Games, Games, Games

Photo courtesy of University of Rochester.

It seems that every week sees a new story on how playing games is good for our brains, whether the games involve puzzles, word use, math and now even action games: the ability to perceive changes in shades of gray improves up to 58 percent, something you need when reading a Kindle in low light conditions, viewing it's graphics or when driving in low light conditions. The photo above demonstrates the difference that can make. No longer need you feel guilty about playing video games (unless, of course, your Kindle becomes too lonely or your family forgets what you look like).

This last week, I've been working my way through the levels of Airport Mania: First Flight, which Amazon had for 98 cents earlier this month (it's $9.99 now), which has both action and puzzle elements (as well as airplanes that get as angry as passengers at a real terminal if they are kept waiting too long). If you missed this game, it isn't too late to pick up some others at some good prices, as Amazon is having a month-long Buy One, Get One Free Sale on Game Downloads. Each week will be a different category of games - this week it is Puzzle Games. Two of the top three sellers were also free at one time: The Scruffs and Jewel Quest II (Build-a-lot was also free at one time and Big Kahuna Reef is still free - the sequel, Big Kahuna Reef 2, is $9.99 and on this week's sale) .

The way it works is you buy one title (the most expensive of the two you want) and within two (business) days you get a credit to your account and can then come back and buy the second title at no charge (I've had similar credits in the MP3 download store, from other Amazon promotions). You have until May 31 to purchase your second game, which must come from the same list as the first selection. Just like Kindle books, Game Downloads all come with a free sample - except in this case, it's the entire game and it's generally free for 14 days (however, this sale changes each week, so don't take that long to make up your mind). It's a good idea to use the trial, as game downloads are non-refundable, unlike Kindle books. My biggest problem with the sale? There are just too many interesting looking choices.

For the RPG players out there, White Wolf has a special treat for you: a free PDF (and DRM-free) copy of the Exalted Second Edition rulebook (registration is required), as well as a one-time 10% discount on the purchase of any White Wolf PDF titles through DriveThruRPG.com and RPGNow.com from 1 Am Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. Simply enter the coupon code “wwlovesyou” to receive the discount. Both offers expire by midnight (EST) on Sunday, April 12th. Wizards of the Coast’s recently decided to discontinue on-line PDF sales (existing customers and the sole vendor had very little notice, essentially a single day) and had to complete all downloads of purchased PDF's by April 7th), citing piracy concerns (of a watermarked and personalized PDF; what are they crazy?). But White Wolf wants to demonstrate that other game publishers are remaining the the DRM-free PDF arena. This rulebook is a massive, 65MB, 400+ page, color, illustrated manual. Not something that will work well on the Kindle (for now) and nothing you'd want to print out at home (even an inexpensive color ink printer will use a ton of toner), but a great reference to have on hand in your Netbook or gaming computer.