Mainstream
Get The 20 Best Rated PC Games in Time for Christmas!
With Christmas getting closer and closer, you might find out that you forgot to buy a present for your favorite gamer. Fortunately, you should not despair as I will prepare a list for you, one consisting only of AAA titles any computer gamer fan would love to play. The best part is that you can still get any of these hot titles delivered in time for Christmas, therefore for them to become all-time favorite gifts! Even better, I will post a note for parents to know if any of these games wouldn’t be suitable for kids of ages 13 or below.
The list below has been created after finding which are the best rated computer games on Metacritic (a website that takes into account all major game reviewing magazines and websites and offers the average score of the game – so there are more voices behind these grades, meaning that these games are certainly of the highest quality). Check out the best 20 new PC games you can offer as Christmas gift in 2009!
1. Street Fighter IV
With an amazing overall rating of 91 that tells us that the game is almost flawless, Street Fighter IV is the perfect gift choice for the gamer that loves a fighting game both in single player but especially in multiplayer. The franchise has millions of fans worldwide and they certainly have some serious reasons for that, don’t you think? Don’t buy this game to a person that doesn’t like fast-paced gameplay, fighting games or games in which reflexes and repetitive button mashing pay the most important part.
Check out the game and purchase it from Amazon.com!
2. Batman: Arkham Asylum
This game is not considered suitable for kids under the age of 13 (16 according to PEGI ratings). However, it is definitely a high quality, well done action game featuring one of the most popular action heroes ever: the Batman! This game also has a rating of 91 on Metacritic, just like Street Fighter and should be purchased to any gamer who loves fast paced action games and is ready for a challenge. Gamers who prefer more static/logical games or strategies might not like Batman: Arkham Asylum, even though until now I haven’t met a person to say that it didn’t like the game…
Check out the game and purchase it from Amazon.com!
3. Dragon Age: Origins
One of my favorites this year, Dragon Age: Origins is a game for gamers who love a solid role playing game that will keep them hooked for 30+ hours, battling hordes of enemies and making tactical choices , will certainly love this game. Also it is highly replayable and has a great value for its price. It also has a Metacritic rating of 91, meaning that I’m not the only one who considers this game one of the best games released this year. Don’t purchase it to a gamer that didn’t like playing Diablo or Gothic.
Check out the game and purchase it from Amazon.com!
4. Left 4 Dead 2
Probably the best co-op shooter released this year, Valve’s masterpiece stands high on the Metacritic charts with an average score of 90. It is not a game that should be played by young gamers, according to the gamers, but it certainly is incredibly fun and it is highly replayable. Get it for any first person shooter fanatic that isn’t scared by a bunch of hideous zombies. Don’t buy it for somebody who hates shooters or has a crappy Internet connection!
You can get the game in time for Christmas from Steam.
5. Braid
Considered to be one of the best independently developed platformer/puzzler games of recent times, Braid was made available for the PC gamers this year after recording tons of success on consoles. It is one of the cheapest games on this list, but one that still has a huge dose of quality injected to its veins: it has a rating of 90 on Metacritic. Get it for any gamer who loves platformers (games like Super Mario) and also puzzles and is patient, and don’t get it for somebody who can’t stand these genres and prefers action instead.
You can purchase the game from Direct2Drive
6. Empire: Total War
All tacticians out there have been rewarded this year with Empire: Total War, a mix of turn based and real time strategy in a series that has already made history in the world of PC gaming: the Total War series. With an overall score of 90 on Metacritic, this strategy game is not suited for those who don’t like the genre or younger kids who might get bored eventually creating the tactics and strategies for each of the battles. Still, for everybody else, especially strategy game fans, this is a gem of a game!
Check out the game and purchase it from Amazon!
7. Dirt 2
An intense driving/racing game, this title that was just recently released managed to make Need For Speed fans forget about their favorite and turn towards the awesome, gorgeous DiRT 2. It requires a pretty powerful system to run at maximum settings, but it certainly is a great gift for those who have the horsepower to play it. Don’t get it to anybody who doesn’t like racing games (or cars!) and check out the game’s system requirements before making a purchase – you don’t want to find out that your gift is, actually, unplayable! However, those who played it rated it high, Dirt 2 having an average score of 90 points on Metacritic.
Check out Amazon for more details!
