a stylus for the DS!

Release Date: 09/08/2006

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $87.67 (as of 11/30/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.99
Used Price: $8.98

Usually ships in 4-5 business days

Meteos: Disney Magic

Meteos: Disney Magic

the same joy of meteos but with a storyline, a disney theme, and you can now move blocks horizontally as well as vertically. make sure you have a stylus for the DS!

Release Date: 02/27/2007

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $20.95 (as of 11/30/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $14.99
Used Price: $7.95

Usually ships in 24 hours

Pokemon Trozei

Pokemon Trozei

four in a row, and you're good to go. make sure you have a stylus for the DS!

Release Date: 03/06/2006

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $24.79 (as of 11/30/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $34.99
Used Price: $9.48

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Real Arcade: Adventure Inlay

Real Arcade: Adventure Inlay

also try magic inlay and puzzle inlay, both (and this) can be tried for free at www.gamehouse.com

Release Date: 09/15/2005

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 11/30/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $29.95
Used Price: $50.00

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Adventue Games 

Buy one of these games from this page and part of the sale will go to the Modest Needs foundation!

This module is for adventure games mentioned here.
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance

the key to this game is to not let your people die

Release Date: 09/08/2006

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $129.98 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.99
Used Price: $32.45

Usually ships in 4-5 business days

Pokemon - Diamond Version

Pokemon - Diamond Version

the difference between the two pokemon versions is small, some pokemon are more rare (or only found in) one version than the other.

Release Date: 04/22/2007

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $32.99 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $34.99
Used Price: $15.97

Usually ships in 24 hours

Pokemon Pearl Version

Pokemon Pearl Version

the difference between the two pokemon versions is small, some pokemon are more rare (or only found in) one version than the other.

Release Date: 04/22/2007

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $32.99 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $34.99
Used Price: $19.34

Usually ships in 24 hours

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

this is the wii version

Release Date: 11/17/2006

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $46.99 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $49.99
Used Price: $31.98

Usually ships in 24 hours

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

this is the gamecube version

Release Date: 12/11/2006

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $49.99
Used Price: $25.75

Action Games On Amazon 

Buy one of these games from this page and part of the sale will go to the Modest Needs foundation!

This module is for action games mentioned here.
Star Fox Command

Star Fox Command

make sure you have a stylus for the DS!

Release Date: 08/28/2006

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $21.43 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $29.99
Used Price: $5.40

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Sonic and the Secret Rings

Sonic and the Secret Rings

Release Date: 06/04/2008

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.99
Used Price: $7.92

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Multiplayer Games On Amazon 

Buy one of these games from this page and part of the sale will go to the Modest Needs foundation!

This module is for multiplayer games mentioned here.
Mario Party 8

Mario Party 8

Release Date: 05/29/2007

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $46.99 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $49.99
Used Price: $34.99

Usually ships in 24 hours

Star Fox Assault

Star Fox Assault

Release Date: 09/08/2006

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $110.94 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $19.99
Used Price: $13.89

Usually ships in 4-5 business days

Mario Party 7

Mario Party 7

mario party 7 comes with a microphone to be used for some games, but dont worry, its optional and can be turned off

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $105.98 (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price:
Used Price: $15.73

Usually ships in 4-5 business days

Game Cube Mario Party 7 Bundle

Game Cube Mario Party 7 Bundle

planning on getting a gamecube? why not get mario party 7 while you're at it?

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 12/01/2009) Buy Now
List Price:
Used Price: $79.99

by Christopher_Hake

Hello world. This is my bio. I can edit it later! (more)

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