Retro Video Game Review: Bump ‘n’ JumpPosted by admin on September 11th, 2010

Overall Rating: 1.5/5 Stars

Data East and Vic Tokai conspired to release an arcade-based video game for the Nintendo Entertainment System called Bump ‘n’ Jump. In 1988, their conspiracy came to fruition, and this stupid game was unleashed on an unsuspecting gaming public.

Gameplay

Bump ‘n’ Jump is an auto-scrolling-upward overhead-view not-quite-racing game that puts the player in control of a pink-and-blue Jeep-lookin’ monstrosity straight out of an old CGA-graphics PC game for a 386 machine. The unseen protagonist’s girlfriend is kidnapped by a big mean purple truck and, unlike classic NES adventures where the hero beats up thugs in order to win her back, in this case the driver must drive through monotonous courses in an effort to Bump opposing cars off the street and Jump over enormous gaps in the roadways. The B button brakes, the A button jumps, the up button accelerates to a self-steadying faster speed, and the enemy vehicles come in varieties such as Annoying Little Red Car and Green Dump Truck That Occasionally Drops Chunks Of Concrete That Instantly Kill You.

Graphics

Okay, this game looks crude, but it does deserve credit for pulling off a very smoothly scrolling environment without sacrificing on-screen integrity. Otherwise, this is a very underwhelming cartridge in terms of its visuals. Oh, and the title screen rapidly flashes annoyingly between two colors, like it is trying to give you a seizure.

Sound

The music is generic, bouncy, bloopy, and loopy. If you do not know what those words mean as concerns background tracks, then too bad, because that is as good of a description as you are going to receive from this quickly written review.

Originality

Well, it could be argued that there is no video game quite like Bump ‘n’ Jump, and that would be correct, thank Jesus. Granted, it could be considered somewhat cool that you can stomp on other cars as you assert your vehicular dominance over their pitiful chassis carcasses, but this would be a mistake.

You may be tempted to believe that Bump ‘n’ Jump is a high-quality, addictive, appealingly unique, enjoyable video game with replay value, innovative gameplay elements, and amusing visuals. You, however, would be a silly brainwashed simpleton. Rest assured, Bump ‘n’ Jump is a shallow, repetitive, dull, shrug-it-off NES cartridge. Once you get over the novelty of a jumping Jeep that can crush other automobiles, you realize that beneath the vehicular veneer this title deserves no more than one and a half stars out of five.

A resource available for other NES video game reviews is located at www.NintendoLegend.com.

How to Overcome Online Game AddictionPosted by admin on September 6th, 2010

Playing online games helps players to escape the reality of things. This means, giving up almost everything else out there in the ‘real world’ and set an environment for the players to be comfortable with. These games causes addiction because players can take over places, run long distances, reach high strength and beat enemies with not much previous training unlike in real life. Anything done in excess is unhealthy. So, what can one do to maximize the fun in online gaming without neglecting other important aspects of life? Players can overcome online games addiction by minimizing time spent on online games, outdoor socializing and interference of family and friends.

        Players should realize and accept that playing online games for long hours is a problem; people tend to neglect social responsibilities and tasks. Identifying the problem is the first and most important step in overcoming it. Secondly, players should schedule their play time. Play only a couple of hours after study time. Finding the right individual guild is essential. Do not commit to hardcore raiding guilds that requires a player to spend time playing on the internet. Play casually, enjoy the company of others and play at one’s own pace. It is just a game and everyone deserves to have fun the way they want.

        Obsession towards online games could make an individual lose a social life. This is bad for health as they will not move often while playing online games. Players should take up outdoor activities. Think of these as real-life quests.Besides keeping one healthy, players will also learn a thing or two by being outdoors. Pass the time by going out for vacation or be active in sports. Spending time with loved ones shall refrain oneself from being addicted to online games. Keep a close connection with family and friends as loneliness is a killer in disguise.

       Online games are addictive because the players do not have the will power to control their urges. Players with these addictions need support from family and friends. Family members can help by monitoring the player’s online timing. A friend can help with the game by getting the in-game items wanted such as request help in buying healing items or solving minor quests of the game. Players will only need to solve the important parts of the game. This will shorten a player’s time in solving a game. A helping hand is always a great way to solve a problem.

       Surprisingly, the ideas above are more effective than uninstalling the game from the computer. Although online games provide an instant satisfaction, players tend to neglect their family and friends by isolating themselves in a room with their computer. As a result, these players will lose their socializing skills. Online game addiction is a disease which requires ongoing treatment for a recovery to be seen.

How to Find The Best Computer Gaming MousePosted by admin on September 1st, 2010

Step 1: Search the internet for “best gaming mouse,” and browse through the results. With this method alone you can spend hours browsing reviews, posts, and articles.

Step 2: Go to one of the best computer equipment sites around–Newegg.com. Unfortunately, they don’t have a gaming mouse section, but they do have many options by which you can sort the mice. All of this can be found in the “Mouse” section (link and links to subsequent sites in resources below).

Step 3: Search Amazon.com to find the best computer gaming mouse. Go to their site, and enter “gaming mouse” in the search box. The result will be some of the most popular gaming mice along with reviews and ratings.

Step 4: Go to TechSpot.com and click to enter text in the search box. Perform a search for “best gaming mouse,” and you’ll get a list of articles discussing who makes the best mouse, the best features for gaming mice, and what the best gaming mice are.

Step 5: Search tomshardware.com for the best computer gaming mouse. Locate the search box and enter “best gaming mouse,” and you’ll get a listing of mainly forum posts to help you in your search for the best computer gaming mouse.

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