There are computer and console games that develop our sense of direction, test our reflexes, help us to think and make decisions more quickly, relieve everyday stress and tension and as well as providing an introduction to the world of computing, and by no means least important, they are fun and appeal to both adults and children.

 

On the other hand, it must also be highlighted that there are some risks that adults will have to try and manage. For example, videogames involving action or quick decision making may cause gamers tension and stress if, as with everything, they are abused. Not to mention that every game may lead to addiction.

 

With other videogames the adult will need to try to make the child understand that it is fiction even though it appears to be real; for example with city building games.

 

Games involving strategy may develop a child or young person�s imagination but if they do not have strong pre-established and well-defined moral values they may end up confused as these games mix values and counter values.

 

The latest trend in recent entertainment and educational technology only came out in August of this year, created by Japanese experts claiming to have developed some videogames that increase IQ and which are aimed at children, parents and/or the elderly alike.

 

This is the new Bandai IQ Supli, a new machine the size of a mobile phone which entertains us with its brainteasers. On its small screen thousands of challenging puzzles appear, one after the other, to test the user�s intelligence. The Japanese company states that exposure to the questions, �exercises and refreshes the brain�.

 

Bandai maintains that this little digital machine encourages mental agility and increases IQ. At the moment, this new toy which will cost just over 20 euros when it is released, is not being marketed in Spain, but it will arrive soon, since it is currently enjoying huge success in Asia.

 

On the other hand, another of the new toys yet to be released in Spain which also involves puzzles, is manufactured by Nintendo who have released two GameBoy DS games: �Training for Adults� and �Supple Brain Cram School�. The latter having already sold more than a million copies in Japan.

 

The manufacturers of these �new toys� appeal to the parents� sense of adventure and risk, as they warn that this type of leisure activity may turn against them as it may provide the children with an opportunity to show them up when faced with problems that they cannot solve.

 

Puzzles and logic games: 7th Guest, Tetris� (Develop spatial awareness, logic, imagination and creativity).
Simulators and building games. Aeroplanes, cities, machinery...: Microsoft Flight Simulator, SimCity, Tamagotchi, The Incredible Machine, Theme Park�. (Allow us to experiment and investigate the working of machines, phenomena and situations. An adult will need to explain that it is a virtual reality, something imaginary, which is only an approximation of phenomena existing in the physical world).

Arcade games. Platform and fighting games...etc: Mario, Sonic, Doom, Quake, Street Fighter, Arcanoid, Pacman�  (Psychomotor and spatial awareness development. Risks: nervousness, stress and even anxiety. Advice: limit playing time)

Sports games: FIFA, PC Football, NBA, Formula 1, Need For Speed, Grand Prix� (Skill development: psychomotor coordination, knowledge of rules and sports strategies. Risks: possible stress).

Adventure and role-playing games: King Quest, Indiana Jones, Monkey Island, Final Fantasy, Tomb Raider, Pokemon, Ultima Online... (Provide information on various topics (Middle Ages, for example). Promote thought concerning the values and counter values considered in the game).

Games of strategy: Civilisation, Estratego, Age of Empires, Lemmings, Black & White, Centurion, Warcraft� (Require you to manage scarce resources (time, money, lives, weapons...) anticipate rival�s behaviour and define strategies to achieve certain objectives. Risks: counter values are often accepted and promoted).