8. Football Manager 2010
Now this is one game that’s part of my favorite franchise of all times and as you can see I am not the only one to consider it a blast. However, it is a more special kind of a game and choosing it as a Christmas present for somebody you aren’t sure if they enjoy the genre is quite a gamble! I say that because FM2010 is quite a complex simulation with a gameplay different of that of most of the games on the market. Still a high quality product – it’s Metacritic score is 88, so a must buy for the fans of the genre or series.
Check out Amazon.com for more details!
9. Plants vs. Zombies
One of the most pleasant surprises of this year, Pop Cap’s little gem is a fun, fast paced title everybody enjoyed playing. It’s not very challenging, nor hard to learn and it would certainly make a great gift even for those who don’t call themselves “gamers”. And with a Metacritic average review score of 88, you know that this is the best casual game to buy for Christmas! Don’t get it, though, for somebody who gets headaches when they hear the term “casual game”.
Check it out and get it from Big Fish Games!
10. Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box
This game is a complete reinvention of the successful Burnout series of games, a series of great racing/driving games. It features hot multiplayer games and is simply fun to play – just make sure that the person you’re getting the game for doesn’t already has it on any of the next-gen consoles, since the title was released for Xbox 360 and PS3s last year. If they don’t have it, then you probably have one less person to worry about, present-wise!
You can purchase the game from Amazon
Check out ten more hot games on the next page!
Mainstream
How Long Is an NBA Basketball Game?
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Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) is its premier league. For fans and newcomers alike, understanding the structure and duration of an NBA game is essential to fully appreciate the excitement and strategy involved. So, how long is an NBA basketball game? While the answer might seem straightforward, there are several factors that influence the total time.
The Basics: Game Structure
An NBA game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. This means the actual playing time is 48 minutes. However, the total duration of a game is significantly longer due to various stoppages, breaks, and additional rules.
Duration of Professional Basketball Games
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In the NBA, games are divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes, resulting in 48 minutes of actual playing time. However, the total duration of an NBA game is much longer due to various factors:
- Timeouts: Each team is allowed seven timeouts per game, each lasting 75 seconds (with some exceptions for shorter timeouts).
- Fouls and Free Throws: Stoppages for fouls and free throws can add significant time.
- Halftime: A 15-minute break occurs between the second and third quarters.
- Overtime: If the game is tied, 5-minute overtime periods are played until a winner is decided.
On average, an NBA game lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, though games with frequent stoppages or multiple overtimes can extend closer to 3 hours.
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Halftime and Quarter Breaks
In addition to the playing time and stoppages, there are scheduled breaks during the game:
- Quarter Breaks: After the first and third quarters, there is a brief break of about 130 seconds.
- Halftime: The break between the second and third quarters, known as halftime, lasts 15 minutes. This is when teams regroup, and fans often enjoy entertainment or refreshments.
Length of College Basketball Games
College basketball games, governed by the NCAA, have a slightly different structure. Instead of four 12-minute quarters, college games are divided into two 20-minute halves, totaling 40 minutes of playing time. Despite the shorter playing time, college games often last nearly as long as NBA games due to:
- Media Timeouts: These are mandatory stoppages for TV broadcasts, occurring at the first dead ball after the 16-, 12-, 8-, and 4-minute marks in each half.
- Halftime: A 15-minute break separates the two halves.
- Overtime: Like the NBA, college games use 5-minute overtime periods if the score is tied at the end of regulation.
On average, a college basketball game lasts about 2 hours, though this can vary depending on the pace of play and the number of stoppages.
High School Basketball Game Duration
High school basketball games are shorter than both NBA and college games. They are typically divided into four 8-minute quarters, resulting in 32 minutes of playing time. The total duration of a high school game is influenced by:
- Halftime: A 10-minute break occurs after the second quarter.
- Timeouts: Teams are usually allowed a limited number of timeouts, each lasting 60 seconds.
- Overtime: Overtime periods are typically 4 minutes long.
On average, a high school basketball game lasts about 1.5 hours, making it the shortest of the three levels.
Average Duration of an NBA Game
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Taking all these factors into account, the average NBA game lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours. However, this can vary depending on the pace of play, the number of fouls, timeouts, and whether the game goes into overtime. Some games, especially those with frequent stoppages or multiple overtimes, can stretch closer to 3 hours.
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Factors Influencing Game Length
Several factors can affect the duration of a basketball game, regardless of the level of play:
- Timeouts: Strategic timeouts, media timeouts (in college and professional games), and mandatory stoppages can extend the game.
- Fouls and Free Throws: Frequent fouls lead to more stoppages and free throws, adding to the total time.
