Look At The Honkers On Ms.Pac-Man!
Back in the olden days our goals were much more simpler and innocent. Uncomplicated, yet challenging objectives were at our disposal. Whether it was avoiding parasitic poltergeists in our quest to consume all of the glowing pellets in a confusing labyrinth or scaling a partially constructed skyscraper, avoiding troublesome barrels in the hopes of rescuing your sweetheart from the clutches of a gigantic monkey. Life was simpler then. But now in the 21st century, we have a brand new set of challenges before us. No longer are we attempting to save the world from methodical alien invasions or trying to transverse dangerous highways and swamps so that we may land safely on our lily pads. Instead we're eliminating rival drug lords with machine guns, playing volleyball with buxom, scantily clad females and performing extreme cycling stunts on bicycles ridden by topless exotic dancers. The world of videogames has definitely changed and I don't have a problem with it.

The electronic gaming industry has been constantly evolving for many years. But this evolution, until recently, has only been focused on one primary goal, performance. Better graphics, more vibrant sound, and more diverse control functions. This singular focus on creating a greater gaming experience has served all of the raccoon eyed basement dwelling video game fanatics very well over these many years. Instead of the ancient two button controllers of old, are lack of ambidextrous control is now challenged with game pads that have eight buttons or more. Monotone repetitive music has become a thing of the past as our ears are now subjected to movie score soundtracks and pulse pounding rhythmic beats. And finally, the graphics. No longer are we delegated to a two-dimensional world. We now have the ability to move in three dimensions! Compound that experience with unbelievably realistic graphics, we have now reached the pinnacle of every gameboys fantasy. We have great sound, unlimited control and fantastic graphics available in our own living room. Where do we go from here? The only logical next step is content.

As much as the quality of video games has evolved to mind blowing levels, the quality of the content has not broken through the proverbial glass ceiling, until now. For years video game fanatics have been fumbling around the same old storylines. Save the princess, beat the bad guy, win the race, etc, etc. It has become a bit tiresome. Now that video game systems have penetrated almost every household in North America there has been a greater demand. A greater demand for a more "adult" product. It should be understood that the bulk of video game systems and games are not purchased by 13-year-old kids anymore. In fact the major demographic that is playing these games are over the age of 21. So logic would dictate that the content of our current games would evolve from the traditional fuzzy bunny jumping his way to find the proverbial golden carrot and move on to more adult pursuits. Thankfully it has. Introducing the new age of video gaming. Games that are labeled with big, black "M" for mature. Specific titles that can only be purchased by individuals 17 years of age or older. Games such as Hitman 2, Resident Evil, BMX XXX and the new smash hit Grand Theft Auto - Vice City. All of these games have questionable content. Whether it be excessive violence or in some cases nudity. Take BMX XXX for example. In this game you are required to perform stunt tricks on your bicycle and are rewarded for your efforts with actual video footage of exotic dancers performing, topless. In Hitman 2 you play an a assassin who is contracted to murder certain individuals in the most systematic way possible. When playing Grand Theft Auto - Vice City you take the role of the ultimate anti-hero as a mobster trying to establish a foothold in the world of organized crime through "any means necessary." These games are exclusively for adults, but then why are they questionable?

The reason these games are questionable is purely based on one simple outdated concept. For years video games have been attributed with the stigmata that they are "for kids." Kids only play video games. A stereotype that has created such an uproar among parents when they realize that these new adult games are available for purchase at certain establishments. But the fact of the matter is that kids should not be buying these games. Kids should not be playing these games. If kids are playing these games in your home it's not a problem of the creators but more of a problem for the adults who should be monitoring them. Video games as an entertainment medium has now evolved to a point where much like the movies you find in a video store certain titles are not suited for younger viewers. Believe it or not, more and more adults are mashing the buttons on their X-Box controllers than little Billy who delivers your newspaper every Saturday morning. It's important for parents, uncles, aunts, grandmas and grandpa's to realize that video games are not just for kids anymore.

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