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Q: My girlfriend has become more interested in videogames lately and not just the simple girly ones either. Problem is, she's stuck between getting bored by the easy ones but sucking too hard at the more advanced ones. This issue has escalated to alarming proportions now that we're in the Xmas season and I'm looking to get her some games for a gift. Any recommendations?JESS: First off, congrats on snagging yourself a dedicated videogame convert! I also applaud your follow-up with the idea of nabbing some quality titles for your beau. Much like WoW, gaming can become tedious for those still learning the ropes.
At this stage in the game, I would stay away from most of the Wii games because they would probably be too simplistic. If a Wii is all the two of you have, then push her more towards the adult titles. (Hah, did I just say 'Wii' and 'adult titles' in the same sentence?) Something along the lines of a No More Heroes or MadWorld.
If you've got a PS3 or 360, a good rule of thumb is to pick games that have a varying difficulty option from which to choose. Lucky for you, almost all games do. Additionally, do some research about your g-friend's likes and dislikes and see what type of genre she leans towards. You might scare her off of gaming if you discover she's a tried and true RPG lover and you're trying to shove a Modern Warfare 2 down her throat.
Keep these little tips in the back of your mind while you're strolling through the game aisle and you'll be sure to snag her a triple-A present!
Q: Hello Jessica,I live in Buffalo NY and I understand you once lived there as well. Do you have to leave Buffalo to get into the gaming industry, and where, if there is a location, can I find like minded individuals (hardcore gamers) in Buffalo?
Now, for my relationship query: One of the only problems in my marriage is that my wife hates games to a certain degree, but perfectly tolerates me playing them. Every now and again when a lot of good games come out in the same time frame, I spend a little more time than usual playing. How can I get her to join me? I've only had success coaxing her into a game of The Sims 3, but as a 28-year-old man, I can only take so much of that.
JESS: I'd like to help you out more on the Buffalo tip but when I was there, I was too young to know of any locations that one would be able to go out and get their game on. I hate to say this, but as I remember, Buffalo was pretty run down. The silver lining is that there are probably still a lot of hole-in-the wall, privately owned arcades. I'm not promising anything, but if you ask around (maybe the workers at the local Gamestop) you might be able to find gaming Shangri-La up there. As for a career in gaming: I suppose you don't have to live in California to get a job. To be perfectly honest, you would be limited to freelance media at best. It's a cold, hard fact that the core of the industry is in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Moving on to your relationship question: Don't push your luck. If your wife truthfully isn't interested, then she just isn't interested. Again, you can try all my standard suggestions: party games, DS games, Wii…but in the long run, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
Since she tolerates your personal gaming, I say just be grateful. However, if you're determined to get her to join in and you've already had some significant luck with The Sims, then I would suggest an MMORPG, like Aion, WoW or Final Fantasy XI (and soon to be FF XIV). That way, you both can create characters and group up with one another on treasure runs. In fact, if she starts getting into it, go one step further by finding mutual friends that also play and start a guild!
Q: Hey Jess. Hope you're well. I was curious what you're favorite game of 2009 was? Which did you like better: Left 4 Dead or Modern Warfare 2?JESS: My game for 2009 is Uncharted 2. In my personal opinion, I think it deserves Game of the Year status. As for L4D or MW2, I've played through most of the single player of Modern Warfare 2 and, while very cool, it's a bit too intense for me. I often find myself having to quit after an hour or so due to massive headaches. I enjoyed Left 4 Dead a lot and I have Left 4 Dead 2 in my possession, but haven't had the chance to play it yet.
Q: Hello Jessica,My wife and I happened to stumble across proof that my mother-in-law is having cybersex/phone sex with an ex-boyfriend from many years past. To make matters worse, the father-in-law has health concerns and the truth could be utterly devastating. My first priority is my wife, and being in the middle of this is putting a tremendous amount of stress on her. What advice should I give her, or what is the best thing I can do to help her get closure on the whole ordeal? —J
P.S. - For your enjoyment, Aokigahara Forest: the most amazing haunted site in all of Japan.
JESS: Wow, that is a pretty gigantic dilemma you've got on your hands.
This may sound like the lame advice everyone gives by default, but here goes: Just be supportive. Here are some ways you can do that...
Don't ever bad-mouth her parents, even if she does and even if they do deserve it. Why? No matter what, her parents are her parents. These are the people that gave her life and, although they have their flaws and she might be angry at them, there is always going to be a bond based in unbreakable love. When this crisis passes (and it will because everything does) and everyone is back to normal-ish, she might not feel as bitter as she previously had. All of those nasty things you may have said about her 'rents might pop up in her mind and come back to haunt you. So, play it safe and keep your mouth shut.
If you do find yourself stuck in a situation where she asks your opinion about it, respond to her calmly and clearly with factual statements and your reasons behind why you're saying what you are. Try to keep as much of your personal judgment and opinions out of the matter and approach her issue with passive practicality.
Smother her with kisses, love and understanding. As previously stated, these are her parents and no matter how much of an adult a person is, family will always be family. This is an incredibly tough time for your wife—her stress and anxiety are through the roof. By assuring her that you're there for her and by backing up those statements with actual follow-through—buy her flowers one day, or make breakfast on the weekend, take her out on a date—you will greatly ease her tension.
And, above all, take her out or do fun things together. Just going a little above and beyond will make all the difference in the world.
I hope that helps & good luck!
PS: Thank you for that chilling Japanese Forest link! I absolutely adore that kind of stuff!
Jessica Chobot is a lifetime gamer and zombie slaughterer. When she's not lovingly staring at her limited-edition, Japanese import Hello Kitty Dreamcast, she is a video host and writer for IGN.com and GreenPixels.com. Check out IGN Strategize, Jessica's weekly video with tips and tricks to kick ass on your favorite games.