Console Video Games

Across the country, libraries are beginning to experience the success of building their programming around video games. At a recent library event for teens planned around the immensely popular Dance Dance Revolution, Kathleen DiLeo, Youth Librarian at Douglas County (CO) Libraries, was impressed with the youngsters’ enthusiasm for the event. “The kids aren’t asking if we are having another game night. They’re giving suggestions for the next one.”

At the American Library Association (ALA) annual conference in June 2006, two gaming-related sessions were held: “Exploring the Technology of Gaming” and “Teen Gaming Discussion.” At the latter session, Beth Gallaway, Metrowest (MA) Regional Library System, Jami Schwartzwalder, graduate student, Indiana University Library & Information Science, and Eli Neiburger, Ann Arbor (MI) District Library, talked about their experience with library gaming. They discussed the popularity of the different systems, the variety of games suitable for hosting gaming events, and the benefits of getting teens invested in the programming.

Similarly, in a recent article in School Library Journal, “Are You Game?” (June 2006, p. 52), Aaron Schmidt, reference librarian at Thomas Ford Public Library in Western Springs, IL, offered advice about hosting library game nights, selecting gaming systems, garnering staff and community support, forming a teen advisory board, the difference between tournament play and open-play, the event’s logistics, advertising, and more. Articles like this one, discussion groups at conferences, and Web sites are creating quite a buzz about video game programming in libraries.

To help you get ready to organize gaming events in your library, this month’s column focuses on games that can be used in library programming. First, let’s explore the nuts and bolts of a gaming event at the library. Libraries must determine to if they want to focus on just one game in a tournament format or if they are going to have a variety of games. For initial programming, libraries should use either the Nintendo GameCube or Sony’s Playstation 2 because they have the greatest variety of games that are suitable for library programming. Also, they will want to decide how many systems to use. Some libraries might already have video game consoles and have one or more knowledgeable staff members who can run the event. For the initial game nights, one suggestion from the ALA session was to arrange for a computer user group in the area or another qualified outside group to come to the library, bring the appropriate console games, and set up the systems. This could be a great opportunity for a library to build a partnership with a local used game store or gaming group.

For further information on game events in the library, the following Web resources are recommended: “Game On: Games in the Library”, “Library Success: Best Practices: Gaming”, Libgaming Google Group, and YALSA Gaming Discussion at ALA online communities.

Once the decision is made on the setup of the gaming event, the next step is game selection. Here are some games you might want to try at your next in-library event. Librarians can purchase games from distributors such as Baker and Taylor, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Thomas Klise/Crimson Multimedia. Also, consider working with local retailers because of the wide distribution of games and the huge number of high quality used games. Manufacturers list prices have not been included because prices fluctuate widely depending on the market and the popularity of a game.

Gr 3 Up–Kirby Air Ride is a fun romp and very simple controls make this game easily accessible to all players. Using only the joystick and one button, players race through a variety of courses in “Air Ride” (3-D racing), “Top Ride” (2-D racing), or “City Trial” (where the player collects items and gets power-ups, then competes with others using the machines that they have “built.” By using LAN mode, libraries can connect more than one GameCube system and allow the players their own screens (up to 4 players with individual screens). While this will probably be too simple for older gamers, it’s is a great option for the younger set.

Gr 7 Up–This classic action game is set in the world of the Marvel Comics. It features several superheroes and villains such as Spider Man, Johnny Ohm, Elektra, Wolverine, the Thing, and the Wink. Other characters are unlocked as the game progresses. There are two elements to this game. The gamer can switch between different players and go to different locations to defeat an alien invasion. The gamer can also play against the computer or another player, making it a good choice for library programming. This segment is a fighting game with simplified moves that are easy even for beginning players to learn. The fight matches can be set up based on time or number of lives. With the timed match, the player with the most victories at the end of the time limit wins. With the lives limit, the first person to use up a certain number of lives is the loser. Event organizers can decide on the length of time for the matches or set the number of lives. This makes for a great tournament environment. One possible tournament format could have brief, quick play to begin and longer play as the tournament progresses for increasing difficulty. Because of the ease of game play, long-time gamers may have an advantage over newer players.

Gr 9 Up–This game takes racing to the streets. The player must become the best racer in an urban environment and elude the police. There are three areas of the game. In “Career” mode, a player competes to move up the “Blacklist” by winning races against other ranked blacklisted players. In the “Challenge” mode, the gamer must complete a series of tasks based on race elements. Winning one challenge unlocks another one. The “Quick Play” mode would be of most interest for library programming. In this section, players can race against the computer or each other on a series of different courses. To set up a program, the fastest players from each round can be pitted against each other in tournament play. The Challenge section could be used to determine skill levels and placement in the tournament. While this is primarily a racing game, it is placed in an urban environment and one of its aims is to build up a “Rap Sheet.” Gran Turismo 4 might be a better choice for a mixed group where younger teens are present because of this goal.

Gr 4 Up–In this adventure game, the player follows a story, and along the way engages in turn-based battles against all sorts of baddies with their Pokemon, gaining experience and collecting items as they complete tasks and battles. The possibilities for library programming come in the “Battle” mode, where players can take their characters and pit them against other players’ characters. The movements are simple and controls are very easy to learn. In-game assistance comes in a variety of ways and players are guided in their tasks by interacting with various non-player characters they meet. Violence is inherent in the battles, but the worst that happens on screen is the fighting Pokemons “faint” upon their defeat. An excellent game for an ongoing middle school video game group.

