Spring Break
Reality battles virtuality for gamers
Ashley Ottinger
Issue date: 9/22/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
It is no secret that technology has taken the world over in every respect from transportation to entertainment. Almost every aspect of the average American's day is technologically advanced in some way or another.
But have things gone too far?
Nintendo released its new and improved game system, the Wii, in November of 2006. It originally took its place in the shadows of other up and coming game systems, but eventually found its way into the living rooms of thousands of homes in America and is now outselling all its competition worldwide.
"Guitar Hero" paved the way for creative interactive games. For the first time, a person with no musical experience can pick up a "guitar" and jam out to popular ballads of the past. Since then, games like Rock Band have come along and developed even this new idea; the average Joe can now play the drums and sing along as well.
Video games have come so far since the "DuckHunt" and "Mario Brothers" games of the past. More and more, movement has been incorporated into this former couch potato activity. This movement seems to mimic reality, but has it replaced it?
Senior Amy Goggins said, "I think that to say people have replaced reality with virtual reality is an exaggeration. Sure, some people do that, but it's really just a fun thing to do."
While most of America's youth have picked up one of these games, most have not used it to substitute real sporting or musical experiences.
Wii user and senior Sarah Iserman said, "I think it gives a different understanding of the games because they aren't the same. The real game is much more physical and strategic. It's just a different way to experience things."
Most of the Wii games require movement of some sort. Many of its games are virtual sporting events.
Yet, can Wii-users replace sport with the Wii?
Wii user Scott Howard said, "Not really. The active people that truly enjoy the sport aren't going to replace it. I think it has added to the sport more than taken away from it. Now people can play tennis on a rainy day."
But, can it provide an adequate workout?
"No, not compared to running around outside," said Howard
Not everyone agrees with Howard. Iserman is an owner and frequent user of the Wii Fit. This optional Wii accessory is intended to provide a workout for its user.
Iserman said, "I feel that you can get a real workout as long as you follow the program provided…My dad has actually lost a significant amount of weight using the Wii and dieting."
It's undeniable that games like Wii and Rock Band have changed the way we game forever. But, it still seems to be too soon to tell whether it will have a positive or negative affect on the youth of this world.
But have things gone too far?
Nintendo released its new and improved game system, the Wii, in November of 2006. It originally took its place in the shadows of other up and coming game systems, but eventually found its way into the living rooms of thousands of homes in America and is now outselling all its competition worldwide.
"Guitar Hero" paved the way for creative interactive games. For the first time, a person with no musical experience can pick up a "guitar" and jam out to popular ballads of the past. Since then, games like Rock Band have come along and developed even this new idea; the average Joe can now play the drums and sing along as well.
Video games have come so far since the "DuckHunt" and "Mario Brothers" games of the past. More and more, movement has been incorporated into this former couch potato activity. This movement seems to mimic reality, but has it replaced it?
Senior Amy Goggins said, "I think that to say people have replaced reality with virtual reality is an exaggeration. Sure, some people do that, but it's really just a fun thing to do."
While most of America's youth have picked up one of these games, most have not used it to substitute real sporting or musical experiences.
Wii user and senior Sarah Iserman said, "I think it gives a different understanding of the games because they aren't the same. The real game is much more physical and strategic. It's just a different way to experience things."
Most of the Wii games require movement of some sort. Many of its games are virtual sporting events.
Yet, can Wii-users replace sport with the Wii?
Wii user Scott Howard said, "Not really. The active people that truly enjoy the sport aren't going to replace it. I think it has added to the sport more than taken away from it. Now people can play tennis on a rainy day."
But, can it provide an adequate workout?
"No, not compared to running around outside," said Howard
Not everyone agrees with Howard. Iserman is an owner and frequent user of the Wii Fit. This optional Wii accessory is intended to provide a workout for its user.
Iserman said, "I feel that you can get a real workout as long as you follow the program provided…My dad has actually lost a significant amount of weight using the Wii and dieting."
It's undeniable that games like Wii and Rock Band have changed the way we game forever. But, it still seems to be too soon to tell whether it will have a positive or negative affect on the youth of this world.
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