Video games have been around for quite some time by now, offering multitudes of ways to entertain, captivate, and challenge the player's intellect. Throughout the years, video games have evolved into something much more than simple pixelated sprites shuffling across the screen, giving way to enhanced graphics, more sophisticated stories, and a much greater amount of effort on part of the creator(s). Sadly, despite this magnificent boom in creative potential, there are still some who consider that video games are not, when compared to movies, music, and other forms of expression; art. Take, for example, this statement by Roger Ebert:

"...games could not be high art, as I understand it. How do I know this? How many games have I played? I know it by the definition of the vast majority of games. They tend to involve (1) point and shoot in many variations and plotlines, (2) treasure or scavenger hunts, as in "Myst," and (3) player control of the outcome. I don't think these attributes have much to do with art; they have more in common with sports." - Ebert (2007)

Taking into consideration that Ebert was following up on a previous, more crass statement that video games will never be art; the points he makes can be easily dissolved with a wealth of exceptions and/or creative methods to compensate for such points. The following are examples of games that will, beyond any reasonable doubt, prove that video games are much more than a simple interactive shooter-adventure sport:

Shadow of the Colossus

Anyone with at least a decent knowledge of the previous console generation can recall that Shadow of the Colossus is easily the most stunning games for the PS2, as well as the most unique. Throwing away many traditional conventions, SotC consisted solely of defeating these monstrosities. No mini-bosses, no regular enemies, just a massive world, a horse, and a lonely man aching to revive the maiden he so dearly loves. The sheer scale of the land and the creative, puzzle-like method of dispatching the massive foes creates a unique experience that will not soon be forgotten. Easily, SotC dispels all three of Ebert's claims by being a puzzle game with little point-and-shoot elements, foregoing any "scavenger hunts", and having an ending that is not determined by the player respectively.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjDtw6rmJ9g

Ico

Though by the same developer (SCEA), Ico is, without a doubt, a glorious and touching example of how moving a video game's story can truly be. Playing as a boy guiding a maiden through a perilous journey, the connection between the two grows stronger over the course of the experience until an event occurs that will emotionally effect even some of the heaviest-hearted people. It should also be noted that, for its time, the graphics were quite advanced and the unique art styIe truly made this title one of the best of its year.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsbJ8GIIySE

Katamari Series

By far one of the goofiest (and trippiest) games to come out in quite some time, the Katamari series has proved time and time again that graphics are not the only thing that matters. From its absolutely hilarious surrealism to the quirky bits of dialogue the King of the Cosmos blurts out at the player, every single entry has proved itself worthy as a highly creative series on par with surrealist filmmakers, painters, and so on.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpI5uI6bMm0

Okami

Okami's styIe is instantly recognizable to anyone who has followed the video game world for the past few years. Utilizing the highly-artistic Japanese watercolor theme to its fullest, Okami allowed players to take control of the elements of nature via a magical calligraphy brush that was able to turn the tides of the wind, sea, earth, and also deliver decisive blows to enemies. Its penchant for artistic prowess easily qualifies it as one of the most artistic games in recent memory.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTUm07enrs4

Tower of Shadow

Though it isn't released yet, Tower of Shadow is something any person can glance at and easily consider it a highly creative idea. Using a unique method of gameplay that focuses on the background rather than what would traditionally be played on, the overall styIe of this upcoming title has the potential for Ico-grade artistry.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viZjjpuymrc

Oddworld Series

Created by Lorne Lanning, a magnificent artist judging by the complexity and overwhelming skill taken into his concept art, the Oddworld series is living proof that video games can have not only artistic, but political significance as well. Though subtle, such topics as worker exploitation and species extinction (Abe's Oddysee), brutal takeover of the American West (Stranger's Wrath), animal testing (Munch's Oddysee), and other issues have been covered by entries of this highly creative series. Also, the gameplay in the first couple games are especially unique since it was one of the first side-scrollers to completely reject the Mario format of platforming for a more puzzle-like role as the skinny guy with no weapons.

Example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2EDJbIyzpo

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In conclusion, video games can be much more than simple entertainment. Games can be anything from an artistic expression to a political statement that has considerable significance. It will be interesting to see where technology will take us all in the future of gaming, as uncertain as things may be in the perspective of some. Regardless of the industry's direction, there is something I will always truly believe: Video games are art.

Isn't it great?!?!?!

Supreme commander 2 will be released on march 2, 2010!!

I will buy the game unless I die before that day(which probably won't happen)!!

The new pictures and the new video (here on gamespot) look great! The game looks fantastic!!

The robots, the missiles, the map, the lasers and all the other cool things of the game look so realistic!!!

.....................

Well folks, I just noticed today that it's my fourth anniversary on GameSpot. Just thought I'd put that out there. Thanks to everyone who has made these past four years full of lulz and friendship.

-mega

Hey all,

As many of you have probably noticed, I've been away a while. I had some health issues that needed to be tended to and I was off tending to them. I'm okay now, feeling much better. I apologize to everyone for not getting back to them or letting anyone know ahead of time. It all happened kind of quickly. I'm back now and trying to catch up, so if you wouldn't mind taking it easy on me for a bit I would appreciate it. The rest of the staff has done a bang up job covering in my absence and I thank them sincerely. I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things quickly. Hope this finds everyone well. - Dan

Apparently today marks my fourh-year anniversary on GameSpot. It was a good year as always, complete with my new status as a ranger .