Gr 9 Up–This is an extremely popular, massive, multiplayer, online role-playing game (MMORPG). These types of games are the computer equivalent of paper-based role-playing games (RPG) such as Dungeons & Dragons. Runescape is played in a medieval fantasy environment where characters go on quests, fight monsters, and develop skills to engage in trade. Players work to build experience to move up levels. The game is not rated because it’s available only online and not sold in stores. There’s mild violence as players can fight other players and engage in battle with different monsters. It also involves the casting of magic spells. Game play is complex and players can explore a variety of tutorials including the fictitious history of the land, how to get started, and Tutorial Island, which runs through basic game play. Libraries do need to be aware that game play is real time with players of a variety of ages from around the world. While the official rules ban offensive language and unscrupulous behavior, there is still a chance that individuals have figured a way around the prohibitions. Since the game only requires computers with Internet access, it’s very popular for library gaming programs. Tournaments can be set up with as many players as computers, and they can be played in different groups based on skill level. Novice groups may include at least one experienced player to help new players get started. Libraries can set requirements for players to complete certain quests, slay monsters, or accumulate a set amount of wealth. Tournaments are great for all-day events. Runescape also lends itself to ongoing programming, similar to a book club, where teens can meet to discuss game play, strategy, and their progress.

Gr 9 Up–Teens recommended this game for library programming. It’s based in a mythical world where characters are searching for two swords, Soul Edge and Soul Calibur, for good and evil purposes. The game has multiple parts. For the single player, there is the “Tales of the Souls” which gives the background story of the characters. It has a story interwoven with action game play sequences. There is also “Chronicles of the Sword” which is similar to a role-playing game. “World Competition” and “Soul Arena” pits the player against the computer in various battles. While these two areas could be used for programming, it’s not recommended because it would require multiple consoles and teens would probably become bored playing against the computer. The VS mode is the most important area for library programs. Teens can battle against each other in tournaments to find out who is the best fighter. Rounds can be set up based on either battle count or battle time. Gamers choose from 14 male or female characters. Players can set a handicap so more experienced players don’t necessarily have the advantage over newer ones. The game has lots of complex moves that can be learned in a practice section. The graphics are excellent. Since game characters appear in Japanese animé format, some of the females are wearing the equivalent of an armored bathing suit. This game has attributes that are similar to Marvel Nemesis but is more complex.

Gr 6 Up–This is a great game for middle schoolers, with minimal violence and great graphics. Practice mode is available to help players master the movements required to solve puzzles and guide their monkey through mazes and obstacle courses. There is a basic storyline that goes along with the puzzles in this version. There are up to 150 levels in 10 worlds to choose from, making this a versatile game with lots of programming potential. In addition to the storyline game, players can choose to play minigames such as “Monkey Billiards,” “Monkey Target,” and “Monkey Racing.” Still available at writing time, Super Monkey Ball 2 may be upstaged for programming by Super Monkey Ball Adventure which was released late this Spring.

Gr 8 Up–This is a more sophisticated battle game for older players. Characters (including Mario, Sly Cooper, Donkey Kong, and Pokemon) from many Nintendo games are pitted against each other in this straightforward offering. The game is a standard jumping, hitting, special strike fare with clear graphics and screen setup reminiscent of classic Mario games. Lots of action on screen can get confusing, but controls are fairly easy to master. In addition to the standard 1-player mode, there is a VS mode which offers a tournament format that can involve up to 64 players or Special Melee, where no records are saved. There are lots of options here for customizing the tournament mode. That, and the complexity of the game, makes this a good choice for older middle schoolers and teens. While the game is older than some other offerings, it is still readily available and very popular.

These games require some additional equipment, but they are some of the most popular in library programming.

More Programming Ideas

Gr 6 Up–Probably one of the most popular library program games, Dance Dance Revolution requires a special dance pad. Players follow directions on screen to complete dance steps. For a full review, see SLJ, June 2006, p. 91. The latest version, released this Fall, is Dance Dance Revolution SuperNova.

Gr 8 Up–Players can pretend to be a rock star in this game that requires a special guitar accessory. Set for release in November 2006, Guitar Hero II will include new songs, new venues, and the capability of programming the accessory for lead, bass, or rhythm guitar. This game will really attract teens.

Gr 6 Up–Are your teen patrons into the TV reality show American Idol? Here’s their chance to show their stuff! This game requires a microphone accessory. Karaoke Revolution is available in Volumes I, II, and III. Karaoke Revolution Party offers more multiplayer options, and Karaoke Revolution Country offers just one music genre. Up to 8 gamers can play at one time.

These popular games for library programming were reviewed in previous issues of School Library Journal

Lego Star Wars. See SLJ, July 2006, p. 61. Also look for Lego Star Wars Lego II: The Original Trilogy, released in September 2006.

Madden NFL 06. See SLJ, June 2006, p. 92. New versions of this very popular game are released every year; the 07 edition is scheduled for release early this Fall.

Mario Kart: Double Dash. See SLJ, July 2006, p. 61.

Star Wars: Battlefront II. See SLJ, June 2006, p. 94.