A recent study to be published in Academic Journal Nature has uncovered a new possible application for video games. The study shows that video games can be used to boost short and long term focus in older adults. With that in mind, there’s a question rising: can video games help people’s brains act younger?
Let’s see what research says
The study run by cognitive scientists from the University of California cost three hundred thousand dollars and took a sample of adults through a custom built video game. The game was designed to make people pick out road signs while driving a car, discounting signs that were of no importance while picking out significant ones.
The sample was split broadly into two areas: those in their twenties and those between sixty and eighty. The younger sample registered a twenty six percent drop in efficiency when multi tasking while the older sample immediately registered a drop of sixty four percent.
The study was repeated after the samples were trained in the use of the game over time and the results were interesting to say the least. The study noted that the older sample regained the cognitive ability of the younger sample after being exposed to the game over time. Furthermore the older sample operated at this level equal to the younger sample outside of the game environment and continued to show improvements over six months.
Videos can help train specific areas of the mind
It looks like video games can be used to train certain areas of the mind. The issue is that the best way to train the mind is still not known. Dr Daphne Bavelier, a cognitive scientist whose own research into training the brain with video games has paved the way for further study, believes that the art to training the brain effectively using video games of other interactive media is still not understood.
So called brain games designed to boost mental ability are not scrutinized enough and should be constantly altered and studied to ascertain the perfect balance to stimulate the brain. Rather than support and admit that video games are good, some people are just too focused on laying out their drawbacks.
We’re still talking about experiments
Dr Gazzaley believes that the study - entitled Neuroracer (because it’s powered by the Neuroracer video game) by the University of California - is a major leap forward but should not be used as clear definitive evidence of real world application. His opinion on the matter is that the Neuroracer study showed clear benefits for the six months after but was not an accurate depiction of the real world, being a laboratory controlled experiment. Further study is required to understand the possible real world implications of the findings.
Chief among what is to be uncovered is whether these benefits are actually permanent or long term. Whether the experiment is proof that brain boosting abilities can be achieved with video game stimulus is not proved without a doubt by Neuroracer.
The study did however use theta brain wave measuring apparatus to judge alterations in the theta brain wave (linked to attention spans) and this was indeed improved in the older sample. This gave very clear evidence that something has improved during the game. What and for how long is up for debate.
We can’t know for sure what will happen from now, however we want to hope that video games can revive the brain and make it more active. Now it’s up to the scientists to prove their allegations, and who knows, maybe at one point in the future video games will be seen as a therapeutic way of boosting the brain?
About the Author:
Christopher Austin is the writer to this article and several other articles. He loves to talk, discuss and spread awareness about anything interesting going on around us. He is also editor at a gaming site Cooking Games 365.
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2/25/2014 | Continue Reading...
Now that the next generation of consoles is finally on sale, 2014 is getting ready to amaze avid gamers with some pretty exciting open world games. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are here to stay so make sure that you’re ready to experience the craziest, most challenging video games of the year. Open worlds are all about enabling the player to take his own decisions, make choices, and roam freely through a fantasy world where the player will be the one creating the gameplay. Are you ready to be blown away?
Sunset Overdrive
The open-world, super stylish shooter game will be released exclusively for Xbox One this 2014. Sunset Overdrive comes from the makers of Resistence, Spyro, and Ratchet, so it goes without saying that it will be huge. Packed with crazy weapons, splat-tastic mutants, and free-running multi-player, the game will certainly exceed everyone’s expectations. Set in the upcoming future, the character-player has to figure out a way to deal with all the mutants and stay alive.
Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
Developed by the acclaimed Chinese Room, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture is an upcoming adventure video-game that will be set in a massive virtual world. The game is based on 6 main characters, each one telling their own personal story. As the game progresses you’ll realize that your player is linked to some of the landmarks of that virtual world, and thus the whole experience will be even greater. Unlike its spiritual predecessor Dear Esther, Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture claims to be a lot more interactive and thrilling. We’ll see!
Watch Dogs
We cannot wait for Watch Dogs to be released. The upcoming action-adventure game focuses on a main character, Aiden Pearce, a skilled hacker and notorious vigilante. Do you have what it takes to retrieve all the data that you need without been seen by the city’s supercomputer? Based on the informational warfare concept, Watch Dogs bases its action on several main objectives such as evading the police, finding specific targets and killing them, or following potential victims and saving them from the hands of their killers.
