Walmart Parents Guide to Video Games 2017 - 10

Feature Story

VIDEOGAMES
101

EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED
TO KNOW ABOUT VIDEO GAMES

hile it may be second nature for even the youngest of
gaming enthusiasts, navigating the waters of interactive
entertainment is a daunting task for many parents. Even
the sharpest shoppers can be overwhelmed when they are looking
for those special gifts. With everything on your children's wish
lists - and all the terms that sound as if they are from a foreign
language - finding the right game or add-on can be a challenge.

CONTROLLERS AND
THIRD-PARTY CONTROLLERS

VIRTUAL
REALITY

For families who like gaming together, the major console manufacturers
all provide official controllers that make it possible for multiple people to
play at the same time. But for those players who want a more customized
experience, the console makers license aftermarket controllers that are
manufactured and sold by third-party companies. Compared to their official
counterparts, these controllers usually provide a much wider range of options,
such as ergonomic grips and built-in cooling fans, and a far more robust set
of decorative designs to choose from. Some
third-party controllers even include
special features to give elite gamers
an advantage over the competition,
such as precision triggers, adjustable thumbsticks and rapid-fire
buttons that allow players to pull
off in-game actions at superhuman speeds.

In the last couple of years, companies
have been working hard to bring
the exciting experience of virtual
reality into our homes through easily
affordable technology. Now, from the
comfort of their living rooms (or any
other room), players can immerse
themselves in complete sensory
experiences.
To do this, special headsets are required that connect either to your PlayStation 4 (in the case of PSVR) or home computer
(Oculus Rift, HTC Vive). There are cheaper options
available for use with mobile phones, but these do
not offer the same high-quality experiences.
Dedicated VR headsets come with integrated screens to bring the visuals
up-close and personal, as well as either built-in headphones or the option to
use your own. In addition, external sensors are frequently required to track
head movement, which can be key to having a proper experience.
A number of excellent VR games are available now, including Star Trek:
Bridge Crew, Gran Turismo Sport, with such anticipated titles as Fallout 4
VR and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR just around the corner. If you have a
PlayStation 4, PS4 Pro or a reasonably powerful PC-and you want to see the
future of video games - be sure to step into the world of virtual reality.

GAMING HEADSETS
Unlike standard audio earmuffs, gaming headsets feature a pair of headphones and a built-in
microphone that enables players to communicate
while playing online. Many gaming headsets allow
television audio to feed directly into the headphones
for a more immersive experience - not to mention
keeping the external sound level to a minimum.
Headsets range in price from relatively basic
budget setups to more expensive models that
offer the enhanced features you'd expect to
find in high-end audio equipment,
such as surround sound and
built-in audio mixers.

We've put together a crash course on all things gaming to
help you navigate these pixelated problems and make the right
choices for your family! Across the following pages you'll find
everything you need to know to pick games and gear like a pro,
including profiles of all the systems (including the new ones), key
accessories and much more. With a little luck, you might even
teach your kids a thing or two!

WALMART PARENTS GUIDE TO VIDEO GAMES

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Walmart Parents Guide to Video Games 2017