From Issue #2 , Page #44

Game over? Not even close—add a little networking and let the games begin!

Remember Pong? It was so exciting to sit there for 17 hours taking your turn, watching the little ball go back and forth between two lines. Well, as fun as that was—lines just aren't cutting it anymore. In fact, single-player is a thing of the past. Now is really the time to get in the game.

You may be mild-mannered by day, but video gaming can turn you into SpiderMan, Frodo or Tom Brady every night—all night. Gaming has gone a long way since Defender and Centipede.

Together with your home networking setup, say bye-bye to your social life and get ready to rumble against people in different rooms, different cities or even different countries.

Press Start
Currently, the systems supporting online gaming are computers, PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Nintendo has yet to develop an online community, although a few specific games such as Mario Kart: Double Dash! allow users to link the game with other players using a broadband adapter.

There are two ways to network your games: within the house and out over the Internet. "Being networked within a house to play other folks in that same house is not big, nor is it ever expected to be huge," says Eric M. Mantion, senior analyst for In-Stat/MDR. "However, being networked and having a broadband connection are a huge deal when it comes to playing online games (against people in other houses)."

It's true that in-house play might be a tough sell when there's a world of competition on the Web. But slow bandwidth might be a problem. "Competitive offerings allow dial-up and broadband users access to the same games," says Scott Henson, group manager for Xbox Platform Strategy. That's one of the main reasons that Xbox Live customers need broadband if they want to come out and play.

PC gamers may be one step ahead of console fans, since they are already connected and ready to go. But console games will need to make that connection. Mantion says that consumers have two options: run Ethernet cable (or pay someone to do it) or use a wireless bridge. Microsoft has the MN-740 ($109) for the Xbox, Linksys has the WGA54G ($110), and D-Link has the DWL-G810 ($99), just to name a few. And once they're hooked up, there may still be additional equipment or fees that console gamers need to pay for to get the respective service. "When you add it all up, homes with a game console, broadband, and a home network still need to spend between $140 and $180 to enter the world of online gaming," says Mantion. Read on to get the hook-up on how to get connected to your favorite format.

Connecting PS2
Sony's PlayStation was the first console game system that really made you feel like you were there. And now you can be in a variety of places, because the PlayStation 2 console can be hooked to the Internet with some ease. Just ask any of the 2.6 million PlayStation fans that are currently online.

Hooking the unit up within the home can be a bit complicated. PlayStation didn't give us much insight, but a search on the PlayStation message boards found some ravenous fans willing to give us help. It seems the best way to connect two consoles is to first hook each to the PS2 Network Adapter ($40); then plug them into your home network or plug them directly into each other. A bit confusing, so for best results, try the Linksys WGA11B Wireless-B Game Adapter ($65), which will not only give you that head-to-head connection, but cable-free!

PlayStation also has its online game community, which will allow you to bond with freaky PS2 fans like yourself. By the end of 2004, PlayStation says it will have more than 100 online-enabled titles available. With your Internet service provider (ISP) and the PS2 Network Adaptor, anyone can play across the Internet. According to PlayStation, 39 percent of PlayStation 2 online users currently connect via dial-up, and 61 percent connect via broadband. Most games are free, and there's no monthly fee; however, at press time, Final Fantasy XI does require a fee beyond the 30-day trial period.

In March 2004, Sony introduced the internal Hard Disk Drive for the PlayStation 2. For $99, you can bump your memory up to 40 GB. It also comes with Final Fantasy 2 pre-loaded on the unit.

Wiring Up Xbox
Just like the PS2, you will need more than one unit to compete with players within the home. The Xbox supports a direct connection for two boxes via the Xbox System Link cable ($19.99) or you can use a hub with standard Ethernet cables if you want to get crazy and even more consoles. The actual game you want to play will dictate how "With Microsoft's Halo, for example, four Xbox consoles connected through a hub would allow for 16 players at the same time in a game," Henson says.

If you want to branch out to meet and beat other players across the globe, you will have to sign up for Xbox Live. The service has a subscription fee, which runs $5.99 per month or $49.99 a year. And they make no excuses—if you don't have the broadband speed, you can't join in Xbox Live's reindeer (or any other) games.