Dragon Age: Inquisition
BioWare and Electronic Arts have teamed up again to make the year’s most awaited video game, Dragon Age: Inquisition. Featuring a brand new combat system, both female and male player-characters, and a killer interface, the game doesn’t just look promising; it looks sharp, polished, and ready to amaze even the most pretentious gamers out there. Influenced by some other famous open-world games like Skyrim for example, Inquisition plans on overcoming its predecessors Origins and Dragon Age II. Until an official release on Q3 of 2014, we can only hope for the best.
The Crew
The Crew will be Ubisoft’s main open-world racer this year. The release of the game was pushed back and reserved for the 4th quarter of 2014, and until then we can satisfy our curiosity with the little information we have thus far about the game. At a first glimpse The Crew looks pretty tasty – racing-focused missions, open-world features, social interactions with your friends and your crew, customized vehicles – so we only wait and see if it will manage to impress gamers with its advanced game features, killer interface, and mind-blowing gameplay.
Open-world video games have always made an impression on avid gamers around the world because they allow the player-character to call the shots. Do you have what it takes to be Aiden Pearce, the hacker from Watch Dogs, or you’d rather stick to finishing racing missions with your friends on The Crew? Regardless of your choice, the upcoming open-world games for this 2014 are without a doubt unbelievable.
About the Author:
Christopher Austin is the writer of this article. He is car racing lover and enjoys playing it himself and at video games. He mostly plays them at Car Games 365 where he enjoys them playing free and online.
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1/13/2014 | Continue Reading...
How can parents educate their kids using an iPad without turning to violent games that can affect their behavior? In today’s modern world avoiding technology is impossible, so rather than force your child not to use gadgets, it’s a lot better for a parent to foster that curiosity by offering their kids the opportunity to play fun, engaging games. Believe it or not, iPads can actually help children develop their cognitive functions a lot faster, and as long as the games employed are educational, they won’t affect or influence personality in any way.
Reading Raven
Reading Raven is an extremely interesting, phonics-based app that offers step-by-step reading lessons to kids under 6 years old. Kids will undergo wonderful adventures and along their quest they will also learn how to read. On their journey they’ll come across circus acrobats, caterpillars that become butterflies, ball balancing seals, snow monsters, space robots, flying penguins and more. So if you’re trying to find the perfect combination of an educational app and a game, Reading Raven is an excellent choice.
Laugh and Learn: Shapes & Colors
Little kids who want to learn about colors and shapes will love this game. It features all kinds of interactions with sounds and animations, as well as really fun sing along songs meant to boost interest. Tilt or tap the screen and a learning world will start moving. Begin interacting with the on-screen colors & shapes, listen to the name of the color or shape, and make your toddler have an amazing time of the iPad.
Eye Paint Animals
Eye Paint is an extremely interesting game that offers kids the chance to create incredible images together with famous artists by implementing their own illustrations. It’s an extremely invigorating app because it fosters creativity in kids. They will have to paint using the camera, capture colors, textures and patterns around them. The painting created by kids can be saved and printed. Drawing is always fun and when it’s carried out on an iPad it becomes even more alluring.
Native Numbers
Native Numbers is an excellent addition for today’s already saturated math app marketplace. The game is exactly what parents would want for their little ones because if provides the deepest understanding on math vocabulary and number concepts. The creators of the app, Native Brains, have mentioned that kids are capable of amazing things as long as they’re given the chance to express themselves. Parents who embrace that philosophy are well-aware that games like Native Numbers can be extremely educational and at the same time fun for their kids.
Social Quest
Developed by speech-language pathologist and author Rosie Simms, Social Quest is a keeper. The app is meant to improve expression and pragmatic language comprehension in various social situations and it is meant for kids in middle school, elementary school, and high-school. Social Quest makes use of real contextual images, life situations, and a problem-solving quest theme meant for kids who will have to navigate through the locations and earn rewards.
Tense Builder
Tense Builder is an excellent app that will not just keep kids entertained, but also help them identify tenses correctly in the most engaging way possible. Children are supposed to use the correct tense by playing several animated videos that showcase present, past and future tense. The game features 48 lessons and it will help toddlers learn about sequencing and differentiating events.
Kids are extremely curious and as a devoted parent you have to foster that curiosity in the most educational way possible. Don’t hide your iPad from your toddlers and allow them to use it to play educational games and apps.
About the Author:
Jason Phillips is a lifelong gamer who loves to play latest and craziest games. Apart he is a Technical Writer, and a content writer at the site of Army Games 365. You can play and feel the war by playing these games.
