Advantages and Disadvantages of Console-Based Games (CBG's) Compared to Top Multiplayer PC Games

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to using console-based multiplayer games instead of PC multiplayer games.

Some of the advantages in using console-based multiplayer games include:

It is generally takes less time to start playing a console-based multiplayer game than it does for PC games.
It is easier to play console-based games on the couch or in a comfortable position.
Console-based games can be hired from video libraries.

Some of the disadvantages in using console-based multiplayer games include:

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There are fewer games available in console-based multiplayer formats. Some of the top multiplayer PC games will not be available on the console.
A fee may be needed to use the service.
A computer can be used for other tasks, whereas a console can only be used to play games.

Genres Available as MPGs

Just about any game that can be played on a computer can theoretically be played as a multiplayer version. Some of the most popular genres in multiplayer formats include action games, card and board games, role-playing games, simulation, sports and strategy. Popular action games include Alien Vs Predator, Battlefield 2, Call of Duty, Medal of Honor, Quake, Soldier of Fortune and Wolfenstein. Popular card and board games include chess, backgammon and monopoly. Popular role-playing games include Neverwinter Nights and Baldur's Gate. Popular simulation games include Microsoft Flight Simulator and TOCA Race Driver. Popular sports games include F1 2002 and Tony Hawk's Underground. Popular strategy games include Blitzkrieg, Battle Realms, Rise of Nations and Cossacks.

Safety for Children

Multiplayer gaming can be dangerous, especially for children, as they are communicating with strangers. For any children who are playing multiplayer games over an internet connection, it is important that safety precautions are taken. Keep the following tips in mind to keep your child's multiplayer gaming experience a safe and enjoyable one.

If possible, choose games from a site that is specifically designed for children. These sites will have better safety precautions in place.
Look at the game ratings and choose only those games that are suitable for the age of your child.
Supervise your children as they are playing. See what games they are playing and who they are playing against. Put the computer in a central position so that monitoring of the computer is easy.
Set rules and make sure your child understands the rules. These rules may include playing only with friends and never chatting with strangers.
Ensure that your child understands the importance of never giving out private information.
Look at messages to ensure that your child is not receiving inappropriate messages.

How Do You Find Multiplayer Games?

Finding multiplayer games on the internet is very easy as there are a large number of sites out there and a search on the internet will bring up a wide variety of multiplayer sites to choose from. You can also find gaming directories which will list different games that are available and different sites where you can find those games. You can also find out about multiplayer facilities through the games that you buy. Some of them will include instructions on how to play them over the internet and use the multiplayer facilities. Gaming magazines and discussion boards will include sites where multiplayer games can be found. These can be a good source as they will usually include some comment about how good the game is and how well is works.

MSN games and games.yahoo.com are two very popular places to find multiplayer games. They have a large number of games available. Some are free and some will require you to pay a fee to download the game (although there is often a free trial available). In order to play some games, you will need to create an MSN Games or Yahoo games account. Your system will also need to meet certain specifications in order for you to be able to play the games. Many games need to be downloaded and you may need to download extra software if it is not on your computer.

It is very easy to learn how to set up multiplayer PC games as most games require very little work before they can be played. With the large number of free multiplayer PC game downloads available, it is a very inexpensive, very easy and very enjoyable way to pass the time. Plus, you get the benefit of interacting with different people in a new and fun way. The large number of PC multiplayer games available, in different genres, means that almost everyone can enjoy this way of playing games.

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