Daddy Gamer

I read a recent CNN article that EA or Electronic Arts is betting that iPods will be the next big thing in portable gaming. EA is hoping that puzzle games like Tetris and Bejeweled can piggyback on the omnipresent and uber popularity of Apple’s iPod music and video players. As a gamer, I can’t help but laugh at this idea. I’ve tried playing games on the iPod. I have two words for this: pain-full. Ummmm… make that three. I’d like to add: embarrassing. First of all, iPod screens are too small. I got crossed-eyed after two minutes of playing Breakout. My thumbs were all over the iPod’s clickwheel and the clickwheel is not responsive. Ouch!

But I can also see the “caching” that EA sees in this endeavor. The target is not me. I think EA is targeting music and video lovers who might see this as an added extra to their iPods. As far as a portable video game player, the iPod is designed to be light and small to the point of being invisible. Playing a video game, even a puzzle game, requires a person to be engaged with the game system. Nice thought but I don’t think this idea will fly.

“You play a what in the game?” “What kind of a game is that!” These are the typical reactions I get when I tell friends and onlookers that I’m playing as a defense attorney in Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney on my Nintendo DS. I was recently on a flight back from a business training when one of the inflights commented that I looked like I was reading a book rather than playing a game. I told her that she was half right.

Phoenix Wright is one of those quirky Japanese titles in the Simulation category. When playing, you assume the role of an aspiring defense attorney. To solve a case and absolve your client, you’ll have to figure out how to use the various items you’ve collected as evidence to punch holes in witness’ testimonies. Revealing contradictions is the fun part of the game. Phoenix shouts over-the-top phrases such as, “HOLD IT!,” “TAKE THAT!,” and “OBJECTION!” throughout the trial.

In addition to the entertaining storylines, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney uses comics-style graphics that adds to the game’s appeal. Characters are colorful and scenes are meticulously drawn. This game was so popular that it was tough to find in the U.S. It was going for over $60 on eBay. I actually bought my copy from China through an online retailer. It was worth the wait. I’m glad to find a video game title that did not call for shooting, killing or blowing this up. The game deals with murder cases and contains some sexual inuendos so this might not be a good game for children under the age of 15. The game retails for $30 and is worth every penny.