Giving the gift of games, some guidelines

An article published by Tampa Bay Newspapers reminds us that not all gift-givers are equipped with the proper knowledge to fulfill your holiday gaming wish lists.

Here are some helpful pointers to pass along:

• "Games can be played on a personal computer and some require a special video game console ... games must be played on the console for which it was designed – no mix and match" [Technically you could buy him the PS2 version of Madden for his new PlayStation 3, but we wouldn't recommend that]
  

• "Be sure to check the box for requirements before making a purchase" [Know how much RAM his computer has?]
  

• "Games also are rated just as the movies" [Well, not "just as," but yes, games are rated; important to keep in mind especially when shopping for youngsters]

• "New gaming machines are being released just in time for the season ... Word on the street, if you want one for Christmas, is buy sooner than later" [Actually, streets say it's already too late]

• "The official release date for Microsoft XBox 360 and Nintendo Wii was mid-November" [Yeah, but 360 launched in mid-November 2005... ]

• "Games tend to get nicknames so it might be helpful to know what game a person is referring to" [Hint: 'WoW' = World of Warcraft]

• "Some [FPS] games are quite realistic and not for the squeamish" [Some aren't realistic and not for the squeamish]
  

• "If someone on your gift list has requested a specific game title – don't make a substitution and watch out for games that sound alike" [Gears of War! Not God of War.]
  

• "When in doubt, try a gift card" [Cash is cool too]
  

• "Parents should be cautioned that video games can be highly addictive" [Scratch this one]