Currently there are more than 100 Xbox Live titles available worldwide. Xbox also offers its own Wireless Adapter ($100), which allows Xbox gamers to play games on any TV in their home, with a secure connection, but without the hassle of wiring their setup. There are also plans to release a video-chat service later this year, which will enable players to really heckle foes in the onslaught.

PC Playground
Doom, Half-Life, Quake—ah, the memories. It seems as if PCs have been networking games since the days when your granny was kicking tail at Ms. Pac-Man. But we know there are definitely two camps: those that love PC games and those that love console games.

When consoles first came out, many thought they blew away their PC counterparts. But as consoles continued to fine-tune, so did PCs—a lot. Many monitors are now used to watch movies (in high-definition, no less), video cards are better, people are adding high-performance sound systems. Basically, we're not here to argue which medium is better; it's really a personal preference (no—really!). However, there's no denying that networking your PC for gaming is about as easy as it gets.

If you don't have an existing home network, you can still create one. First you will need networking equipment, including a hub or switch. Each can be purchased separately for $50 or under (or over) from companies such as Netgear, Linksys, and D-Link. Follow the unit's instructions; also Windows users can easily set up a home network using Microsoft's networking wizard.

Online gaming with a computer is much easier. All you need is a computer (duh) and a Web connection. Many games will work with a dial-up connection (and some don't), but you run the risk of having high-speed competitors leave you in the dust, or worse, kick you out of play for falling behind. Every game you purchase at retail will need to be loaded to your computer, so mind its system requirements. Your best bet is to exceed the requirements, if you want to reap the game's full benefits.

Once you load the game, follow its instructions for online play. Some games require a monthly fee, which can vary. There are also a slew of online sites that provide pay and free gaming. Flash back at ClassicGaming.com or search for newer titles at Playsite or MSN's Internet Gaming Zone. Search Yahoo and Google and you should find plenty of games to keep you busy—and happy.

Going Wireless
There are too many wireless handheld gaming devices to go into here—including almost every single cell phone on the market. However, that doesn't mean that you have to be tied down to enjoy the gaming devices we've covered here.

Whether you have Xbox, PlayStation or a PC, it's not too hard to go wireless, especially if one of the notches on your belt includes hooking up a wired home networking setup. Xbox's built-in Ethernet port and the PlayStation 2's Network Adapter should be easy enough to hook to today's wireless devices. Two of our favorites include the Linksys Wireless Ethernet Bridge (WET11, $80) and X10's Game Sender ($79.99).

With hardware capabilities and online play skyrocketing, any player—regardless of their favorite medium—is definitely a winner here. There are new games hitting shelves every day (and many available for download), tons of add-ons and other options coming to play. Seems as if this game is far from over! -Rachel Cericola

Going Mobile
SURE YOU CAN PLAY A SLEW OF NEW games using your mobile phone. But that’s a whole article in itself. Here are a few handheld highlights coming soon from the console world to a store near you.

Nintendo DS
Nintendo may not be at the forefront of the "networked" market, but they wrote the book on handhelds. Next up will be the Nintendo DS—short for dual-screen. That’s right; there are two screens on this baby! So get on your game face—actually two of them. The unit feels like a PDA, and you can even use a stylus on one of the screens. It also connects to other units via wireless Wi-Fi technology. It’s not compatible with other Nintendo game cartridges, but don’t throw out your Gameboy yet; the company has no plans to have this model replace the other. No pricing or release date has been announced, but it’s estimated to sell for about $150.

PlayStation PSP
The PlayStation Portable (or PSP for short) allows users to play their favorite games anytime, anywhere. The handheld unit has a 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD that displays full color (about 16.77 million of them) on a 480 x 272 pixel high-resolution screen. It also includes built-in stereo speakers, or you can keep the excitement to yourself by plugging in headphones. What gets us salavating is that it has input/output connectors such as USB 2.0 and a Wi-Fi (802.11b) wireless LAN, meaning connectivity and upgrade options aplenty. PSP is scheduled to be out in Japan by the end of this year, with rollouts in North America and Europe in spring 2005. Again, pricing has not been announced, but is estimated to be around $250 and up.

