‘Power, power, and more power!’ this is mostly what people think when they play games.
The question is ‘what kind of power?’
Mostly, the power that is commonly referred to is strength. Be it brute force, strong firepower, number of units, and even strong battle-hungry pets! I have to admit, some games are too easily won with the said power but some games also require a sense of direction, strategic thinking, and logic. Examples of such games are when playing team-oriented games (e.g. Counter-Strike, Gunbound, Red Alert 3 (multi-player mode))
Quality or quantity?
‘Where did they come from?’
We often think of battles as something you can win with sheer number. But number does not always win. Carefully placed soldiers who have more fire power can pummel even the most numerous armies. It is vice versa when you pick quality over quantity. Underestimating your enemy’s army because of your superior strength can also bring harm to you because your enemy can easily surround you and eliminate your forces.
This argument is often resolved by the word ‘Balance’... 'Balance' between quality and quantity of your forces can ensure victory. The idea is not only applied in gaming but also in real life, for example, Hannibal utilized the use of elephants but also used basic infantry to support the elephants in their march. The allied forces did not only use tanks to win World War II but they also employed the use of marines and airplanes.
Power is not measured by quality nor quantity but a mixture of both.
Team-based games have developed throughout the years and today’s cooperative games are more complex than ever before. Roles have been developed as the rock-paper-scissors triangle. There is no single powerful role that can take down everything that stands in its path.
Both going solo and going with team members both have their advantage and disadvantages. Some may think that going solo is the best because you get to get all the weapons you find and keep it for yourself. On the other hand, others prefer team battles because of the fun it brings and the thrill of playing with a number of people who depend on each other.
Different characters have different roles to play. Three of the most used classifications are:
1. ‘Tanks’- the front –liners/damage takers,
2. ‘Nukers’ – strong, long ranged fire power, and
3. ‘Supports’ – healers and buffers.
These three must work together to effectively eliminate the threat and win. Power cannot always be achieved alone for sometimes, teamwork is essential.
Knowledge is Power
'They have those what?'
Knowing your enemy's weakness is your key to victory. What style, weapon and number of troops your enemy has can be countered if you have enough information about it. Good information source include the Internet, friends and your enemy's enemy. Infiltrators or spies are the most common representation of knowledge in most games. They specialize in gathering information and sabotaging the enemy's production. Strategists also portray this role in some games.
Knowledge, when utilized properly, can be considered as power.
To sum it up, power and greatness isn’t everything in gaming. It is the technique, mind play and team work that counts. :D
iCUBED.us is a webazine for, by, and about youth aged to 25.
As a regular columnist for iCUBED.us writing around a particular topic, your opinions will be read by students around the world and you end our year-long Blogger's Internship with a writing portfolio as excellent as you make it. We provide the space and some general guidelines, you provide the words.
You have to be invited to join our forums- so if you're aged below 25 be on the lookout for your invitation and for opportunities to introduce yourself to us - the folks who run www.iCUBED.us ... Check in regularly for a chance to compete in one of our "open-to-the-NONmembers' contests"... You might surprise yourself and take first prize.
NOTA BENE:
Any work you submit will not be returned, so please keep a copy. If you mail us a self addressed envelope we will acknowledge receipt by return post.
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT:
All copyrights are assigned to iCUBED.us once works are submitted to us. We retain non-exclusive rights to publish all such work in any format. All content on the website becomes the property of iCUBED.us, however, all contributors retain the right to republish their works elsewhere, with written notice to iCUBED.us.
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Comments
Great Article
Interesting and well written
------------------------------------------------------------