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12/16/2013 | Continue Reading...
It’s difficult to describe how thrilled gamers are to finally have a brand new console. However, it’s easy to determine in what ways that feeling is quantified. Alain Corre, who is Ubisoft’s European Chief, stated that pre-orders for upcoming games like Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed 4 are titled to next-gen consoles. He added that they’re out placing pre-orders for most current-gen systems.
Mr. Corre added that fans are anxiously waiting to get their hands on the new devices. It has been eight years since Sony released its last home console, so there’s no wonder that people are so excited. Who will purchase a current-gen system when a future-gen one is just around the corner? Pre-orders for Watch Dogs and Assassin’s Creed 4 are increasing every day and the enthusiasm is nearly tangible.
Furthermore, Corre claims that in his opinion the changeover to the new system will be faster than in the past. Just think about the giant install base that PS3 and Xbox 360 have compared to PS4 and Xbox One. The last ones have not been released yet, but they’re actually moving more games. Also, there have been 75 million PS3s and 78 million Xbox 360s sold around the world since launch.
Undoubtedly, there will be plenty of avid gamers willing to purchase one of the new systems at inauguration. If the new systems register more sales than existing devices, there’s no doubt that gamers will be overly-excited for the new console generation. After the release date, outdated devices are very likely to remain unsold for a very long period of time.
The inauguration date is approaching fast and sales for current generation consoles are dropping down. EA has already reported a decrease in the number of pre-orders for current-gen sport titles. Plus, the whole industry displayed a significant decline in comparison with the previous year.
NPD reports that since 2012 console sales went down with 13% and software sales decrease with 20% over the same period. Even sales for top ten lowered with 10% from last year. Analysts argue that things may come back to normal this fall with the release of great titles, like Duty Ghosts and Grand Theft Auto C. However, nothing is for sure and gamers are probably trying to save some cash for when the PS4 and Xbox One are released.
Moreover, Mr. Corre argues that he’s still wondering if Ubisoft is considering pre-orders of their games for Wii U as “next generation”. Although their games are available for Xbox 360 and Xbox One, PS3 and PS4, they’re not released for the original Wii, just Wii U. That could cause some issues, but considering how little Wii U managed to sell, it’s probably a trivial amount.
These being said, you shouldn’t worry if video games sales drop down dramatically. This only indicates that people are eagerly waiting for the next generation consoles. They’re simply not willing to invest in anything else after nearly ten years of waiting. Yet, things may change once the consoles are released. The market will cool down, everything will get back to normal and sales will stop going down.
It’s only natural for current-gen systems to register slight decreases. Considering the number of preorders for next-gen consoles and the public enthusiasm we couldn’t expect less. The official release is supposed to be extraordinary and gamers will be glad that they waited ten years for a new device from Ubisoft. Are you ready to be amazed? Then you might want to prepare yourself for the unthinkable. Next generation gaming consoles will surely manage to amaze players fond of both the Xbox and PS4.
About the Author:
Jason Phillips, a professional blogger and content writer, has shared this post. He is also working in the team of writers at an online gaming site Airplane Games 365. He loves to swim and play video games whenever he finds the time..
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9/18/2013 | Continue Reading...
Indie games are in fashion! Apart from the Android and iOS revolution, the PS3, 360, PCs are home to fantastic indie games. Journey and Minecraft are probably the most popular ones, but Guacamelee and Fez are quite impressive too. This year’s E3 is a sign that indie games will be part of the future generation of consoles. Sony presented a fancy indie showcase and Microsoft unveiled their titles LocoCycle and Below. But before looking into the future, you should analyze the past and find what games generated this incredible indie game resurgence.
Braid
Braid is among the most beloved indie games. It was released in 2008 on Xbox and it became successful overnight. Its unsophisticated fantasy made some people assume that the game was aimed for kids, yet the puzzle mechanics depict something else. Braid’s charm lies in its basic controls that enable you to focus more on your progress during the game. Each word features its time based mechanic, which helps you find the hidden puzzle pieces. The game debuted in the 360, but very soon it became available on Macs, PCs and PS3.
The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai
Bloody, bloody game! It was developed by James Silva, who won Microsoft’s Dream-Build-Play, a game development competition. The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai is a classic, 2D game with a wild and frantic story. You play as the unnamed protagonist who is revived by his Chief and given magical powers to conquer a cyborg army. It is a classic, but very entertaining story of revenge. You are allowed to use all sorts of weapons to defeat your enemies. The controls are simple, but deep because the game incorporates powerful attacks and devastating finishers. It has an unparalleled art style and several game modes that will surely appeal to you.