I don't have much else to say beyond that. Those of you who want pictures of cats and cakes, you know where to find them .

Actually, I didn't realize that today was the day until about two days ago, when someone asked me when I joined on the How to GameSpot board. Maybe next year I'll remember on my own.

Rank            :      After School Special

Level           :      97
Percentage      :      92% 

My Butterfly's name is Breanna

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My of the Day. Can You Guess Who Does It?

Blades of Glory

I’m a lone wolf in a cage
Lost my partner to a lie
Like a bird with broken wings, yeah
It’s impossible to fly
I tried to live for two
But only trust in one
Is there nothing that we can do?
Are we truly done?
Every day we do or die
As we’re sailin’ across the sky
Now we’re comin’ home
On these blades of glory
Settin’ fire to the ice
Is the dream that keeps us alive
Now we’re comin’ home
On these blades of glory
Could this be the end
of our mythic story?
I don’t know what to say
I don’t know where to turn
All I know is if I stay
Ooh this ice it sure can burn
A man who’s scared of truth
Can only trust in lies
A boy who’s scared to dream
Can never touch the sky, oh yeah
Every day we do or die
As we’re sailin’ across the sky
Now we’re comin’ home
On these blades of glory
Settin’ fire to the ice
Is the dream that keeps us alive
Now we’re comin’ home
On these blades of glory
Today is the first chapter
Of our mythic story
We’ll never part
On these blades of glory
And we’ll cross our hearts
On these blades of glory
What do you say
Tonight we celebrate
By going out our way, yeah
O-oo-oh, let’s go all the way, yeah
It’s our calling
Every day we do or die
As we’re sailin’ across the sky
Now we’re comin’ home
On these blades of glory
Settin’ fire to the ice
Is the dream that keeps us alive
Now we’re comin’ home
On these blades of glory
Blades of glory
We’ll go all night
‘Til we finish the story
Now we’re comin’ home
On these blades of glory
The dream is alive
And we’ll never be sorry
Now we’re comin’ home
On these blades of glory

She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene
I said don't mind, but what do you mean I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round
She said I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round

She told me her name was Billie Jean as she caused a scene
Then every head turned with eyes that dreamed of being the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round

People always told me be careful what you do
Don't go around breaking young girls' hearts
My mother always told me be careful who you love
Be careful what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth, yeah

Billie Jean is not my lover
She is just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son

For forty days and for forty nights the law was on her side
But who can stand when she's in demand, her schemes and her plans
'cause we danced on the floor in the round
So take my strong advice
Just remember to always think twice
Do think twice

She told my baby we danced 'til three And she looked at me, and showed me a photo
My baby cried, his eyes where like mine
Can we dance on the floor in the round

People always told me be careful what you do
Don’t go around breaking young girls’ hearts
But she came and stood right by me
Just to smell her sweet perfume
This happened much too soon
She called me to her room

Billie Jean is not my lover
She is just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son
Not my son

Billie Jean is not my lover
She is just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid's not my son
Not my son

or [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUfbLtZHrog]to listen

This is all kinds of music that I am listening to mostly the 70's.

A man walks into a bar and asks the bartender, "If I show you a really good trick, will you give me a free drink?" The bartender considers it, then agrees. The man reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tiny rat. He reaches into his other pocket and pulls out a tiny piano. The rat stretches, cracks his knuckles, and proceeds to play the blues.

After the man finished his drink, he asked the bartender, "If I show you an even better trick, will you give me free drinks for the rest of the evening?" The bartender agrees, thinking that no trick could possibly be better than the first. The man reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tiny rat. He reaches into his other pocket and pulls out a tiny piano. The rat stretches, cracks his knuckles, and proceeds to play the blues. The man reaches into another pocket and pulls out a small bullfrog, who begins to sing along with the rat's music.

While the man is enjoying his beverages, a stranger confronts him and offers him $100,000.00 for the bullfrog. "Sorry," the man replies, "he's not for sale." The stranger increases the offer to $250,000.00 cash up front. "No," he insists, "he's not for sale." The stranger again increases the offer, this time to $500,000.00 cash. The man finally agrees, and turns the frog over to the stranger in exchange for the money.

"Are you insane?" the bartender demanded. "That frog could have been worth millions to you, and you let him go for a mere $500,000!" "Don't worry about it." the man answered. "The frog was really nothing special. You see, the rat's a ventriloquist."

Can you Tell Me what show this is from?

The winners yesterday were--- .

.

Yesterdays show was

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.

Hi all. Long time no see. No I didn’t fall off the face of the earth or anything. I have been on Pogo. I have had a series of strokes, 5 or 6. I was mad at the world and TV.com. That includes Dave and Ang. I am now confined to the . Anyway, this is all gods will. I am lucky to be alive. Everybody is ok. , is great and the love of my life. I should make an appearance more often now but until next time here is my question do you always answer the when it rings?

Olive Garden's Pasta E Fajule Ingredients:

Cooking Directions:
-------- ------------ -------------------------------- 1 can northern beans - (16 oz) -- undrained 2 cans sliced-****stewed tomatoes - (14 oz ea) 1 jar Prego spaghetti sauce - (16 oz) 2 celery ribs -- sliced thin 1 small onion -- chopped 2 cups small spiral pasta -- uncooked Salt -- to taste Freshly-ground black pepper -- to taste Combine everything in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Bring just to a boil; turn to low. Cover pan with lid and allow to cook gently 30 minutes or until pasta is tender.