- Instant Replay Reviews: In the NBA and college games, referees may review certain plays, which can delay the game.
- Overtime: Tied games that go into overtime can significantly extend the duration.
- Pace of Play: A fast-paced game with fewer stoppages will be shorter than a slower, more deliberate game.
- Injuries or Delays: Unforeseen events, such as player injuries or technical issues, can also add time.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding the length of an NBA game helps fans plan their viewing experience. Whether you’re attending a game in person or watching from home, knowing the approximate duration allows you to set aside enough time to enjoy the full experience. Additionally, the strategic use of timeouts, fouls, and breaks adds layers of complexity to the game, making it as much a mental battle as a physical one.
Conclusion
While the actual playing time of an NBA game is 48 minutes, the total duration typically ranges from 2 to 2.5 hours due to stoppages, breaks, and potential overtime. This extended time frame allows for the strategic depth and entertainment that make NBA basketball so captivating. So, the next time you settle in to watch a game, you’ll know exactly what to expect in terms of time commitment—and you’ll appreciate the nuances that make every minute count.
Gaming News
Best Usenet Newsgroups for Gaming
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Usenet newsgroups may seem old-fashioned to many. In reality, they are the perfect place for players who love the classics but are always open to new games and strategies. These internet communities are also ideal for those searching for gaming material, solutions to issues, or a conversation related to their favorite video games. Whether you are an experienced player or entering this domain for the first time, Usenet holds a ton of resources that could change how you interact with the gaming world.
Understanding Usenet Newsgroups
Usenet newsgroups, which include gaming groups, are like message boards. People can post messages and articles in different categories. Each group is a special place for certain topics – this makes it simple to find the subjects you want to read about most. The unique characteristic of Usenet lies in its decentralized structure. This permits a much more open interchange of details and information than what is seen on regular social media platforms or forums.
Initially, Usenet was utilized only for academic and professional exchanges. However, it soon turned into a prevalent method for communicating among hobbyists and gaming groups. Presently, even though Usenet has been surpassed by newer platforms in terms of popularity, it continues to be an important tool for knowledgeable users who value its special mix of staying anonymous with fast communication. Knowledgeable users also love access to vast archives containing historical information and software applications that are no longer available elsewhere on the Internet.
Top Usenet Newsgroups for Mobile Games
comp.mobile.games
This is a fresh group dedicated to discussions about mobile games and related technology matters within the industry. Here, you can find conversations about the coding aspects of creating games for mobile devices, like new updates in platforms or fresh game engines being used for development purposes.
rec.games.mobile
The perfect place for people who play games on their mobile devices as a hobby. Here, users talk about strategies, tricks and discuss game evaluations. This group is also suitable for those who are not serious gamers but like to connect with others and discuss playing strategies.
alt.games.mobile
In this newsgroup, users often discuss gaming fixes and give each other suggestions. It is also the go-to place for gamers and die-hard fans that wish to find each and every detail of the game they love to play.
Best Newsgroups for Video Game Discussions
Newsgroups such as alt.games.video and rec.games.video.arcade have lively communities where gamers often engage in exchanges and conversations. These forums are not only for resolving gaming issues or writing reviews; they are centers of enthusiastic discussion regarding gaming culture, strategy, and creation process. Be it the latest RPGs, energetic shooters or old-school arcade games – there is always a thread bustling with discussion.
In these threads, not only will you encounter a variety of views from across the globe, but you may also land on gaming tricks and shortcuts that are lesser known. For those who are new, remember that every group has its own tone and rules. Lurking for a while should help you understand community norms and ensure your contributions are accepted.
Specialized Gaming Newsgroups
Specialized newsgroups are designed for particular gaming communities. They provide a discussion environment that is more centered and focused. These groups are ideal for users who really love a particular game and want to explore it in great depth.
The benefit of these specific groups is their collection of very particular details. Gamers who are part of such a group often exchange unique things like custom mods or skins, and offer advice on how to make gameplay more efficient and fun.
Tips for Using Usenet Newsgroups for Gaming
To enter Usenet, you will first need to pick a provider that is well-known for security, high retention rates and fast speed. To make the right pick, it is a good idea to get the rankings for the best Usenet providers. Next, get advanced newsreader software, as this will allow you to browse through newsgroups easily and manage your activities effectively.
Focus on newsgroups related to gaming and participate in discussions matching your interests to find gaming buddies. Also, make sure that you follow the netiquette of each group while doing so. Utilize newsreader software functions like filters and automation to keep things simple.
