There was a time when flash games were limited to simple point and click fests that were made to moreso pass the time than actually be enjoyable.  To keep data transfers to a minimum, early flash programmers used graphics that were simplified and were strickly suited for a time when most Internet users were forced to use telephones as their way to the Net.  From these humble beginnings a whole slew of fully realized experiences have been spawned all over the Internet.  No longer are programmers limited to simple interactivity or early Nintendo NES era graphics but are able to fully realize their ideas within a medium that can be limiting but has a breadth that allows for creavitivity.  As proof of this look at the former flash games that can be found on Xbox Live Arcade, the Playstation Store, and Wii Ware.

One Stop Shop

By no means am I saying that all the games out there are works of gaming genius ready for primetime, and in fact many are  a downright chore to play through.  But that’s why there’s sites like Kongregate.com that take the guest work out of finding the creme de la creme of flash games.  One of the biggest draws that Kongregate has is the fact that it has a community that’s a couple thousand strong and growing with just as many games in it’s library to peruse through.  It is free to join the community with the option of “tipping” those developers you feel deserve some monetary reward for their efforts.

Kommunity Focused

I specifically said community because that’s what Kong really is.  It is a community of gamers that enjoy playing games and the site is specifically made to cater to this.  Game developers playing alongside the players each shooting ideas off of each other to one simple end, making better games.  Alongside every game window there’s also a chat window that can be game specific or one that you become a regular in.  I believe all this interactivity allows for a real community to be formed rather than the chaos that can be found in any online console multiplayer lobby. There’s also a level system that has you earning poitns for commenting, rating, playing, and completing challenges within games.  This may seem like a gimmick but it also has the benefit of incentivizing being a part of the kong kommunity which can only enrich the experience for everyone else.

Kreativity Galore

Kongregate has games for just about every taste with a catalogue that expands on a daily basis.  You’ll find everything from shooters, to side scrolling action games, to puzzle games, and even a couple RTS games.  Just as long as you’re not expecting mind blowing graphics: you’ll be treated to a pleasant experience each and every time you spend some time within Kongregate’s walls.  Also, if you’re interested there’s lessons on how to start making your own flash games located right on the spot.  Also monthly sweepstakes for prized as well as a monthly contest awarding the time new games uploaded for the month.  Do I really have to keep typing or are you finally checking out Kongregate for yourself’?

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News that the “Nintendo DSi launches in the United States on April 5, 2009, at an MSRP of $169.99.” came out on Feb 18th in a statement released by Nintendo of America Inc.  It will be up to consumers to vote with their wallets on whether the almost $170 price tag is worth the price of admission though.  The Nintendo DSi is Nintendo’s latest entry into the portable gaming marketplace and is essentially a revamp of the DS Lite that was released a few years ago.

There are a few new features that should be noted before anyone throws their hands up in shock.  There will be the added functionality of being able to play music, more readily access wireless networks, and the ability to use some built-in software that utilizes the DSi’s mic to record sounds files and allows you to manipulate it  in however you see fit.  The biggest addition to the Nintendo DSi are the two cameras it now has. “One camera is on the external body, and the second one points at the user when the device is flipped open.”  Nintendo says about the inclusion of the cameras that they are “a new tool to devise creative games and experiences.”  There will also be a program included with the DSi that will allow for you to edit pictures on the fly right on your DSi screens.

The features added to the DSi, especially the cameras, may seem like a gimmick to some, added to justify the high price tag, but the same rumblings were made when the original DS was released.  Nintendo has a way of making something that may seem like a gimmick one day be completely ground breaking in time, you’d only have to look as far as the Wii for a perfect example of this.  I personally can’t see myself throwing away my gorgeous black DS Lite in favor of a DSi but I would not blame any tech heads out there for grabbing one up when it hits stores in April.

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Sure a shortcut to that moment is pulling out the Wii or Rockband but I take even more pride in being able to do it in other ways.  For instance informing one of the women that work with me that the Xbox 360 has just as many family orientated games as the Wii.  Another was suggesting a couple ways another coworker could get a Nintendo DS for her daughter on the cheap.  Just last night I had a friend over that was kind of bored while his wife and my roommates talked their girl talk so I fired up Geometry Wars Evolved because of him being an old school gamer and he instantly fell in love with it.  Those moments are what get me geeked to be a gamer.

I guess in a way I prefer to empower people to make choices when it comes to games.  Let me help you find out what type of game is suited to your tastes.  I kind of get a thrill out of being able to spread my enthusiasm for gaming like pink eye in an elementary school.