Gaming consoles are big news. The latest models sell out in days and the best games are always a rarity at Christmas Time. Whether you're a fan of action or arcade games, there's a lot of fun to be had amongst the bright lights and arresting music that surrounds the gaming environment.
My favourite games are still the ones that were around when I was younger. Playing on a ZX spectrum or BBC computer, I developed a love of games with levels to complete and I'd buy the same games again today if they became available for the Playstation or X-box.
The price of console games is a small outgoing compared to the amount of fun and many happy hours to be gained engrossed in a game. Not to mention the benefits of keeping the kids quiet for a couple of hours, knowing they're in a safe environment at home rather than out on the streets where they may encounter busy traffic or gangs of youths.
Dance and guitar games have taken the console experience to another level. You can even buy drumsticks and guns that attach to some of the most exciting games on the market.
Many of the latest consoles even offer the opportunity to get involved in the action of your favourite game or fitness regimes where you can jog or run through a virtual reality environment, losing pounds in the process.
However, there is a dark side to video gaming. Gaming consoles are such a hit with the younger generation that we're in danger of losing our children to a cyber world where they're happier to pit their wits against a computer than hold a conversation with the family. So, make sure you keep a close eye on the amount of time your kids are spending in virtual reality and you'll make sure their only memories of their time spend video gaming are happy ones.