Secret Weapons
There are tons of joysticks, gamepads and other peripherals out there. But if you are really looking to teach your foes a little lesson, here are five items to help you thrash the competition.

Pyramat PM300
This isn’t the type of mat you pull out in preschool; it’s more like a magic carpet ride. The cushioned mat has two built-in 4-inch 25-watt coaxial speakers and a 4-inch 25-watt subwoofer. Plug it into any console, stretch out, and wait for your head to start thumping to the sounds of some serious gaming. Talk about being engulfed in the action, the built-in multiplayer ports allow up to eight players to get down on the floor and get in the game.

INFO $149, www.pyramat.com

Nyko SpeakerCom
Part of the networked gaming dance is taunting your opponents—and now you can do it hands-free. Designed for use with Xbox Live (sorry, PS2 and PC fans), this controller-mounted unit allows players to speak and listen to other players on the line without the distraction and discomfort of a headset. Just plug the combined speaker/microphone unit into the controller and Xbox Live Communicator—it doesn’t even need batteries!

INFO pricing is TBA, www.nyko.com

Gamester SportsBoard
Beach babes and snow bunnies on the same course? Either you’e dreaming or you own the Gamester SportsBoard. It’s designed to work with the PS2, but we are hoping a Nintendo and an Xbox model are in the not-so-distant future. Digital and analog modes offer three levels of intensity. Double up with your gamepad for sick tricks and combos. Best used for surfing, skateboarding and skiing games, it makes even the clumsiest clods feel they are really coordinated.

INFO pricing is TBA, www.theunfairadvantage.com

Xbox Music Mixer
A while back, Xbox had the idea of trying to get your mom, your wife and your Aunt Sally into video gaming. Were Madden NFL and Halo not enough? This add-on kit turns your Xbox out, with built-in karaoke functions that include on-screen lyrics. So maybe you don’t need to see your mom sing "Y.M.C.A.", so you can keep her quiet with a nice sideshow because the unit also lets you transfer music and photos from your PC to the TV.

INFO $40, www.xbox.com

Saitek WoW Adapter
Wow is right! Now you can go to make popcorn without giving your opponent the chance to cheat. Using 868-MHz radio-frequency technology, the WoW adapter allows gamers to play wirelessly up to 30 feet away from the TV. The only wacky thing is that it uses your existing controllers, which means instead of tripping over those wires like you used to, you’ll have to bundle them.

INFO $40, www.saitek.com

Hot Game Picks
We asked the TechLiving writers what some of their favorite games were. Some of us really need to go back to the arcade…

Brian Abernathy
Favorite game of all-time: QBert
Favorite networked game: Believe it or not—Monopoly

Rachel Cericola
Favorite game of all-time: Dragon’s Lair. It was the first game that I remember going to 50 cents—and worth every penny!
Favorite networked game: Half-Life—it’s downright evil!

Paul Donovan
Favorite game of all-time: Crazy Taxi— It reminds me of what it was like driving a cab during my college years in NYC.

Mindy Kauppinen
Favorite game of all-time: Galaga—a classic!
Favorite networked game: EverQuest

John Kittredge
Favorite game of all-time: Robotron. This was an early arcade favorite circa 1983 and beyond. With its two joysticks controlling different functions (movement/shooting), the gaming experience was something like trying to play the piano on a moving stage while being attacked by a couple billion robots.
Favorite networked game: Marathon—the first real FPS breakthrough for the Mac. A game I played way too much during off hours at work. Though I haven't played this for years, even screenshots of static scenes can still get my adrenaline going.

Dan Leahy
Favorite game of all-time: NCAA 2004 College Football (for PS2)
Favorite networked game: SOCOM II (PS2)

Mike McGann
Favorite game of all-time: Galaga—Truly old-school; it nearly caused me to flunk out of college in the Reagan era.
Favorite networked game: Quake III

Sandra Kay Miller
Favorite game of all-time: Atari’s Pong—My father was one of the machinists who built the machines that put together the circuit boards for the original Atari consoles. We were always the first kids on the block to have new video games, compliments of Dad. He ruined me for life; I’ve been a slut for technology ever since.
Favorite networked game: Quake

Jeff Winston
Favorite game of all-time: Space Invaders
Favorite networked game: Atomic Bomberman