Everyday Shooter
This was among the first games downloaded on the PS3. It is a fresh take on musical shooter, like Rez and features a gameplay similar to Galaga. The game has a minimalist design and fine graphics. You will play as a tiny square dot that can move on the whole screen. Just like the former models, it uses basic dual stick shooting and simplistic maneuvering mechanics.
While you hit your enemies, guitar notes and riffs resonate with the game’s unique soundtrack. In fact, the soundtrack is among the most impressive elements of the game. The eight levels increase in difficulty and feature hallucinating bosses. Everyday shooter is definitely a game that you must play!
Papo & Yo
How can you not love Papo & Yo? Although the reviews are confusing and there isn’t any accurate data, you will have to play the game to determine if it’s amazing or not. Papo & Yo had a really solid ride on the hype train before its official release. The developer, Minority, used a daring art style that unfortunately came along with several technical imperfections.
In spite of its flaws, this game has a very interesting story. The main character, Quinco runs away from home to escape his alcoholic father. As you wander around Quinco’s Brazilian village, you progress through the puzzle and get a sense of imagination and wander that very few games offer. The gameplay and the puzzle may become a bit mundane, but the game can be finished quite fast. Otherwise, play it for the amazing soundtrack. It is composed by Brian D’Oliveria and matches perfectly the game’s action. The shooting tones of wind and the string instruments blend with the lovely percussion rhythms.
There you have it, some of the most fascinating indie games that managed to completely transform the modern game world. With addictive game plays, striking designs and complex characters, they will definitely blow your mind.
About the Author:
Jason Phillips is a lifelong gamer with a unique style of writing. He has written several articles on gaming and also poses an online gaming site Train Games 365. He spends his free time in playing games and watching movies.
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9/17/2013 | Continue Reading...
It’s not easy to keep up with the wide array of games that crowd the AppStore. Most of the iPhone owners choose one or two games and stick with them till the end. The explanation is that they either consider the number of other available games overwhelming or because they simply love one of them.
That’s such a pity. Although there are a couple of big brands that dominate the iPhone gaming experience, all you have to do when you want to find the most amazing games available on platform is dig a little deeper. Take a look on the following list of games and you’ll certainly find several that deserve your attention.
Super Stickman Golf 2
This game is provided by Noodlecake Studios at a price of only $0.99. At first sight it may seem that all you have to do is hit the ball so that it enters the hole. However, you’ll soon notice that it’s more complicated than you’ve expected. Insane courses are waiting for you and you have to hit the ball using amazing power-ups. Besides, you may have to use many other tricks if you want to get your ball into that tricky cup, such as sticking to walls by making use of glue, using magnets or freezing water using iceshots. The great features of this game will keep you busy for days.
Ridiculous Fishing
If there is something Vlambeer should be appreciated for is their perseverance. After Radical Fishing, their previous game, got cloned and released, creating an incredible woe, the team was able to pull themselves up from the ground and create the amazing Super Crate Box. Now their latest game, Ridiculous Fishing, will certainly be a success. This game is very addictive and allows you to cast a line, catch some fish, throw them in the air and gain some points by blasting them away. You’ll certainly have loads of fun without paying a high price (only $2.99).
The Room (Pocket)
The game starts in a room that contains a contraption. You’ll certainly spend the next hours trying to figure out how the cursed thing can be solved, but this doesn’t mean you won’t have fun. The 2012 version of this game for iPhone can be downloaded for free, but you are advised to pay the two bucks and get the full version. However, this game may require a newer iPhone, as it may turn into a graphical workhorse.
Spaceteam
If you enjoy screaming out all types of commands inspired from one of the Star Trek episodes, then you should try joining Spaceteam. You and your friends get the chance to pilot a spaceship together and issue a wide range of commands in order to ensure that the pile of junk won’t fall apart. This game is not recommended when you’re on a date, but it’s surely a fun multiplayer game.
Pixel People
Pixel People is basically a simulation that allows you to construct your own Utopia. However, zoning laws and buildings are not the only ones you’ll have to deal with. You’ll have the time of your life playing deity and merging the genes of you citizens in order to enlarge the population of your city.
Star Wars Pinball
When you hear the title of this game you probably think of an awesome combination between Star Wars and Pinball. Star Wars Pinball is more than that! The game is provided with amazing visuals and stunning gameplay. However, the$1.99 spent to purchase the game feature only one table called The Empire Strikes Back. Within the game you have the chance to purchase another two.
