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Games top gift lists
By Chris Heinitz
Published:
Thursday, December 9, 2004
Media Credit: Matthew Kaster
Fourth-year student Sara Denzer checks out the showcase of Eileen McConkey´s oil-paint artwork in Atwood Center. McConkey´s inspiration and motivation came by simply looking up.
With only two weeks left until Christmas, last-minute shoppers are quickly losing time to find that perfect gift. From friends to family, everyone needs something, and for some, the hardest person to shop for is the video gamer.
More finicky than many cats, gamers are some of the most demanding people to shop for. They want quality and quantity; they want graphics and gameplay, and they want it all in one package. So, you last-minute shoppers out there, take heart: this article will aim to help you with the college-aged gamer on your list and hopefully help you maximize your fun-per-dollar.
On the PlayStation 2 platform, the game with the most fun for your dollar is "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas." The amount of game offered by "San Andreas" is astounding. The size of the world, the missions available and the gameplay options make for one of the best deals to be found this holiday season. Entry into the world of "San Andreas" will cost $49.99.
If your PlayStation 2 gamer isn't into rampant violence, then "Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater" may be right up their alley. "Snake Eater," the hands-down best release on PlayStation 2 in 2004, is a prequel to the "Metal Gear Solid" series. This time around, stealth takes a priority, forcing the player to blend in with their surroundings as they infiltrate enemy compounds and discover the secrets of the latest global threat. Saving the world as Solid Snake will also set you back the typical $49.99.
And for those PlayStation 2 gamers on your list who crave something a little different, "Katamari Damacy" is a fun, quirky title that costs a bargain-shopper-friendly $19.99. In "Katamari Damacy," the player must fill the sky with stars he makes by creating a ball from items on earth. Crazy? Yes. Fun? Definitely.
But what about those who don't have, or aren't partial to, the PlayStation 2? What about Xbox, GameCube, or PC owners? Certainly we can't overlook them.
On the Xbox, the best value is "ESPN NFL Football 2K5."� For the bargain-basement price of $19.99, you get the best football game available. The best graphics, the best sound, the best presentation and the best online features are exclusive to "ESPN NFL Football 2K5" on the Xbox.
But not everyone likes sports, and those gamers would probably be happy with "Halo 2." While lacking a truly worthwhile single-player game, multiplayer gaming in "Halo 2" is unrivaled and almost anybody can appreciate that. An excursion as Master Chief will set you back $49.99, and a limited edition, which can still be found in some shops, comes in at $54.99. The special edition features a cool aluminum case and bonus "making of" DVD.
For Xbox gamers craving a more exotic gameplay experience, "Fable" fits the bill. The game is fairly short, but the open-ended nature will appeal to the inner angel (or demon) in game players. The Xbox-exclusive adventure is $49.99.
For the GameCube,�"Pikmin 2" will make just about anyone happy. Blending quirky strategy with Nintendo's trademark aesthetic style, "Pikmin 2" is an easy-to-play yet difficult-to-master real-time strategy game that has attracted quite a fan base. Permission to join the Pikmin on their latest adventure will cost $49.99.
First-person shooter fans will appreciate "Metroid Prime 2: Echoes." While not a huge step forward, the game is still a fantastic diversion and further proof of Retro Studios' grip on game design and development. Exploring the two worlds of "Metroid Prime 2: Echoes" will require a $49.99 admission payment.
For the more adventurous GameCube owner on your list, "Donkey Konga" is a good selection. "Donkey Konga" is a rhythm game featuring Donkey Kong and company, where players must beat a set of drums in time with licensed tunes in order to win. For $49.99, you can get your groove on with both the game and one set of "kongas."
For PC gamers, nothing gets better than "Half-Life 2." A true work of art, the game has been in development since the original was released and it shows. Fantastic graphics, gameplay, audio and design come together for what many have described as "a game that seems like a movie." For a trip through this cinema-like gaming experience, you'll need to shell out $54.99.
Online PC gamers will love you if you can get them a copy of "World of Warcraft." A tad difficult to find at the moment, "World of Warcraft" is Blizzard's entry into the world of massively-multiplayer online gaming. Hailed as a new era in online gaming, a trip to the multiplayer world of Warcraft will cost $49.99.
The final PC title is well-suited for the gamers on your list who are either very nosey or like to tinker with everything. "The Sims 2" expands greatly on the winning formula found in the original, adding many more details and features. "The Sims 2" is $49.99.
And finally, don't be afraid to look for deals or ask for assistance. Lots of great deals on great titles can be found in the bargain bins, saving you money and still netting you a fantastic gift for a friend. Ask for assistance at specialty shops such as GameStop, EB Games, or Game Crazy. The people who work at these stores tend to be gamers and not only know what the hot games are, but they may know of some good deals as well.
Part of the exhibit contains constellations such as Libra, Cancer and Scorpio. Many people are initially intrigued to see how McConkey portrays their sign. Some students saw it as a window into their souls; others found it to be a fun thing to joke about with friends.
For McConkey, and most people who see her work, it conjures spiritual thoughts, and a sense of connectedness.
"Literally, sometimes I'm crying when I'm painting," McConkey said. "Because it moves me."
We've all had conversations around campfires about how the universe is endless and how we're all so small and pointless. We constantly try to comprehend eternity and infinity, and it usually ends with a bunch of sighs.
"It is always the eternal question of 'who am I and where do I fit in on our journey.' A lot of pieces have a degree of depth and that depth kind of calls you to journey," McConkey said.
"It can be a more reflective journey of who am I and where am I. That gets to the core of oneness of us and the core of the oneness of the universe."
Looking at McConkey's work is like having that conversation with yourself. You can't help but think of those things and with the help of McConkey's creativity; instead of ending the meditative gaze with sighs and bewilderment you end with a sense of endless beauty.
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