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Going
to War with a Stick A new frontier of interactive war simulations has taken the glorification of war to an entirely new level. Since their creation, violent video games have been a source of contention for parents and academics alike. The first video games portrayed little if any violence, in part because of graphic limitations and because Atari had created rules about how much violence their games would contain. However, the introduction of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), a more technologically sophisticated system with better graphics, Nintendo began breaking the initial taboo against violence to boost sales.
The expansion of the commercial video game industry and advances in technology led to the inevitable creation of more violent video games — including those with military themes. The advent of video games caused uproar about the possible effects on children being exposed to violence, but surprisingly little dialogue about violent war games — perhaps because war toys have enjoyed popularity since toy soldiers became a toy box staple during the 19th century. Randy Nichols, a Communication Studies graduate student at the UO, said military toys are not a new trend, citing toy guns and army figurines as examples of military toys. During wartime, however, military toys are not simply playthings; they are connected to the political climate, serving (intentionally or not) as propaganda. Whatever the government involvement, war-themed video games continue to be popular, and video game companies such as UBI Soft, EA Games, and Global Star Software are buying in to the time-tested trend. However, the Army does have a hand in the video game industry, although the government is reluctant to acknowledge these ties, said Nichols. While the government has "tried to find ways that they can get a useful product for themselves from the video game industry," "America's Army," a video game released by the U.S. Army to increase recruitment, is "one of the most expensive that's been made," said Nichols. Although the game is available free both online and in recruitment offices, the budget is $6 million, although the average commercial video game budget is $1 million. The target audience is "guys around 18," Nichols continued. The Army also advertises online at the links to several war games; as of Dec. 9, the gamespy.com links to "Call of Duty: United Offensive, Terrorist Takedown," "Army Men: Sarge's War," and "WWII Tank Commander" displayed Army advertisements before continuing on to the actual website. Wendy Varney, author of Playing with 'War Fare', said that although military toys were hugely popular during World War I and World War II — wars that had a huge base of popular support — the sale of war toys fell off in Vietnam after the public "sickened of the enduring conflict," further pointing to the connection between military-themed toys and the political climate of the day. These toys, Varney said, served as "channels for the demonization of enemies and celebration of military supremacy." The Gulf War, however, was the first conflict during which the video game industry tapped into the market for military toys. "Operation Secret Storm," an original NES game released in 1992, is based on Operation Desert Storm — alongside more traditional toys with Gulf War themes, such as "Desert Storm Barbie," the "Nomad Desert Warrior" and the "Butcher of Baghdad" board game. However, the Gulf War was 15 years ago, and since then, technology has grown exponentially. The sheer volume of video games is tremendous; hundreds are released throughout the year, the majority of them non-violent. "Violent games make up a pretty small percentage of the market," Nichols said. But they retain their appeal as a sub-set of action/adventure and shooter games, and the conflict in Iraq has made the market for war video games grow. Justin D. Field, owner of Big City Gamin', states that in the past several years, new games have been released that center around wars in the Middle East, terrorism, and the hunt for Osama bin Laden. "Terrorist Takedown," "Desert Thunder," "Fugitive Hunter" and "SOCOM: US Navy Seals" are just a few of the military-themed video games currently available. In these games, the terrorist enemy is "definitely portrayed in a stereotypical way," said Field, citing turbans, dark complexions, raggedy clothes and a simulation of Arabic language as just a few of the stereotypes. "There are more war video games out now because we are at war," Field said. "Our society and our culture promote war games." In an Iowa State University magazine article, "Violent Video Games: The Newest Media Violence Hazard," Douglas A. Gentile and Craig A. Anderson cite the participatory element of video gaming as one of the main causes of increased aggression. In many first-person shooter games, the player is "forced to identify with a violent character." Because of this increased identification with characters and immersion in plot, violent video games may have more of a negative effect than violent television or movies, said Gentile and Anderson. Contradictory data leaves studies on video game violence inconclusive, however; the U.S. Department of Justice data shows that youth violence actually declined from 1994-2000, while NPD Funworld data reveals soaring video game sales during the same time period. While many parents use the rating systems to decide what games are appropriate for their children, war games are rated both M (mature) and T (teen) for small discrepancies in format and the amount of violence. The difference between the two ratings, Field said, can be slight. Tom Clancy's "Ghost Recon 2," which was banned in South Korea because of its portrayal of a war between North and South Korea, had its rating lowered from M in the first game to T, although there was little change in the format. "You're still hunting people, but there is no blood," said Field. The change was made, said Field, to make more sales. It is not the violence, however, that makes war games problematic. "There are other games out there more violent than war games," he said. Instead, it is the unrealistic portrayal of war that contributes to glorification of the military. "No game will portray the reality of war," said Field. One glaring absence in many war-themed video games, he notes, is the absence of civilians and civilian casualties in war-themed games. "One of the difficulties of video games in general is there is sort of a lack of consequence," Nichols said. "In most military video games, there isn't the attempt to link war with the tragedy of war." He also holds the media accountable, stating, "The media has gone out of its way to avoid linking the war on terror with the horrors of any kind of war." The unreality of war games, said Field, is dangerous because it does show a more positive side of war. He also places most of the blame on the media as a whole, stating that the media "glorifies war" and does not show the horrific reality. "The news does more than video games," said Field. "Video games are just a by-product of our society and culture as a whole."
