What are the Basics of PC Gaming?

Computer games or simply PC games are growing in popularity. A computer game is actually a game run on a computer. Using an input device - keyboard, gaming mouse like in the new PC games, or a controller as in console games, the player or players play the game.

This article will provide some of the best PC game reviews, trace the history of computer games and information on how to download PC games, the best PC games etc.

History and Evolution of Computer Games

The first primitive computer and video games were developed in the 1950s and 60's and ran on platforms such as oscilloscopes, university mainframes and EDSAC computers. The earliest computer game, a missile simulation, was created in 1947 by Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann. However many people consider SpaceWar developed in the 1960s by Harvard employee Stephen Russel and his friends as the first computer game that paved the way for many new PC games. In 1976 the first adventure game was born - aptly titled just "Adventure"; Later in the 1980's the strategy games became very popular following in the wake of successes such as Pirates and SimCity.

Pong -1972 was the first successful arcade game. This game was developed by Bushnell who realized arcade games played in smoke filled bars must have simple instructions and obvious rules. The result was two balls and a bat. In Pong two players competed against each other on-screen in a game of virtual table tennis.

The success of Pong paved the way for the astounding success of arcade games in the next 10-15 years. On a list of best PC games and archetypical action games Space Invaders -1978 would rank highly. In 1976 the first adventure game was born known as Caveman's adventure and later simply as Adventure. The program simulated a journey into a subterranean cave complex and functioned by the player reading the game's description and typing commands at the pc keyboard. Later in the 1980's the strategy games became very popular following in the wake of successes such as Pirates 1987 and SimCity.

History and Evolution of Computer Games

Many people consider SpaceWar developed in the 1960s by Harvard employee Stephen Russel and his friends as the first computer game that paved the way for many new PC games. To trace the evolution from highly text based adventure games of the '70s to the realistic FPS (first person shooters) of the '90s it has been a significant shift in the tastes as well as the technology behind it:

1972 - "Pong" the first successful arcade game was introduced
1976 - The first adventure game and "Cave man's adventure" was born
1980s - Strategy games like Pirates and SIM city became popular
1990 - FPS and video game consoles entered the market.

Console Games

The 1990s through 2000 saw the explosion of multimedia games. Console games 'Game boy' to Sony's play Station2 it has been a glorious ride of fantasy almost bordering on cinematic reality. Let us see some of the milestones and popular games of this multi media /2D- 3D era:

In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, the first handheld console. While some of the other systems remained in production until the mid-90s, the Game Boy remained at the top spot in sales throughout its lifespan.
In 1994 Nintendo released the Super Game Boy, an adapter for the Super NES which allowed Game Boy games to be played in the console.
CD-ROM drives were first seen in this generation, as add-ons for the PC Engine in 1988 and the Megadrive in 1991. Basic 3D graphics entered the mainstream
In 1994-1995, Sega released Sega Saturn and Sony made its debut to the video gaming scene with the PlayStation. Both consoles used 32-bit technology; the door was open for 3D games.
After many delays, Nintendo released its 64-bit console, the Nintendo 64 in 1996, selling more than 1.5 million units in only three months. The flagship title, Super Mario 64
In 1997, Nintendo 64 title GoldenEye 007was introduced and earned critical acclaim for actually being a good movie-licensed game as well as the first good FPS on a console.
Nintendo made the 3D debut with the Legend of Zelda - adventure game series in 1998 only to be upstaged by Sony that released the PlayStation 2.
In 2000, The Sims was released and become an instant hit and still remains the best -selling computer game (non-console) of all time.

The 1990's were characterized by an explosion of proportions. While the console market in the last half of the decade was dominated by Nintendo and Sony's machines, the CD-Rom-format made it possible to develop audiovisual elements without the constrictions of highly limited storage media. The games have become bigger and more 'photo realistic'. PC Game reviews give the players and enthusiasts an outline of what to expect and the popularity of best PC games.

Continue to: Distribution of Free Full Version PC Games

Choosing the Best PC Game Accessories
Old PC Games - Jewels or Junk?
Ultimate Gaming PC - How to Build it?
Game Demos: Try Before You Buy
Can't Beat Your Computer Game? - Cheat
PC Games: Cracking the Code

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