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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I, like many of you gamers out there, have tried and failed when trying to share my love of games with others.  While all of us may have the best intentions from the beginning, we usually meet failure because of lack of forethought or over enthusiasm for our hobby.  Instead of adding new gamers to the gaming community’s numbers we usually only succeed in solidifying their already negative view of gaming.  With this in mind I created a short list of ways to introduce people to gaming and what pitfalls could occur while doing so.   

1. Gentle and Accommodating

Just like taste in movies, you have to respect what your significant other’s tastes are when choosing a game to play with them.  Make sure that whatever your choice is, that it doesn’t expect too much from the player right from the start.  Watching that it both satisfies their sensibilities, as well as doesn’t drop them into something difficult, will make the transition into gaming all the easier.

Things To Watch Out For – Don’t make it too easy, just because they can breeze through it doesn’t instantly equate they’ll get any satisfaction out of it.  Try to respect their inexperience and taste – don’t mock them.

2. Size Does Matter

You’re going to have to give some thought into what their tolerance will be for lengths of time between save points or time needed to complete levels.  In most cases there has to be some satisfaction of accomplishment when the person plays the game.  Whether it’s Xbox Achievements or being able to play a full level from start to finish, the game has to have some built-in situations that they can strive to overcome and eventually beat in one sitting.

Things To Watch Out For – Accomplishment is a great thing to get from a game but make sure that the difficulty isn’t too steep.  Us hardcore gamers can get frustrated and we’re already prepared for the headaches video games can be so you could only imagine what someone who doesn’t care about games can feel if they die three or four times during a boss fight.

3. Have It Your Way

Being able to customize your own avatar or gamertag within a game can be a fun addition and playing up this fact to a new gamer can only help in drawing them in.  Perfect examples of this is the Xbox 360′s Avatars, the Wii‘s Miis, and to a lesser extend  PS3‘s Home application.  But even if they personally don’t want to play a particular game, giving them the chance to make your character can make them curious as to how the person they made becomes part of the world.  This will only add another point of sharing between the two of you.

Things To Watch Out For – Grin and bear how long it may take for them to complete this process.  While it may take you three minutes to make yourself a character, it just might take them three times that time to do the same.

4. “Couch Punch” Games

Try to find games that emphasize playing co-op with others rather than just sitting around taking turns on games.  Having the ability to share in the experience together can make bringing the other person into the gaming fold go a bit smoother.  Rather than emphasizing the sometimes anti-social nature of gaming you’ll be showing off how great it is to have someone next to you helping you along with the game.

Things To Watch Out For – Make sure you don’t rip through the game without them getting a full experience of what it is to play.  They’ll feel like a placeholder rather than an active participant in the experience.

5. The Wonder Years

Utilize the different compilation discs and retro downloads that can be found on each of the Big Three’s consoles.  Many of these classic games can instantly rekindle the fun factor they enjoyed experiencing in yesteryear.  Some great franchises to revisit can run the vary from Pac-Man and Galaga to Mario and Sonic.

Things To Watch Out For –This can be a great starting point but it would defeat the point if their only want was to play Centipede for the 1000th time to date.  While these are fun to experience you don’t want old arcade games to be the only games they want to play.

6. Like Tyson Vs. A Baby

While your gaming ego may take a hit in doing so, not being too competitive while playing with the other person is a must.  You’ve been playing games for quite some time and completely dominating multiplayer games will only help to alienate your loved one.  Give them a bit of space to begin with and they just might surprise you by providing quite the opposition after getting the basics down.

Things To Watch Out For – Don’t be a complete pushover. It’ll be pretty easy to see right through your ploy to give them some wins before you whoop them into submission.  Once again respect their inexperience, don’t under estimate it.

7. My Very Own Cheer Squad

Be enthusiastic about getting them to play with you.  You don’t want to make it seem like it’s an arduous situation for you to go through.  While it may seem a little cheesy this will only help for it to be more of an experience for both of you, rather than them just sitting on a couch in silence while playing a game.

Things To Watch Out For – While it can add to the experience, try not to overdue it.  No one likes to feel like some kid at their soccer game with their mom cheering from the sidelines.

8. Backseat Gaming

No one likes someone standing over their shoulder nitpicking each and every move they make.  So don’t do the same while the other person is playing the game regardless of how many times they try to open the door that clearly wasn’t programmed to do so.  Many people learn by experience and you showing your frustration could only prompt them to give up on the game all together.

Things To Watch Out For – Give them their space but also let them know that you are most likely aware of what to do next or how to go about beating a boss.  You definitely don’t want them to just toss down the controller in frustration once they’ve hit a seemingly dead end.

Knowing is HALF the battle

While following any of the above can help make the introduction into gaming go as smoothly as possible, it’s not an all access golden key card.  It will not just instantly happen, it might not even happen at all.  Some people just don’t get the idea that pushing these buttons for hours on end could be fun.  If they continue to show lack of interest, chalk it up to differences in tastes and stop “taking one for the team” while watching HGTV when you know every fabric of your being wants to put on Spike or ESPN.

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.

Within a blink of my eye I’m transported back to my living room and look down at my plastic Fisherprice Rockband guitar and wish with every fiber of my being that it was real.  Rockband and Guitar Hero are experiences that are hard to explain because when it comes down to it you’re still in a living room holding bits of plastic toys while your friends do the same next to you or in their own living rooms.  But for anyone that has tried it first hand, they know.  No need for explanation, just need to free up a spot so they can sit in on a little “Eye of the Tiger.”

I adore games that bring people in like this.  Gaming tends to be a fairly anti-social hobby but with the recent rash of local multi player experiences there has been a slight shift on how gaming experiences can be had.  Whether it’s Wii party games or even the ability to play co-op through many new first person shooters, the industry seems to be focusing more on making experiences that you can share rather than solo journeys.

I’m not saying that all games should be co-op only but I do hope that the industry continues to look into new ways that us gamers can share our passion with others without looking like creepy weirdos.