A
Great Year for Gamers EDITOR'S NOTE: Justin Field is the owner of Big City Gamin' on Willamette Street downtown.
This holiday season has been a most anticipated one in video gaming with sequels to some of the biggest games in the biz. The end of the year is in sight for the XBOX, PS2, and Gamecube, and we're about to witness the greatest collection of games being released in their short history. One cool thing about video games is the variety offered. When people tell me "I don't like Gamecube" or that "PS2 is better than XBOX," I always say that it's not the system, it's the games you're playing. The truth is that there are some amazing games on all three systems. The library of video games is always expanding, and companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft are constantly pushing the boundaries and evolving the technologies. While shopping this season you'll probably be asked to buy a video game system, or at least a game, and if you're not in touch with that culture you may need some advice. Each of the above mentioned systems has a good selection of games. The Gamecube has the least amount of games (more than 100), but it has the most kid-friendly games and the unit is only $99.95. PS2 and XBOX are competing for the die-hard gamers between the ages of 15 and 30 who consistently play over 20 hours per week. With these needs in mind the PS2 and XBOX both cater to those gamers, with a huge library (over 300 titles apiece) and more T and M rated games. The PS2 and XBOX also offer many online games, which allows for endless gameplay providing value to the customer. Both the PS2 and XBOX sell for $149.95. It can be tough to decipher between good games and worthless ones. Games do have ratings: E for everyone, T for teen, M for mature, but with only three different ratings comes a huge gray area. Many T games were made for kids and could have easily been rated E, and there are some M games which could have passed for a T game. Then again there are some games that truly deserve their rating. The challenge is figuring out which is which. I have made an effort to educate as many parents who come into BCG as possible, but if there isn't someone willing to help walk you through the differences it can become a guessing game. Shopping for kids ages 5-12 means you probably have a wish list to work with. I've seen many of these lists in my day and most add up to about five times your budget. Understanding the list and picking out the best option is important. If you see any of these games on the list feel good about buying them, all of these games will provide a great gaming experience and will be content appropriate. They are listed by title, rating and platform: Sly 2: Band of Thieves (E) PS2. Jak 3 (T) PS2. Rachet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal (T) PS2. Mario Power Tennis (E) Gamecube, Madden NFL 2005 (E) PS2, XBOX, Gamecube. NBA Live 2005 (E) PS2, XBOX, Gamecube. If you're searching for a game to give a kid between 13-16 you're probably flooded with a list of M titles to choose from. Of course it's up to you to grant these wishes, but I'll tell you that there are plenty of T games out there. Below are some awesome T games as well as some tame M games. Jak 3 (T) PS2. Rachet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal (T) PS2. Need For Speed Underground 2 (T) PS2, XBOX, Gamecube. Metroid Prime 2 (T) Gamecube. Tony Hawk Underground 2 (T) PS2, XBOX. Ghost Recon 2 (T) XBOX. Halo 2 (M) XBOX. For the older gamer out there, like myself (29), you can choose from any of the games. But, just because you can play M games doesn't mean you're entire collection should consist of M titles. The games mentioned above are so good that no matter what your age, you will enjoy them. There are a ton of M games coming out this season and below is a list of the best: GTA San Andreas (M) PS2. HALO 2 (M) XBOX. Fable (M) XBOX. Prince of Persia 2 (M) PS2, XBOX. Metal Gear Solid 3 (M) PS2.