Nimble Quest
Nimble Quest is somehow inspired from the monochrome game called Snake that everybody used to enjoy on those old Nokia phones. However, Nimble Quest implies guiding your heroes around the given map and trying to eliminate your enemies. The best part is that you have to avoid running into nasty things, including yourself.
Candy Crush Saga
This big Facebo0k success has recently become available on iOS and the success is as big as expected. Although the gameplay is familiar to players, there are some tricky twists that will keep you glued to these candies all night. Although you can play many days without paying anything, in order to reach later levels you’ll be required to use some extra booster packs.
Real Racing 3
As if it wasn’t already the best-looking racing game available on mobile, Firemonkeys have still managed to improve it. The gameplay is like a dream and features a wide range of trucks and cars that imply the tightest control ever required by this type of games.
Badland
In Badland you are a bizarre creature similar to a bat that files through a planet which was designed to kill you. You’ll certainly be attracted by the amazing art style and tricky puzzles. The gameplay is simple, but you’ll find enough reasons to continue flying through the scary darkness of the night.
About the Author:
Michael Clark absolutely loves writing and video games. He is a tech guy and enjoys playing with tech toys. This inspired him to join the gaming site Sniper Games 365.
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6/17/2013 | Continue Reading...
Quick Fix Games – what are they? They are wonderful little breaks from reality; for many of us, the games we turn to the most are the ones that offer immediate, short-term thrills – the games we can play for a few minutes at a time with minimal hassle – Casual Games. So what are some great Quick Fix games that you can get from the iTunes store, maybe some 5 star funs? Try these
Disney's Where's My Water?
To get the water to its rightful destination, you must scrub away dirt from the screen, but watch out for hazards like toxic water and ooze. The levels are short and sweet, but there are hundreds of them to keep you busy.Plus, this game is great for kids and adults alike, so pass that iPhone to the 2 year old. Also, if he gets bored of the game, he can watch cartoon shorts on the Disney channel of the same name.
Robot Unicorn Attack 2
Robot Unicorn Attack 2 improves upon almost every aspect of the original. The concept has been expanded far beyond its initial goofy roots, and become a little more serious. While this makes for a better game, it is fewer laughs out loud. Still, as you ride your beautiful robot steed into battle, you will forget your woes a bit.
Fruit Ninja
While this game has been out for a while, it’s a staple by now. Slicing and dicing fruit has never been more fun. The Arcade Mode packs a concise punch within 60 seconds, though skilled players can go much longer in Classic Mode
Temple Run 2
The sequel has topped some records with 50 million downloads during its opening 13 days on sale, you can bet this sequel is sure to delight, still managing to fend off bouts of boredom with its pick-up-and-play convenience.
Into the Dead
This zombie game is the scariest of them all, in my opinion. The premise: When your helicopter crashes in the middle of a field during the undead apocalypse, and all you can see in the darkness around you are shambling zombies, what do you do? Run.
Bejewled Blitz
Boasting itself as the #1 puzzle game globally, this is one of a few multi-platform games where you can Challenge your Facebook friends to beat your best score and dominate the weekly tournament leaderboards, or play the Daily Spin each day for your chance to win 1,000,000 FREE coins. The challenges are varied so that you don’t get bored while you are bored.
Badland
You control a vaguely avian thing who must navigate his way through the world's most lethal forest. As you float through the trees, you're confronted with a series of improbably deadly traps – spikes, syringes; spinning saw blades, giant scythes, lead pipes, falling slabs of granite.The game employs a one-touch system to keep the control mechanics as simple as possible, and thus allows you to enjoy the virtual weirdness that is this game. Quite possibly the coolest game this summer, the dark and twisted nature of this game is more than enough to keep your interest.
Impossible Road
This game is a simple game that requires very little thought, but might drive you mad. Although minimalistic in design, this game is anything but easy. It is very difficult to play and hardcore gamers love to take on the challenge of something that others claim are too hard to play. If you think that you have excellent skills with a controller, you do not want to miss this game. It will either make you feel like you’ve got mounds of steel, or it will turn you into a blubbering mound of jelly.
No matter how you look at it, you will be bored this summer. Go ahead and download these games, and get ready.
About the Author:
Michael Clark is an avid gamer and loves to blog about games. His site Tom and Jerry Games 365 is also for playing online games. His leisure includes playing football and watching cartoon movies with his kids.
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6/04/2013 | Continue Reading...