Conclusion
Usenet, at first sight, can appear as a choice for oldies or people that have not yet acclimated to social media platforms and forums. However, its distinct characteristics make it very useful for all kinds of gamers. If you are searching for uncommon information, looking for detailed conversations or wish to join a community that matches with your specific interests; Usenet is surely the place for you. Jump in to see how Usenet can add another element of fun to your gaming experiences!
Casual
Encouraging Growth and Motivation: Resources for Child Development
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Child development is a complex journey marked by critical milestones where each stride forward builds upon the foundation of the previous one. Acknowledging children’s individual needs, pediatric therapy services tailor strategies to foster physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. To support this transformative process, environments that prompt curiosity and engagement, coupled with advanced educational tools, play an instrumental role in shaping young minds. These resources, carefully selected and applied, can significantly amplify a child’s developmental trajectory. Keep reading to learn about the effective ways these tools and techniques can aid in advancing childhood milestones.
Pediatric Therapy Services: Enhancing Developmental Milestones
Pediatric therapy services support children as they reach and surpass developmental milestones. These services, often provided by skilled therapists, address various growth challenges, ensuring each child has the best possible start in life. From speech and occupational therapy to physical and behavioral interventions, these professionals tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of every young patient.
Therapists work relentlessly to motivate children, fostering an environment where milestones are not merely achieved but celebrated. Through personalized, one-on-one sessions, children gain the confidence and skills necessary to navigate their developmental journeys more easily. The trust between therapist and child is a solid foundation for consistent progress and paves the path for lifelong learning and adaptation.
Resource provision is a key component of pediatric therapy, equipping parents with the tools to continue therapy practices at home. Effective communication between therapists and families ensures a cohesive strategy that envelops the child’s daily routine, enhancing the therapy’s impact. It also allows parents to identify subtle progress, reinforcing their pivotal role in the child’s developmental success.
If you’re looking for pediatric therapy in your area, a simple Google search like “pediatric therapy Arizona” will help you find local providers and services tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring they receive the specialized care necessary for their development.
Optimizing Play Spaces: Creating Environments for Learning and Exploration
Optimized play spaces are vital platforms where children engage with their world, build skills, and unleash their creativity. Designers of such areas pay astute attention to elements that promote safe exploration and intellectual stimulation. A thoughtfully arranged play environment serves as a place of entertainment and a crucible for burgeoning development.
Professionals incorporate a variety of tactile and visual stimuli within play areas to cater to diverse developmental needs and interests. Stimulating sensory experiences is central to cognitive and motor skill refinement among younger populations. The intentional selection of colors, textures, and interactive features sparks curiosity and encourages physical activity, which is fundamental to healthy growth.
Accessibility remains paramount in creating play spaces, ensuring they cater to children across all abilities. Including adaptive resources within these environments demonstrates a commitment to inclusive development, allowing every child to participate and benefit from the joy and learning play offers. Such inclusiveness fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for emotional and social development.
Affording children autonomy in their play advances self-directed learning and problem-solving capabilities. When children feel empowered to make choices within their play, they better understand their preferences and abilities, setting the stage for confidence and self-awareness — qualities that are instrumental as children grow and transition through life’s stages.
Additionally, incorporating elements like fake plants or outdoor plants from retailers like Nearly Natural outdoor plants into play spaces can enhance children’s sensory and aesthetic experience.
Interactive Learning Tools: Technology and Resources for Cognitive Development
Interactive learning tools harness technology’s power to solidify children’s cognitive development. These digital resources provide an array of engaging, educational content that aligns with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Software and applications designed for children’s learning capitalize on the allure of multimedia to capture young minds. Effective education solutions provide children with stimulating challenges that are age-appropriate and aligned with developmental targets.
The discerning use of educational technology in classrooms and homes can reinforce concepts and skills taught through traditional methods. It creates a harmonious blend of instruction and interactive play, thereby cementing a child’s understanding and retention of information.
Providers of such educational platforms are ever vigilant, updating content to reflect new educational strategies and the latest academic research. Thus, children equipped with these technological tools remain at the vanguard of current learning methodologies, all while engrossed in fun and dynamic ways.
Overall, caregivers and educators can provide comprehensive support for children’s developmental journeys by integrating pediatric therapy services, optimized play spaces, and interactive learning tools. These resources nurture their physical, emotional, and cognitive growth and cultivate a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
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