Fast,
Cheap & Easy
It's always the same song and dance — you do it every year. You are acutely aware that Christmas is rolling around, but you haven't sprung into action yet to actually purchase gifts for friends and loved ones. If you need some inspiration on where to find presents that say something big without breaking the bank, read on, last-minute shoppers. Women The Secondhand Saints, found at the Holiday Market, make belts, magnets, jewelry, ornaments, and book marks out of bottle caps donated by local businesses. The bracelets and magnets are especially attractive, featuring vintage photos and colorful designs. The force behind the Saints, artist Ruby Colette, often portrays people who are her personal role models in her bottle cap art including the Virgin Mary, pirate women and historical figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Frida and Oscar Wilde. There are a plethora of "naughty" and "nice" designs. Bracelets are on sale for $10 and magnets are $6. Candee Cole and Michelle Chaves, founders of Two Cheeky Monkeys (also at the Holiday Market), have created recycled purses made from old records and game boxes. The purses feature bands such as Fleetwood Mac and the Village People. Games include Candyland, Clue and more. Many of the bags sell for $30 or more, but some are on sale for $15-$20. The Two Cheeky Monkeys also make cute purses out of Capri Sun juice containers that are $15 and up. Also available at this stand are journals made from old board games and children's books by Dr. Seuss as well as classics like The Pokey Little Puppy for under $20 (the books are even included in the back of the journal).
The Somerset Toiletry Company makes divine soaps, lotions, body wash and body butters. These fresh scents include Ginger-Lime, Apricot-Honey and Fig-Pear, and all products cost in the range of $10-$14. Pick them up at Uncommon Scents. Sundance sells a calendar titled "Barbie's Dreamhouse and the Pink Poison Problem." This 2005 wall calendar, by Stella Marrs, features parody collages of Barbie with "over-the-top" home furnishings while providing information about environmental illness and dangers in consumer chemical products. This fascinating calendar sells for $11.95 at Sundance.
Men Perhaps a fellow you know could use a Buck Knife. McKenzie Outfitters carries one of Buck's small stainless steel knives that also includes a bottle opener and can attach to a key chain. The locking blade is easily resharpened. Pick it up for $15.
Berg's Ski Shop has several techy gifts that won't empty the wallet. For your favorite outdoor adventurer/snowboarder/skier, there are several tools available: the Adventure Plus is seven tools in one including an LED flashlight, compass, digital thermometer, magnifier, safety mirror, whistle and a water-tight storage compartment, all for $20. Burton makes the Zip Tool which is an ultra light "toolbox" for repairs in the field. It includes different sizes of screwdrivers, a wrench and more for $10. Berg's also carries a sizeable selection of beanies — Turtle Fur, Burton, North Face and more — many of which fall into the $20 and below price range. Scott goggles sell for only $19.95. Last, but not least, give him the gift of Warren Miller with his Bloopers, Blunders and Bailouts from past ski films for $14.99. Face the Music highly recommends two CDs to round out your Christmas shopping for that special guy. Arcade Fire's Funeral gives off a retro '80s disco vibe. Heiruspecs' (pronounced "higher respects") A Tiger Dancing is a hip-hop CD featuring two MCs and a live band. Whenever either of these two CDs is playing in the shop, they go like hotcakes according to an employee. Both CDs are on sale at Face the Music for $14.99.
The DVD Chappelle's Show, Season One Uncensored, features comedian Dave Chappelle and his hilarious show on Comedy Central. Find out why everybody is quoting these episodes for $18.99 at Blockbuster.
Unisex The Lane County Musicians Cooperative, found at the Holiday Market, offers a wide array of CDs of local bands. The music selection runs the gamut from folk to Celtic to blues. They offer children's music as well. For under $20, find a gift to suit any music lover's taste. A Bijou gift certificate. Give someone you know and love a night, or several nights, out at the movies. Five movie pass books can be yours for $22.50. Fleece socks are just $15-$17 at McKenzie Outfitters and will be glorious to wear this winter. If you can extend the gift budget, they also sell a Planetary Designs Mug Press for $28. This travel mug includes a French press for the on-the-go coffee connoisseur. Support our local library with a new logo book bag that marks the 100 year anniversary of the Eugene Public Library. Use as a gift or a means to "wrap" a present. This bag is sold in the library's store for $12. Outdoor River Sports sell plenty of items under $20 including all sorts of guidebooks — cooking, wildlife, rescue and more — as well as Nalgenes, dry boxes and dry bags for all river enthusiasts. Pick up the flat water guidebook Canoe and Kayak Routes of Northwest Oregon, by Phillip Jones or Paddling Oregon, a Falcon Guide to the Northwest's bountiful whitewater. For $25, you can give someone a gift certificate to rent a whitewater or recreational kayak, and all the gear, for the day.
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