Are video games a bad thing?

Like many adults, you probably hear the words "video game," and automatically start thinking of wasting time and violence. Well, I'm here to let you know that not all video games are bad. In fact, some of them can be, well.... educational!

I grew up playing tons of video games. All kinds of video games. Most would be considered to be just plain wastes of time. But are they, really? The object of most video games is to solve problems. You have goals, and are encouraged to go beyond those goals for social recognition. Still sound like a waste of time? Isn't that what we want them to learn - problem solving skills and goal-oriented self-motivation?

Still not convinced? Take a look at this game. It's called Brain Age and is played on the Nintendo DS. Here is a quote about the game taken from the Nintendo page:

"Brain Age presents quick mental activities that help keep your DS brain in shape. Activities include quickly solving simple math problems, counting people going in and out of a house simultaneously, drawing pictures on the Touch Screen, reading classic literature out loud, and more."

What!?! You mean kids are playing a game that involves reading, writing, AND arithmetic?!? Yes, they are. As a matter of fact, it's not just kids anymore who are playing games. Many adults are finally getting into video games as well.

Personally, I still love to play video games. My taste in gaming has changed throughout the years, but my passion for them will always remain the same. Currently, I have pre-ordered the Nintendo DS Lite (Launch date is June 11), and have already purchased 2 games for it - The New Super Mario Brothers (gotta get my Mario fix on!) and Brain Age. I'll give you a full review after I actually get it in my hot little hands.