There are many ways to choose a video game, and some of these are more effective than others. Let’s take a look at the basics of how to choose a video game:
The Rating: The ESRB has come up with a rating system to help consumers choose video games. These ratings are much like the ratings on movies. They can’t tell you whether or not you will like the video, but whether or not you will find its content appropriate. Of course there is a lot of wiggle room within ratings. So, while the first thing you want to do to scan video games to determine if the rating is one that is appropriate for you, once you do that you want to check them out further by reading reviews, determining why they have the rating they have, etc.. Sometimes you get a specific rating because of violence, other times because of nudity or profanity. So, check the reasons, and how you feel about them.
The Genre: Just like with movies the action is not for everyone, or the romantic comedy, so it is with video games. In video games you might like RPG, or you might like simulation, or maybe the platform games are for you. The point is if you want to choose a video game you should start with the kind of games you know you like. Do not look for an MMORPG if you do not like that kind of game. Do not look at simulation games if they are not your thing. Of course, your interests can change, and it is possible to grow to like something, but start with what you know you like. If you like to play party games like Mario Party, look for other similar games.
You can check online for recommendations similar to the games you already like. Of course you can read reviews about the games, and see what other gamers who like what you like recommend. You can ask the local video game store clerk, as they likely like and play a lot of video games. You can ask your friends what they recommend, as your interests are probably similar, and chances are you can borrow a few games from them to ensure you like the same kinds of things. There are plenty of ways to find the perfect video game, but first narrow down the genre type so you are not sifting through the hundreds of games out there.
System: Clearly you do not want to buy a game or choose a game that is not made for the kind of video gaming system you have. If you do, you will not be able to play it, or it will cost a lot to get to the point where you can play. Some games are exclusive to specific systems. Some games have alterations from system to system, so look for the kinds of games you want that can be played on your given system. Also, consider that on some systems ratings change. So what might be rated T on Gamecube could be M on Playstation, or vice versa. So, when choosing your video game, and you look at your system, consider how ratings are derived for your system.
These are just three of the basics of how to choose a video game, you can also ask friends, or choose by brand, such as EA Sports Company video games, MARIO games, etc. You just have to know your price limit, your preference, and your tolerance for nudity, profanity, violence, etc.