Modern Gaming

I like to play video games in my spare time because I believe it is relaxing and it is nice to focus my mind on something different other than work and school. Bioshock 2 is a game I just played last week and a game I really enjoy playing. I like the game because I think the narrative is creative and neat and I think it is very entertaining. I mainly like shooting games but I can play a wide variety of video games. I was impressed with the series as a whole because I have played many games where the first game in a series is a really good game but then the second one does not live up to my expectations. I enjoyed the first Bioshock very much and the second one as well. The technological features in a game are very important because gamers are always looking for the coolest and newest ways to enhance the gaming experience. One technology in Bioshock 2 that contributes to its game-play is terrific animations and appearance with HDTV 720p/1080i/1080p, which provides crisp and colorful picture. Another feature accompanied with this animation feature is the detail that is present in every aspect of the video game. An example would be the weapons you use throughout the game. Every weapon used has great detail in it, making it possible to visibly see every little part, which is really neat. Along with video, audio is an important feature of video games that can affect whether it’s a good or great game. Bioshock 2 is equipped with in-game Dolby Digital, which enhances the audio effects during the game, providing realistic audio effects with rich surround sound. A technological advancement that sets apart Bioshock 2 from the first Bioshock is the ability to dual wield, which means you can fire two weapons at the same time using both hands. This is a really cool feature which contributes to the effectiveness of the video game. New features in a video game series are a good way for impressing the gamer and keeping the game interesting and entertaining. Another aspect of Bioshock 2 that enhanced the gaming experience is the simple functionality of the game. I have played some video games where there are so many game controls involved that it complicates the game-play and detracts the experience. Bioshock has very simple controls similar to other shooting games, which makes it a lot easier to play. Moving around in the game is also very simple, along with firing weapons, jumping, and accessing different functions like the map or the game objectives. A key is also available on the screen to help the player by informing them what weapons they have, how much ammo is available, and what objectives are needed to be accomplished. “BioShock 2 capitalizes and improves upon the high-quality effects, unique gameplay elements, and immersive atmosphere that defined the first game” (undefined. (n.d.). Bioshock 2. In Bioshock Wiki. Retrieved undefined, from http://bioshock.wikia.com/wiki/BioShock_2).

Technology Diary

I didn’t realize how much technology I used until I actually had to journal every form of it for a whole day. I even started getting annoyed having to take out my notebook and tally all the texts I sent and received throughout the day. This is where I spent most of my time, as far as my technology use goes. I received approximately sixty-five texts and sent sixty-six for a whopping one hundred and twenty five texts all day. I used the alarm clock application on my phone twice, once in the morning in order to wake up and again at night to set it for the following morning. I also used sixty-sixty minutes of Internet time throughout the day, which included Facebook and other applications. I made only one phone call for about a minute, but listened to three voice messages. Lastly, I listened to my iPod for approximately fifteen minutes.  I believe I used my technologies efficiently partly because I only used the Internet in certain intervals, not a little at a time many times throughout the day. I only got on Facebook after classes and before and after work. I think my time was pretty well spent except maybe for my text messaging. Personally, I think it’s kind of embarrassing sending one hundred and sixty five texts in a day; Although, I think many other people are a lot worse than me. Setting a limit for texts throughout the day would be a way to cut down on my technology use. A theory that explains my use is that it is so easy for me to access Facebook and Internet via my smartphone. I believe the convergence of media causes us(humans) to become more reliant on technology. It becomes a habit to constantly check our phones throughout the day. I believe that this is unhealthy and we should have techniques to restrict our technology use. This link shows how technology can take over our lives and cause us to rely on technology every day. "Email, PDAs, iPhones, laptops, and cell phones dominate our modern world. Our uber-connected lives have made us virtually available at any time, at any place -- the movies, the golf course, traffic lights, you name it(Soong, J. (2008). When Technology Addiction Takes Over Your Life. Web MD. Retrieved October 16, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/when-technology-addiction-takes-over-your-life?page=3)." This website shows how technology addiction affects some people and also gives some tips to using less technology and being less dependent on it.
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